Kansas City in the past was known for its barbeque and its 200 fountains, perhaps more than any city in the world. But $7 billion in building has made destination-goers take notice of this formerly sleepy Midwestern city.

It may not have the theme parks of Orlando, but the city often referred to as "The Heart of America" is drawing a lot of visitors. There were 16.5 million of them last year.

One major reason: location.

"It is situated within 250 miles of both the population and geographic centers of the United States," says one travel writer who says it appeals both to business and leisure travelers also because of its affordability.

"The region will attract more travelers with the opening of several major new attractions this year," said Rick Hughes, president of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For the first half of 2007, room night bookings have increased almost 80%, he said.

Meetings booked for future years have increased by 31%.

Not only are more conventions being booked, but the area is also attracting larger users that include such groups as the Catholic Youth Ministry's 20,000 attendees.

The new, state-of-the-art Sprint Center is an 18,500-seat arena that will host major entertainment and sporting events when it opens early next year.

"Sprint Center and its location in the heart of our convention district, was the major factor for them (Catholic Youth Ministry) selecting Kansas City," said Bill Bohde, vice president of convention sales and services.

Among new attractions opening in the near future: Bass Pro Shops, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the College Basketball Experience.

The College Basketball Experience will feature hands-on, high-energy exhibits about college hoops when it opens later this year.

Other existing attractions include the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's new Bloch Building.

Several major hotels are also undergoing extensive renovations. More than half of the 3,800 rooms in downtown Kansas City have completed renovations in the last few years.

Two examples are the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, which underwent a $15 million total refurbishment with all 366 rooms getting new d�cor and furnishings.

Report by David Wilkening