FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Explore Christian County Celebrates Official Destination Marketing Organization Status

CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Mo. | July 9, 2026 | A new chapter for tourism and countywide promotion began July 1, 2026, as Explore Christian County was officially recognized as Christian County’s Destination Marketing Organization by the Missouri Division of Tourism.

The official DMO status marks a significant milestone for Christian County, strengthening the county’s ability to market itself as a destination, support tourism growth, and invite more people to discover the communities, businesses, attractions, events, and experiences that make Christian County special.

With this recognition, Christian County joins the network of organizations certified by the Missouri Division of Tourism, further strengthening the county’s visibility and role in statewide tourism promotion efforts.

“We are excited to have Explore Christian County as a Destination Marketing Organization in Missouri,” said Alicia Wieberg, communications manager for the Missouri Division of Tourism. “When communities invest in tourism, it stimulates local and state economies and shines a spotlight on Missouri as a vacation destination.”

“This is a major step forward and something our entire county can be excited about,” said Kristen Haseltine, president/CEO of Show Me Christian County, the nonprofit organization which operates Explore Christian County. “This recognition gives Christian County new opportunities to tell our story, welcome visitors, and elevate the people, places, and experiences that make our communities unique.”

Explore Christian County launched in 2024. Since its launch, the platform has expanded its website, digital content, community partnerships, event promotion, and visitor resources to better connect local audiences and visitors with things to see and do throughout the county.

Explore Christian County is an initiative of Show Me Christian County, Christian County’s nonprofit economic development organization. To support SMCC’s pillars of business development, community enhancement, and promoting Christian County, Explore Christian County was created to increase visibility, support local businesses, and serve as a resource for visitors, residents, and community partners.

“As Christian County’s economic development organization, Show Me Christian County understands that tourism and economic development are closely connected,” Haseltine said. “Tourism invites people to experience our communities, while economic development helps create the conditions for them to invest, grow, and stay. Explore Christian County brings those efforts together as part of our mission to support business development, enhance communities, and promote the county.”

Official DMO recognition will provide access to cooperative marketing programs, tourism funding opportunities, statewide promotion, and partnerships that can help increase awareness of Christian County throughout Missouri and beyond.

Haseltine said, “This designation represents momentum, collaboration, and the opportunity to tell Christian County’s story in a bigger way. We are excited to continue working with local businesses, attractions, municipalities, chambers, event organizers, and community partners to share what makes this county such a special place.”

Explore Christian County will also continue working with partner organizations to encourage tourism throughout southwest Missouri and strengthen the region’s collective visitor economy. 

“Congratulations to Explore Christian County on earning this important designation. Tourism is an economic driver that benefits our entire region, and strong destination partners make us all stronger. We are excited to continue collaborating to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and showcase the Ozarks as an outstanding place to visit, live, work, and invest,” said Sheila Thomas, president/CEO of the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce, which operates fellow DMO Visit Table Rock Lake in Stone County.

About Explore Christian County

Explore Christian County is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Christian County, Missouri. Through ExploreCCMO.com, digital storytelling, social media, event promotion, and community partnerships, Explore Christian County helps residents and visitors discover places to eat, shop, stay, gather, and explore throughout the county.

Businesses and community organizations interested in partnering with Explore Christian County can learn more at ExploreCCMO.com.

About Show Me Christian County

Show Me Christian County is Christian County’s economic development organization. The nonprofit organization supports business development, community enhancement, and promoting Christian County through countywide initiatives, partnerships, and resources.