$100 million recommended for Maine's rural tourism

Maine Public Radio airs Adams-Catlin Professor of Economics David Vail who authored a report on behalf of the Maine Center for Economic Policy recommending the state invest $100 million in tourism efforts for Maine's rural areas.

Rural Creative Economy Conference in Kingston, Ontario

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT:
"Rural Creative Economy"
Fri 19 Nov2010
Monieson Centre (613)533-2364
Queen's University, Ontario
  The Monieson Centre at Queen’s University is researching the rural creative economy and its links to regional revitalization. Creative economic activities comprising professional contributions such as art, advertising, design, film, publishing, education, R&D, software and media have the potential to contribute to the vitality of 21st century rural Canadian communities. This innovative and interactive forum will provide academics (faculty and students), business community representatives and economic developers with opportunities to debate ideas, examine theory, present research findings and exchange experiences in order to emerge with a refined understanding of the rural creative economy. The Centre focuses on research themes related to the knowledge economy - how to harness the expertise of individuals, organizations and communities to create knowledge capital.
  Some of Monieson partners include: The Canadian Rural Research Network, CEOnet, Prince Edward County, and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council.

 

  The isolated Minindee Lakes Region thrives on occasional rains. It is mostly dry with a series of interconnected shallow lakes. The region is located on the Darling River, about 200 kilometres upstream of the junction of the Darling and Murray Rivers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
  The region is home to Minindee, the oldest European settlement in western NSW, to a huge variety of birds during wet periods, to comprehensive archaeological records of aboriginal culture, to the second-oldest active pub, and to the 1860s visit from explorers Burke and Wills.
  CEO Linda Nadge and The Far West branch of the regional Development Australia are looking to build an eco-tourism destination of Minindee -- an alternative future for the town -- based on environmental tourism, outdoor activities and native cultural experiences, and to rejuvenate the region with its "Geography-is-no-Barrier" 10-year program.  The project is called the Menindee Lakes Wetlands Project, reports ABC Rural Australia.

Lessons from Rural India

"Does the road less travelled appeal to you? If yes, then you're on the right track" so goes the opening statement to Explore Rural India. The Wall Street Journal gives a good account on what Rural Tourism means to Indians.

Behind eight swaying curtains lies India's online rural showcase to the world: An image gallery, brochures, visitor appreciation, a visual gallery, events, a slideshow, rural sites, and visitor feedback. Behind the image gallery curtain, for example, India is classed by colour to highlight its many cultures and features: Pure White, Green Tea, Mustard Yellow, Water Colour, Deep Purple, Stone Grey, Mystic Maroon and Technicolour. One can search rural India by destination, by map, and by circuits (routes). The Product Showroom displays local arts and crafts with contact information to the artisan.

A click on Kumbalanghii, for example, takes us to a place of indigenous fishing, crab farming, prawn culture, coir making and boat building. Bunavasi takes us to a most ancient spiritual centre of India. 28 such sites are presented.

Small-Town-Big-Idea-Man LaVerne Erickson wins Alberta Tourism Award

Alberta Tourism Awards Committee has announced small town tourism visionary, LaVerne Erickson, winner of the 2010 Alto Ambassador Award for his outstanding contributions to Alberta’s tourism industry. They state "Erickson has demonstrated how big ideas can make small towns in rural Alberta huge tourism destinations".

LaVerne Erickson founded the Rosebud Theatre in Rosebud Alberta (now Alberta's largest professional rural theatre) and the Chemainus Festival Theatre in Chemainus, Vancouver Island, and the Canadian Badlands Performing Arts Summer School in Drumheller, Alberta.


“Like a true visionary, his energy, passion, cooperative spirit and innovative ideas create synergies that would not otherwise materialize,” notes Bob Davis, Executive Director of the Rosebud Theatre. “LaVerne can see, feel and believe what might be possible. His favorite saying is ‘A rising tide lifts all ships’ – a phrase that inspires people to this day to continue the work he helped start.”

The Oregon Country Trails is "a grassroots organization of rugged, rural, ranchers, farmers, and recreation specialists who have opened their back porches, meadows, and crafts to the public". It's a rural revitalization program.

Over 250 rural businesses, entrepreneurs, tours and adventures make up the Oregon Country Trails, Oregon's only branded country trails. Currently there are 15 trails, such as: Slow Food Good Earth, Covered Bridge Country Trail, and Pioneer Country Trail. Trails can be added by application to the Oregon Country Trails organization from at least 10 people willing to work together and showcase their area and experiences in a positive way. They call this "Trail in a Box".

Trail events include, for example, the Stillpoint Farm Women's Festival 2010, a festival of  music, healing arts, creative arts, ceremony, workshops, food and produce. Their poster states that the festival is a benefit to 13 ingenious grandmothers.

Rural Kansas Project links over 40 small communities

  The Kansas Sampler Foundation and the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Division joined with over 40 partners to tell us where to go, what there is to see, do and learn in rural Kansas. This is a first result of the "Rural Kansas: come and get it!" project -- to promote rural communities in the State.
  Towns are grouped by region or by theme, such as the Amazing 100 miles, the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, and the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area. In Freedom's Frontier, for example, where the bitter rivalry of the past between Kansans and Missourians is brought to light, seven communities are linked -- such as Lecompton, the political birthplace of the American Civil War, Piqua, Atchison, Fredonia, Garnet, Tonganoxie, and Yates Center.
  Tourists take the communities "as is" and start their journey by first getting off the main highways and slowing down. The Project is to entice tourists to explore, to feel good about spending money in small Kansan towns, and to interact with the locals.