Successful implementation of this strategic plan requires a broad, interrelated
scope of work, rather than a collection of stand-alone projects. The results-driven
mission needs an entity to proactively plan for growth, leverage partnerships,
and recognize opportunities for the Region. The Role of the Tourism Council
As travel industry experts, the Tourism Council must continue to act as advisor,
monitor, communicator, and evaluator. Specifically, the responsibility of each
ARC Tourism Council member is to:
- Champion ARC projects in their Appalachian counties.
- Interact with stakeholders in their Appalachian counties.
- Engage other state agencies and entities relevant to implementation, management,
and measurement.
- Maintain close communication with respective ARC state officers (Commission
member, alternate, and program manager).
- Provide feedback on initiatives.
- Share issues or trends that potentially affect the scope of work.
- Recommend potential partners for ARC projects.
- Identify ways for their state to participate in and leverage ARC projects.
The Council will convene three or four times a year. Meetings will enable the
Council to share information, address regional and individual state needs, provide
insight on timely issues, advise on current projects, and confirm the course
of action for the future.
A committee for each of the priority projects should be formed to oversee the
implementation of the recommended activities (in FY 04 and 05 this includes
new trail development and a Web site). A chairperson will be selected for each
committee to guide its work and report to the Council.
At its West Virginia Retreat in March 2003 the Tourism Council recommended
continued exploration of ways to meet the needs of craft industry. As several
strategies for stimulating craft sales, deepening the skills of craftspeople,
and cultivating new artists in the Region are included in the scope of work,
the Council recommends convening qualified arts and crafts industry professionals
to discuss next steps and recommendations. This group can also share other issues
and needs with the Tourism Council for consideration and communication to ARC.
To accomplish the desired, measurable results, Tourism Council members must
communicate frequently with their ARC state officials to engage support for
proposed projects and upcoming tourism and craft opportunities, share news and
events, share trends, and get feedback on critical issues affecting the successful
launch, implementation, and measurement of important regional and state tourism
and craft projects.
The Role of ARC
ARC acts as fiscal manager, oversight coordinator, and
convener for the Council, as well as internal champion for tourism and craft.
To administer this scope of work, ARC must continue its leadership role to provide
regional infrastructure and overarching policies, and to leverage federal and
private sector partnerships required for successful implementation.
ARC will serve the Region by:
- Continuing support of state-initiated programs.
- Serving as a central data source for research, inventories, and measurement.
- Championing tourism and craft throughout the Region with presentations,
Appalachia Magazine articles, industry recognition at ARC
functions, and increased resources for tourism and craft programs.
- Leveraging its regional clout to attract public and private sector partners
for programs to expand investment.
- Communicating with other regional organizations involved in tourism and
craft to ensure that programs complement one another instead of compete.
During this process, the Tourism Council requested that ARC:
- Enhance its existing Web site to include a tourism and craft section with
information on ARC grants, programs, and other services available to member
states, stakeholders, and potential partners.
- Expand and promote the revolving loan fund to include tourism and craft.
- Explore the expansion of the job-training program through vocational and
educational institutions to include tourism and craft curriculum and apprenticeships.
The staff liaison will be responsible for coordinating logistics of all Tourism
Council meetings, corresponding with the members, and providing program updates
and announcements on upcoming project deadlines through ARC Web site and email.
Appalachia's Opportunity for Growth
ARC Tourism Council recommends an integrated regional strategy focusing on
Appalachia's creative economies of tourism and craft. The Tourism Council asks
the Appalchian Regional Commission to:
- Recognize and support these industries with an investment of human and
financial resources that can leverage other partners for sustainable product
development and management.
- Endorse the creation of new Appalachian Trails and a dedicated regional
tourism Web site during the next two years.
- Provide ongoing leadership and collaboration with states and partners to
help develop and offer dynamic, diverse, and desirable experiences for domestic
and international visitors to Appalachia.
- Identify and deliver specific services and training to cultivate and maintain
quality jobs for creative economies in Appalachia.
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Successful implementation will result in new employment, a positive impact
on local economies through increased visitation and spending, and enhanced profile
for Appalachia as a desirable destination.
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Appalachian Assets
| Item |
In Appalachia |
| Population |
20,345,017 |
| Square Miles |
167,890 |
| Sites on National Register |
6753 |
| Counties |
410 |
| National Parks* |
36 |
| Scenic Byways/All-American Roads |
20 |
| National Heritage Areas |
5 |
| Multi-state National Parks |
4 |
Source: ARC; National Park Service; National Register of Historic
Places; Federal Highway Administration
*includes parks, monuments, and landmarks
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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