tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18846741333142310292011-07-28T12:58:04.683-03:00Let's celebrate and promote rural areas as great tourism destinations, through networking and the exchange of success stories, ideas, concerns and plans. This blog will attract all stakeholders in tourism -- the tourists, the attractions, the event planners, the operators, the promoters and travel agents, and those involved in rural economic development.theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.comBlogger421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-55502972719090155752010-08-30T16:47:00.002-03:002010-08-30T16:52:38.062-03:00

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.

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-68277173151433483522010-08-30T03:47:00.002-03:002010-08-30T03:47:46.866-03:00

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

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   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

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-51551529436465348732010-08-13T16:04:00.000-03:002010-08-13T16:04:52.373-03:00

"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

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-83083088968324063992010-08-13T09:17:00.000-03:002010-08-13T09:17:09.933-03:00

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

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-48855873569615611072010-07-31T20:46:00.001-03:002010-07-31T20:54:45.433-03:00

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

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-88984140873970154942010-06-15T08:22:00.000-03:002010-06-15T08:22:51.298-03:00

  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

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-79603189229693477482010-06-14T21:26:00.000-03:002010-06-14T21:26:13.777-03:00

  Tony Glamcevski, from Kansas City, is a tours and events manager with Green Dirt Farm (www.greendirtfarm.com) of Weston, Missouri, who is responsible for cheese-making classes, farm table dinners, and product sales to local farmers markets, supermarkets and chefs, reports Cindy Hoedel of The Kansas City Star. In an interview, Tony wants to develop agritourism -- to have consumers experience

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-74831542048560040852010-05-05T08:56:00.003-03:002010-05-05T09:10:26.151-03:00

Keynote speaker Eddie Friel told attendees at a "Beyond the City Lights" tourism conference that the story behind a tourism product must be told, reports Trevor Terfloth of the Chatham Daily News in southern Ontario. Further, says Friel, it is the residents that must define the story, not outsiders. He was referring to the upcoming bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812. That story must

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-48287749100958257862010-04-26T11:25:00.007-03:002010-04-26T11:38:09.149-03:00

It is the individuals that are creating business in today's knowledge-based rural economy, says Mr. Paul Blais of Millier Dickinson Blais, and a former municipal economic development manager in Napanee, reports Brian Shypula with the Stratford Beacon Herald, especially in a rural, knowledge-based economy such as Perth County, Ontario. Blais' report is part of a provincial grant with support from

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-12043545555592842462010-04-15T11:31:00.002-03:002010-04-15T11:33:57.546-03:00

Lisa Brochu, author and tourism consultant, and keynote speaker at the recent Heartland Byways Conference in Kansas, encouraged communities located along scenic byways to be distinct and present their innate character, writes Dale Hogg of the Grand Bend Tribune. When a visitor wakes up in the morning they should know where they are. As Lisa Brochu states, avoid the geography of nowhere. The

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-13022395318624471222010-04-13T02:36:00.002-03:002010-04-13T02:39:01.404-03:00

20 football-sized fields of tulips are grown annually for the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, but not for sale, writes Wendy Owen of the Oregonian. Woodburn farmer, Ross Iverson, and family grow them for visitors to admire and photograph. They also grow another 30 acres for harvest and sale. They've been growing tulips since 1974. Over 100,000 visitors are expected each year with traffic sometimes

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-11168812797724538812010-04-13T01:45:00.004-03:002010-04-13T01:51:52.778-03:00

  The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) now celebrates its 20th year. TIES "promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". TIES' global Ecotourism Explorer map geographically links us to various ecotourism resources: travellers, students, professionals, lodging facilities, tour operators, affiliated

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-55063927448085711392010-04-07T11:21:00.003-03:002010-04-26T11:39:13.058-03:00

The seven pillars of rural development are listed in a note to the Secretary of State, United States Department of Agriculture from a concerned citizen, reports Rural Alberta's Development Fund. They are: Natural Capital Cultural Capital Social Capital Political Capital Financial Capital Built Capital Human Capital Rural Alberta’s Development Fund (RADF) is an independent, not-for-profit

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-38924285452905088022010-04-06T11:37:00.001-03:002010-04-06T11:37:45.865-03:00

Conference: Rural TourismDates: 6-8 April 2010Host: British Columbia’s Thompson Rivers University School of Tourism and partners Program: PDF document link Location: rural North Shuswap, Talking Rock Resort and Quaaout LodgeTheme: Address the challenges of selecting and building tourism experiences by all rural tourism stakeholders.

