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