Spotlight on Northeast Programs: West Virginia The West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Service Community Resources and Economic Development Unit is dedicated to providing educational programs and technical assistance
to support the development of a sustainable tourism economy in West Virginia. These programs focus on a participatory approach to community-based tourism development and are offered with the support of a transdisciplinary team of WVU faculty and students. Partnerships with faculty and staff in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Analysis Center, Graphic Design, Public Administration, Business and Economics and other Colleges and Departments at WVU provide a depth of knowledge and expertise and the ability to develop and deliver a wide range of programs to rural destinations including Tourism First Impressions, Destination Management Planning, Participatory Research, Economic Impact Analysis, Interpretive Guide Training, and Recreation Economy Development.
to strengthen the capacity of citizens and organizations throughout the state of West Virginia by utilizing the latest research-based knowledge, strategies, and technology to help people understand community change and identify opportunities to improve their social and economic well-being. Their efforts of finding practical and timely solutions are enhanced by working closely with local communities, organizations, and partnering agencies. Community Design Specialists have expertise in Community Planning & Development, Community Design & Landscape Architecture, Leadership, Economics, and Rural Tourism Development. WVU Extension Rural Tourism provides research, planning, and training programs
WVU Extension Specialist Doug Arbogast (standing at right) works with community stakeholders at a participatory tourism development meeting. Image courtesy of WVU Extension.
10 Extension Tourism: Impact and Opportunities of Land- and Sea-Grant Programming
extensiontourism.net
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