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-73212839496547761202010-04-04T16:21:00.077-03:002010-04-06T11:21:59.880-03:00

A Food Trail has been added to rural County Kilkenny Trails as part of Ireland's food strategy, reports Kilkenny People News. The trail links food with rural tourism. A launch date is set for 19April2010. The Food Trail joins Kilkenny's Walking, Cycling, Craft and Heritage trails. The newly-formed  Kilkenny Leader Partnership, a single-access point for local development, is a driving force

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-40027169714854473852010-04-03T23:56:00.000-03:002010-04-04T14:35:52.480-03:00

ACTUAR, the Costa Rican Association of Community-based Rural Tourism, supports sustainable tourism and the rural lifestyle of Costa Rican families. You can experience the authentic rural lifestyle and indigenous culture while getting involved in local conservation efforts. ACTUAR arose in 2001 from the first Ecotourism Gathering, organized by United Nation’s Small Grants Program. ACTUAR is a

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-73785253991545725032010-04-02T18:42:00.000-03:002010-04-02T18:47:14.515-03:00

 94 maps are available as a rural resource to residents of Nebraska via the University of Nebraska's Rural Initiative, including terrain, bedrock geology, demographics, surface and groundwater, crops, infrastructure, trails, canoeing, pasture-fed meat producers, GIS and others. These maps form one of the four pillars for rural resources in the State: website search of rural resources, rural

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-30006059701513250592010-04-02T03:28:00.000-03:002010-04-02T14:21:35.773-03:00

Residents of Rutland, Vermont, met to discuss new directions to develop their community reported the Rutland Herald. A vote at the Creative Economy Forum, moderated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, identified two key projects: develop a railroad or children's museum and work to brand Rutland's identity. The goal is to revitalize rural Vermont in this area -- to re-invent itself. [[

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-5038208708008606612010-03-27T19:54:00.000-03:002010-04-02T02:32:56.948-03:00

Winnemucca (cowboy country) celebrated Nevada's 20th annual Rural RoundUp 24-26th March 2010 and hosted the State's Rural Tourism Conference. Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian K. Krolicki says it's "one time each year [rural tourism stakeholders] can learn new tactics to market their areas or events". The event is marketed to an international audience. Speaker Roger Brooks, with Destination

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-14283235550921977092010-03-20T17:18:00.001-03:002010-03-24T08:29:56.599-03:00

Effects of population migration on rural tourismThe recent non-metropolitan turnaround in the USA has resultedin population migration from large cities to small towns andcountryside. The marketing opportunity presented to ruraltourism comes with significant challenges for its sustainability.The focus of literature on rural tourism sustainability has beenmore on the environmental and

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-38594265574829164462010-03-20T16:49:00.001-03:002010-03-20T17:35:36.064-03:00

YouTube - AgritourismAgritourism can add several benefits to a farm. Rob Leeds,Extension Educator from Delaware County, discusses whyagritourism experiences are good from the operators andcustomers point of view. Included are things to consider whenadding agritourism to your business, along with trendscoming in the industry.

