$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.”