Mode of Program Participation
Community Organizing and Educational Programming
Participation Type
Discussion
Presentation #1 Title
Tourism in a reconstruction era
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
There is a definite generation gap affecting tourism today. All across Appalachia and abroad we are seeing this divergence, and being left to find new ways to address and overcome. As a newly appointed director of a museum at the farthest tip of Eastern Kentucky I approach the job as an aspect of show business where much of my experience is rooted. But too, I strive to learn the traditional and even aspects of the industry that aren't necessarily in my field per se. All aspects of tourism are unequivocally connected. From historical tourism, and statewide programs, to local historical societies there is correlation, and so, success in one area can be beneficial to all others in said region. In many ways this generational divide causing flux, and in a way forcing re-branding is met unsure and perhaps timidly as we find ourselves uncomfortably facing revision in long held traditional approaches and application. In sharing my experiences and recent unorthodox ventures I should hope to further expand and develop through discourse, networking and cooperation. Perhaps we all benefit from such an endeavor. Perhaps together the diversity of flux and that inevitable re- branding can be buffered and thus happen easier, and economically sound, while producing even greater results.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
William S. Tribell is a multimedia artist known for his work in many fields, perhaps most notably, journalism, photography, radio, film and writing. He is currently appointed Executive Director of the Bell County Historical Society and Museum in Middlesboro, Kentucky and serves on the board of directors for the Cumberland Gap Regional Tourism Association in Cumberland Gap Tennessee.
Tourism in a reconstruction era
There is a definite generation gap affecting tourism today. All across Appalachia and abroad we are seeing this divergence, and being left to find new ways to address and overcome. As a newly appointed director of a museum at the farthest tip of Eastern Kentucky I approach the job as an aspect of show business where much of my experience is rooted. But too, I strive to learn the traditional and even aspects of the industry that aren't necessarily in my field per se. All aspects of tourism are unequivocally connected. From historical tourism, and statewide programs, to local historical societies there is correlation, and so, success in one area can be beneficial to all others in said region. In many ways this generational divide causing flux, and in a way forcing re-branding is met unsure and perhaps timidly as we find ourselves uncomfortably facing revision in long held traditional approaches and application. In sharing my experiences and recent unorthodox ventures I should hope to further expand and develop through discourse, networking and cooperation. Perhaps we all benefit from such an endeavor. Perhaps together the diversity of flux and that inevitable re- branding can be buffered and thus happen easier, and economically sound, while producing even greater results.