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-68880628948966354422010-03-20T13:58:00.000-03:002010-03-20T14:20:42.711-03:00

In support of Agriculture, 20th March is now officially known as "Ag Day" in Tennessee.The over 79,000 farms in the state bring in over US$3 billion annually in cash receipts.There are currently more than 600 agritourism venues in Tennessee, USA. In 2007, agritourism generated more than $6.5 million in farm income, as reported by the government of Tennessee.The proclamation of "Ag Day" recognizes

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-47737036579458212452010-03-20T12:43:00.000-03:002010-03-20T13:41:06.820-03:00

The Indian State of Maharashtra, India, recently unveiled its 10-year Agri-Tourism Vision 2020, according to TravelBizMonitor.com.The main goal is to allow farmers to retain their farm and stay on the farm; that, in a speech at the Maharashtra State Agri & Rural Tourism Co-operation Federation (MART) national convention on Agri-Tourism, by managing director Pandurang Taware.Other points in Vision

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-50566055206364950252010-03-16T21:45:00.000-03:002010-03-16T22:21:26.796-03:00

Photographers flock to watch eagles in an agricultural setting.The village of Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia, Canada, hosted its 19th Annual Eagle Watch event this winter, 2010. Also, Carson Valley, Nevada, USA, held its 8th Annual Eagles and Agriculture Event this past winter. These events bring economic activity into rural areas.Post any other eagle or bird watching events that attract tourists

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-78253188531903632912010-03-06T19:28:00.000-04:002010-03-06T21:13:13.596-04:00

Rosebud School of the Arts, Alberta, CanadaThis is how to build a rural attraction with a population of about 100. In the village of Rosebud, once a ranching, farming and mining community going into decline, the Rosebud School of the Arts was created, attracting performing artists from the USA and across Canada. About an hour's drive from Calgary, this community started with one arts camp in 1973

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-3866572139489391212009-09-03T08:04:00.000-03:002009-09-08T10:26:34.618-03:00

Yolo County, California, has recently adopted a new food facility policy for homestays, and Bed & Breakfast Inns to encourage agritourism, reports the Wood Land Record while maintaining high public health standards.Yolo County ranks agriculture and tourism at the top of their industry priority list for "sustainable, quality growth while providing economic opportunity and quality of life". Yolo

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-14574705554960481782009-09-03T01:03:00.000-03:002009-09-08T10:27:31.485-03:00

Rural Bounty lists places to stay and things to do on farms throughout the USA.One can search by:Farm Product Shopping & DiningLodging Farmer's MarketsWineriesFarm NameLocation

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-4997800198323283002009-09-03T00:19:00.000-03:002009-09-03T07:49:54.643-03:00

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, New York State, offers a six-part micro-enterprise school, "Cultivating an Agri-Tourism Enterprise," in the fall, reports TheDailyStar.com. "The workshops are designed to help farmers explore what opportunities exist and what pitfalls to avoid in starting-up a tourism-based farm enterprise", the article continues.Contributing to these workshops

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-44642815574879495632009-09-02T23:58:00.000-03:002009-09-03T00:18:51.450-03:00

The Tripura government in northeast India has decided to introduce "heli-tourism" in the state by extending chopper services to promote tourism in the hinterland, reports iGovernment. "We will operate helicopter services to 20 tourism spots in Tripura" says Managing Director of the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation, Madhusudhan Bhattacherjee, according to the report. Chopper fares will be

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-1599934660282247922009-09-02T23:34:00.000-03:002009-09-02T23:57:52.230-03:00

Helde Brandes of OKC Biz reports that agritourism is a booming business in Oklahoma, with a projected $31 million economic impact for 2009. The article cites the American Quarter Horse Association show, held annually in Oklahoma City, as an example of the agritourism contribution to the agriculture industry. The article further states that wind energy and wind turbines could generate $34 billion

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-30934737572144374602009-08-23T07:22:00.000-03:002009-08-25T10:09:50.584-03:00

Michael and Michelle Nemee own the Trintas Golf course, in Valley Springs, California – the course built in “stealth mode”, and at the centre of a conflict with Calaveras County Planning Commission’s zoning bylaws, reports Dana Nichols, staff writer with RecordNet.com. Trintas also has a Nature & Wildlife Preserve, and an Olive Oil & Orchard Tour.Though County rejected an application to

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-59797551086503506732009-08-21T18:21:00.001-03:002009-08-23T23:02:08.937-03:00

The South Tyrol Region in northern Italy saw its agritourism ventures explode in the last five years, with 223% increase in visitor arrivals and 207% increase in visitor nights between 1999-2007 according to Australian Pauline Porcaro, reports Rod Brown. In a podcast on ABC radio's Bush Telegraph. Porcaro attributes success to a strict Red Rooster (Gallo Rosso) accreditation and branding program.

