Oregon's Rural Tourism Studio is a robust training program designed to assist rural communities interested in sustainable tourism development. As a result of the program, Travel Oregon hopes to see an increase in high-value, authentic experiences for travelers across the state that will help contribute to community livability, a healthy environment, and strengthening Oregon's position as a premiere tourism destination in North America.
The Studio opens with an overview of the tourism industry, important trends, and sustainable tourism best practices to stimulate new thinking about a destination. The core of the program will guide businesses and organizations in developing new tourism products in key niche markets specific to their community. Workshops dedicated to niche product development focus on cycling tourism, agri-tourism, geotourism, and events and festivals. The program concludes with specific training on how to market your tourism business, develop effective action teams, and access funds for tourism projects.
Community leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, lodging property owners, cycling enthusiasts, restauranteurs and anyone with an interest in strenghthening the local economy through tourism are invited to participate in the program.
The Rural Tourism Studio brings eight days of training on such topics as:
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tourism development and strategies for creating genuine visitor experiences from existing local assets
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sustainable tourism that is sensitive to the “triple bottom line” of business, community and environment
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the rapidly expanding niche market of bicycle tourism
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agri-tourism, or expanding agricultural enterprises with unique visitor experiences
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geotourism, to develop tourism experiences that harness the authentic nature of a location
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marketing tourism businesses on a shoestring
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fundraising to support regional tourism development
Graduating communities will also gain preferred applicant status and will be eligible to apply for up to $10,000 from Travel Oregon's Matching Grant Program following completion of the program.
Communities may apply for the Fall 2010 program which runs from October 2010 through January 2011 and the Spring 2011 program which runs February through May 2011.
One applicant will be selected for the Fall 2010 program and one for the Spring 2011 program.
Click here to download a copy of the application form - Applications are due by Friday, July 16, 2010
A complete overview of the program can be downloaded here.
A listing of available workshops can be downloaded here.
Current contact information for Oregon's Regional Destination Marketing Organizations can be downloaded here.
For more information about the program, please contact Travel Oregon's Sustainable Tourism Development Manager, Kristin Dahl, at Kristin@TravelOregon.com or 503.378.2104