Fulton has been recognized by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the nation's best small towns to visit.
Events such as the 50th anniversary of the National Churchill Museum in May figured heavy in the selection, along with this November's 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall helped Fulton land a spot on the coveted list. To see the list, go to: bit.ly/2I0BSL4
"This is wonderful recognition for Fulton," Renee Graham, executive director of the Callaway Tourism Office said. "Mentions by trusted writers and publications bring a level of interest that we simply can't attain through paid advertising, especially from sources as highly respected as Smithsonian Magazine," she said.
Graham was contacted by writer Laura Kiniery earlier this spring and worked quickly to provide information and story ideas. She also worked with Smithsonian Magazine staff and mid-Missouri photographer Notley Hawkins to provide photos taken on behalf of the tourism office.
Hawkins' image of building facades in the downtown Brick District was used as the headline photo for the article. The article includes 15 additional images by Hawkins. The photography contract with Hawkins is part of a larger public relations strategy initiated by Callaway Tourism in 2017.
In addition to building a portfolio of quality images, the tourism office contracts travel media outreach services with Jefferson City-based Beenders-Walker Group.
The Callaway County Tourism Board is funded by a 3-percent lodging tax, which is collected by the county. A five-member board oversees management by Graham. Board members are co-appointed by the city of Fulton and Callaway County Commission. The tourism office leases space from the Callaway Chamber of Commerce.