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-42024718370104626792009-08-20T17:04:00.000-03:002009-08-22T20:46:08.828-03:00

The 100 acre Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke, near Albany New York State, attracts 40,000 people each year to its agri-tourism business by diversifying, entertaining, experimenting, and adopting new technologies, according to Larry Rulison, business writer with Times Union. Rulison reports that the average visitor stay is four hours and average expenditure is over US$13.00 per person. After 10

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-38151736633375966142009-08-19T05:44:00.000-03:002009-08-20T11:42:40.778-03:00

Going on a trip? Check out Swanky Ants.Here is an interactive map that I think is dynamite. If you want to know what’s going on in your area this is one cool map.Pins on the map are colour-coded into one of several categories: kids, night life, markets, educational, sports and recreation, community events, and arts & entertainment. Zoom in on the map and you get a calendar listing of events on a

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-41396316033210213012009-08-17T11:38:00.000-03:002009-08-17T12:27:52.812-03:00

Tribune Photo taken by Kulbir BeeraGurcharan Singh Mann is an exceptional, quality farmer in Tungwali village, Bathinda District, Punjabi region of India. His farm has been selected under the Punjab Rural Tourism Plan, because of its diversified farming and related ventures, reports Chandigarh Tribune of India and the Global Sikh News.Mann believes that diversification is lucrative and is key to

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-29053053700555650192009-08-16T12:17:00.000-03:002009-08-16T12:45:19.183-03:00

The entire small farming town of San Pedro, near the city of Colonia del Sacramento (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in western Uruguay, has transformed itself and turned to Agro-ecoTourism as a new source of livelihood, reports Luis Alberto Carro with IPS News.This was once an area of prosperous dairy farms and small-scale agriculture. It fell onto hard times after the country's severe financial

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-35265417953849664612009-08-16T09:50:00.000-03:002009-08-16T11:25:40.754-03:00

Why does Rowan County in Salisbury, North Carolina, draw so many visitors each year, asks SalisburyPost.com?The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce gave a bus tour to about 30 local officials to learn why -- to see agri-tourism sites in action. They visited William Yost's Cauble Creek Vineyard, the Lazy 5 Ranch, and Michelle and Doug Patterson's Produce Farm. They learned about agri-tourism's

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-7160440866373141242009-08-14T22:13:00.000-03:002009-08-14T22:36:23.897-03:00

The University of California Small Farm Program lists resources available to those who wish to start an agritourism operation. One of its publications is the 160-page 2005-title "Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California". This is a workbook for farmers and ranchers. It was the culmination of a brainstorming session held between farmers, ranchers, university researchers, tourism officials and

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-85662738845094268942009-08-14T12:09:00.000-03:002009-08-14T16:53:30.117-03:00

Agritourists brought in around US$2.4 million to farmers in California in 2008, according to a first statewide survey on agritourism operators, as reported in Small Farm News, The Daily Democrat and the University of California Small Farm Program. Further, "small farms made up 2/3rds of the farms reported offering agritourism." Agritourism was generally profitable and offered farmers a

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-38118522437434439592009-08-10T14:25:00.000-03:002009-08-14T17:03:30.749-03:00

Six counties in Northeast Tennessee, including Greene, Carter, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington Counties have joined together to create the "Quilt Trail" reports the Greenville Sun. The Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council's Quilt Trail is shown inside a colourful brochure on a map. Along the trail are barns and other structures with replicas of large quilts.

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884674133314231029.post-88893988642253233002009-08-10T14:01:00.000-03:002009-08-10T14:20:25.593-03:00

The emphasis of this blog is to explore rural tourism through the eyes of all stakeholders within the rural environment: communities and residents, destination areas, tourists, visitors and guests, tourism operators, event planners, tourism and economic development groups and organizations, technical and engineering developers, media and the creative/knowledge community. Did I leave anyone out?

theruraltouristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09422291691354925119noreply@blogger.com0