Groups of travel journalists will tour the Ozarks in April before and after attending the North American Travel Journalists Association convention in Branson.

Up to 15 will be on a tour focusing solely on Springfield hosted by the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Other tours, such as a Route 66 tour planned by the Missouri Division of Tourism, also will be in Springfield.

Businesses that want to contribute small gifts for welcome packets can drop them off at the CVB offices, 815 E. St. Louis St., by April 15. About 30 of each item will be needed.

Other journalists have been in the city recently or are coming soon.

  • Bill Clevlan, host of Bill on the Road and a show on XM satellite radio, visited in February.
  • Blogger La’Shonda Woodard with Fashion Plate KC was in the city March 15-16.
  • Brad Kovach, editor and publisher of Terrain Magazine, will be in the city March 28-30.

For more information, contact Susan Wade at 881-5300, ext. 101, or swade@springfieldmo.org.