The Tourism Development Committee champions the Chamber's Shop Local Kearney campaign as-well-as tourism activity and development in Kearney, providing guidance and expertise on tourism implementation issues. Tourism is one of Missouri’s largest industries. In fiscal year 2019, Missouri had 42.9 million visitors. (The state defines visitors as people who travel from out of state or at least 50 miles in-state). Missouri’s tourism industry employs more than 300,000 people – one in 12 Missouri residents – and tourists spend approximately $17.7 billion annually.