Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Trends and Strategies for Tourism in Appalachia: Findings and Conclusions from the UT ARC Study
Session Abstract or Summary
Between 2017 and 2019 a research team led by the University of Tennessee conducted a major study of tourism across the entire Appalachian region. The study, sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission, was designed to increase understanding of tourism across the region identify common barriers and opportunities related to tourism growth, illustrate best practices, and assess evaluation metrics and strategies.
The UT team, assisted by Collective Impact - a WV consulting firm, utilized a mixed-methods research approach with both quantitative and qualitative elements. These included two surveys and a dozen site visits to case studies across the region. The completed study provided important insights into regional tourism trends, local strengths, and successful strategies. It also found areas for improvements and priorities for potential future investments.
This session will feature four members of the project team. They will discuss the project goals and methods, survey results, findings from regional case studies, and the project conclusions and recommendations. They will also discuss opportunities for future research and important lessons learned from this significant undertaking.
Presentation #1 Title
Project Introduction
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The Panel will open with an introductory presentation. During this session Dr. Ezzell will discuss the project approach, the project methodology, and project goals. He will also discuss project challenges, including issues identified in the project literature review. These include problems associated with tourism evaluation methods, cultural and physical barriers, and the changing role of urban fringe areas.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Tim Ezzell was principle investigator for this project. He is a Research Scientist in the UT Political Science Department, where he teaches in the Masters of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program. He also chairs UT's Appalachian Community of Scholars. Dr. Ezzell holds degrees in history and urban and regional planning from Auburn University and the University of Tennessee. He has worked extensively with communities throughout Appalachia promoting sustainable growth, asset-based development, and citizen-driven planning processes.
Presentation #2 Title
Survey Results and Findings
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Dr. Benjamin served as co-PI for the project. She will discuss findings from the two project surveys: a tourism industry stakeholder survey and an Appalachian visitors survey. Her discussion will begin with a description of survey development and distributions strategies. She will then discuss the results and findings from both surveys. Topics will include visitor preferences, the role and impact of social media and review sites, the significance of public lands, and issues related to diversity. She will also discuss findings related to visitor perceptions and regional identity.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Stefanie Benjamin is an Assistant Professor in the Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management program in the College of Education and Health and Human Performance at the University of Tennessee. Her research interests include cultural and historical landscapes regarding heritage tourism in the U.S. South with special attention devoted to race, power, and collective memory. Additionally, she is devoted to sustainable tourism through planning, education, and development; film-induced tourism; improvisational games in higher education; PhD students’ well-being and mental health; and popular culture
Presentation #3 Title
Review of Case Studies
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
As part of the research, research team members conducted site visits to a dozen communities, destinations, and programs across the 13 state Appalachian region. These case studies ranged from a historic family-owned Brewery in Pennsylvania to the West Virginia Mothman Festival. Together they illustrated a wide range of local tourism strategies and demonstrated best practices related to asset-based growth, workforce development, and other areas. During this session Mr. Decker will discuss the case studies, the approach to the site visits, the selection process, and give detailed examples of some site visit findings.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Bruce Deckeris the founder and owner of Collective Impact, LLC. Since 2001, Collective Impact has provided an array of capacity-building services to help organizations and communities achieve their mission, realize their vision, and thrive. Bruce is a skilled planner, trainer, community coach, technical assistant, facilitator, and veteran Appalachian practitioner. Bruce holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational and Intercultural Communication and Leadership Studies from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
Presentation #4 Title
Project Conclusions and Recommendations
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
During the final session, Ms. Wilt will summarize project findings and conclusions. She will also discuss the project report and its final recommendations to the Appalachian Regional Commission. These will include suggested approaches to project assessments and evaluations along with potential programs and funding priorities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Catherine Wilt is a sustainable development consultant and a Research Director Emeritus at UT's Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment. Her areas of expertise include urban and regional planning, community economic development, and environmental policy. She has worked extensively with state and local governments, manufacturers, schools and non-profits to develop sustainable environmental, economic and community development initiatives across the Appalachian region.
Ms. Wilt holds degrees in political science and history and urban and regional planning, all from the University of Tennessee.
Project Introduction
The Panel will open with an introductory presentation. During this session Dr. Ezzell will discuss the project approach, the project methodology, and project goals. He will also discuss project challenges, including issues identified in the project literature review. These include problems associated with tourism evaluation methods, cultural and physical barriers, and the changing role of urban fringe areas.
