Tourism Initiatives in Rural Areas

Jason W. JaggiCommunity Rural Area Planning Seminar

Professor J.W. Keller

December 11, 1998

Rural Tourism

• Trends

• Tourism Amenities– Cultural, Historical, Recreational, Retail, Ag-

tourism

• Benefits vs. Pitfalls

• Three examples used

Example 1: Walnut, IA

• Small rural community located in SW Iowa

• Formed a committee to examine tourism in the community

• Focused on antiques and collectibles

• Marketed amenities

Example 2: Lancaster Co., Penn

• Urbanizing county still wanting to preserve the agricultural/rural qualities

• Focused on Heritage Tourism• Developed a plan to make Lancaster Co. a

heritage tourism destination• This was accomplished through sustainable

development policies, land use controls, and est. strict guidelines on what is a heritage site

Example 3: Alma, Kan.

• Community is in the very beginning stages of developing a tourism program

• K-State students developed a marketing plan for tourism

• Amenities include arch., Alma Cheese, and scenic highway.

• Community is looking to capitalize on these amenities

Conclusion

• In each case the communities had strong leadership and the desire to capture the economic benefits of tourism

• Capitalized on existing amenities

• Promotion and marketing efforts were successful in getting the word out