In this dynamic information age, knowledge-based economies are thriving and
changing to meet new consumer desires and local needs. Competition in the
twenty-first century demands that individuals and organizations redefine prosperity,
re-engineer strategic processes, and reinvent success models to learn new
ways of doing business. As communities move from extractive industries to
more service and information-based industries, a competitive edge based on
intuition and innovation is paramount for sustainability. The result: the
emergence of creative economies.
According to author John Howkins, creative economy is "the idea business.
Turning ideas into products. Buying and selling." Howkins reports "worldwide
creative endeavors are now worth $2.2 trillion and growing at five percent per
annum, and in some countries much faster." Britain, Scotland, Canada, Singapore,
and New Zealand have designed specific policies to help their creative economies
achieve full potential.
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"We live in a time when cultural heritage and undeveloped landscapes have
become valuable resources. In today's economy, wealth is no longer limited to
those who possess mineral or other specific natural resources or to those who
can manufacture goods. In other words, the world has finally discovered that
the definition of wealth is broader than what extractive resources you possess
or what you can make. It now extends to who you are and the place you have the
privilege to call home."
- William S. Norman, President and CEO, Travel Industry Association of American
(TIA)
Peace and Prosperity through Tourism
UN Foundation: World Heritage Event, June 2003 |
The defining asset of a creative economy is intellectual property. Britian's
Department for Culture, Media, and Sport further defines its assets as "those
industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent,
and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation
and exploitation of intellectual property. This includes advertising, architecture,
the art and antiques market, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video,
interactive leisure software, music, the performing arts, publishing, software
and computer games, television and radio."
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Tourism is defined and measured by household trip—traveling 50 miles or more,
one way, from home to include one or more overnights. (Source: TIA)
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Business Development
Tourism Development
State Tourism Contacts
Economic Effects of Tourism in Appalachia
Key Trends Affecting Tourism
Profiles of Potential Target Markets
Growing Appalachian Economies Through Craft
Report on Tourism and Craft
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