Results Results from this national survey are presented here by region, as defined by the USDA. For each region, we show the number of Extension and Sea Grant staff working on tourism programming, the types of tourismprogramming offered, and qualitative responses describing gaps and challenges in tourism programming by state. For each region, we also “spotlight” a selection of success stories from states that have committed resources for staff development and expansion to address opportunities in tourism and community economic development.
NORTHEAST RESULTS
Eight of the thirteen states in the Northeast currently offer tourism related programming. Agritourism programming is prevalent, with seven of these eight states offering such activities. Examples of agritourism related programming offered in the northeast include West Virginia’s Agritourism initiative, Vermont’s Opening Your Farms to Visitors program, Pennsylvania’s Open Gate Farm Tours, Assessing Farm Safety in New Jersey, Farmers Markets and CSA support in Maine, Maryland, and Connecticut, and a Food for Profit workshop and Annie’s Project in Maryland. New York, New Jersey, and MassachusettsA Extensionare expressed interested in agritourism program expansion. Nature-based tourism programs are especially prominent across the region. Examples reported in the survey were West Virginia’s recreation economies initiative in the Monongahela National Forest; support for trail development in Vermont; wildlife watching, nature and environmental activities, and geocaching through statewide camps and nature centers in New York; and Connecticut’s volunteer trail monitoring and trail finder programs. Extension programming in the region is diversified beyond agritourism and includes support for community and regional planning; programs that address the economic, environmental, and social impacts of tourism; tourism research and evaluation; destination marketing and promotion; and community tourism assessments. Northeast Extension professionals are also leading tourism research including studies on resident attitudes, visitor preferences, and economic impact in West Virginia, agritourism studies in New York, and a dedicated Tourism Research Center in Vermont.
Economic, social, and environmental impact studies are being conducted in West Virginia, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut. In addition, the First Impressions Program is offered in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Tourism education programs include West Virginia’s rural tourism case study videos, business retention and expansion program, and educational classes and curriculum for farmers. Community and regional planning programs include West Virginia’s transdisciplinary Rural Tourism Design Team, New York’s Ag and Farmland Protection Plan, Pennsylvania’s Migration Decision Making in a Tourism- Dependent Rural Community, Maine’s Sea Grant collaborative coastal tourism planning, and Connecticut’s education and assistance in tourism planning programming. Three states (Maine, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts) that do not currently offer tourism related programming are interested in having more faculty or staff involved in developing and/or delivering tourism related programs through Extension. Several institutions in the Northeast identified specific programs that they currently are unable to provide but wish they could, including: tourism studios and destination development
5 Extension Tourism: Impact and Opportunities of Land- and Sea-Grant Programming
extensiontourism.net
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