MSU Extension Greening Michigan Institute
Bringing together community and environment
Rifle River Prosperity Network Community Grants Workshop
November 1, 2016
Tourism, Natural Resources and Placemaking
Bonnie Wichtner-Zoia, MSU Extension Educator
Purpose
To develop and promote the Rifle River region’s natural features as community assets to be enjoyed, protected and shared with others by:
Peaking your interest
Prompting ideas
Expanding project concepts
Inspiring potential partnerships
Generating untapped opportunities
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Rifle River Recreation Area
a. 13 million
b. 113 million
c. 130 million
In 2014, roughly how many people visited Michigan?
a. 113,000
b. 171,000
c. 214,000
d. 326,685
Approximately, how many people are employed in Michigan’s tourism
industry?
a. 6.9%
b. 8.1%
c. 10.4%
d. 13.3%
Without tourism jobs, Michigan’s 2014 unemployment rate of 7.3% would have
been?
a. $100 million
b. $ 1 billion
c. $2.4 billion
d. $24 billion
In 2014, approximately, how much did tourism generate in state & local taxes?
61% of Americans believe their travel experience is better when their travel destination preserves its unique natural, historic and cultural sites
41% of these travelers said their vacation experience is better when they can see and do something authentic
Tourism Facts
• Twice as many Americans prioritize saving for travel rather than for cars or hobbies
Source: Travel Horizons Quarterly Survey & US Travel Association
Authentic Tourism Opportunities
Heritage/Cultural
Nature-based
Food-based
Agricultural Tourism
Culinary Tourism
Voluntourism
Heritage/Cultural Tourism Tourism that includes elements of culture, history, and natural resources that communities value and maintain for future generations. • Art Galleries • Architecture, Built Environment • Theaters & Museums • Homestays • Festivals • Historical Reenactments • Ethnic/Rural Communities
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What heritage/cultural tourism opportunities do we have in the Rifle River Region?
Sailing
Kayaking
Vessels – SCUBA, Snorkeling
Fishing
Birding
Board Sports (Surf, paddle)
Wildlife Tours
Camping/Hiking
Ecological Research
Nature-based Tourism Type of tourism that relies on experiences directly related to natural resource attractions.
What nature-based tourism opportunities do we have in the Rifle River region?
Agricultural Tourism An agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a
farm or ranch and includes a wide variety of activities. Michigan Agritourism Association
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• Production/Growing Observation • Breakfast on the Farm • Pick your Own • Farmers Markets • Food Festivals • Sleigh/Hay Rides • County Fairs • Wineries • Harvesting
What agri-tourism opportunities do we have in the Rifle River region?
Culinary Tourism (or Food Tourism) is the pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences in a country, region or area.
World Food Travel Association (WFTA)
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• Culinary Tours & Sampling
• Cooking Classes/Techniques
• Gardening Education
What culinary or food tourism opportunities do we have in the Rifle River region?
Voluntourism
The conscious, seamlessly integrated combination of volunteer service to a destination that include the traditional elements of travel — arts, culture, geography, history and recreation.
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• Community recreation • Education, business/tech training • Agriculture assistance • Preservation and restoration • Health (eg. Flint Water Crisis) • Religious/non-profit affiliations
What voluntourism opportunities are there in the Rifle River region?
Entrepreneurial Opportunities Peer-to-Peer Businesses
Transportation from locals
Experiences from locals
Accommodation from locals
Placemaking
Create a sense of place in the Rifle River region
that can be enjoyed, protected and shared
We encourage you to: Re-imagine and re-invent public spaces in the region
Maximize yet protect the region’s natural features
Facilitate creative ideas, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural and social identities that define the region
Draw upon a collective regional vision that encompasses economic development and conservation
Engage multiple community stakeholders in the development and completion of your project
In Conclusion
Purpose
Peak your interest
Prompt ideas
Expand project concepts
Inspire potential partnerships
Generate untapped opportunities
Thank you!! Bonnie Wichtner-Zoia
MSU Extension Educator Greening Michigan Institute