Registration is currently open for the South Lincoln County Rural Tourism Studio which will run from February-May, 2012.
Click here for more information and to register.
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:
• tourism development and strategies for creating unique visitor experiences from local assets
•sustainable tourism principles to ensure that we protect and enhance the community, its culture,and our natural assets as we develop the industry
•the rapidly expanding niche market of nature-based tourism
•cultural heritage tourism to expose visitors to the local history and culture
•marketing businesses (and your community!) on a shoestring
•fundraising to support tourism development efforts
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.
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