Michigan State University Extension
Tourism Educational Materials - 33528251
06/06/02

Developing Naturally: an Exploratory Process for Nature- based Community Tourism


Source: Clemson University Strom Thurmond Institute
Authors:
Thomas D. Potts, Ph.D.
Cooperative Extension Tourism Specialist
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina 29634-1005
(864) 656-0372, FAX (864) 656-2226

Allan P.C. Marsinko, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Forest Resource Economist
Department of Forest Resources
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina 29634-1003

ABSTRACT
Nature-based tourism relies on environmental destinations
to attract visitors to a community. The attractions which
make up these destinations are a combination of man made
and natural resources. Nature-based tourism uses the
natural resources of an area as the focal point to draw
and entertain visitors.

For nature-based tourism to be a truly successful part of
a community's economy, it must be properly planned and
managed to ensure a continuing high quality outdoor
experience for the visitor.

Not every community is suited for nature-based tourism
development, nor is nature-based tourism suitable for
every community.

This book is designed to:

-Help localities decide whether or not to pursue tourists
and their dollars, and, if that decision is positive:

To promote awareness of both potential benefits and
potential costs of nature-based tourism development to the
community.

To provide the basic structure for doing so.

To assist in the promotion and the protection of local
communities' resources.

This book is directed primarily toward small towns and
rural areas. It can also provide useful information to the
citizens of larger cities. It is meant to be an
Introductory Planning Guide or "Nature-Based Tourism
Primer."

Step by step process:

-What We Will Need
-What are the Attractions of the Area
-What Are Our Human Resources
-Service and Infrastructure
-What About Financing
-Current Market Conditions
-Targeting Your Customer
-Developing a Calendar
-Communications
-Visitation Trends
-Competition
-Maintaining the Resource Quality
-Putting It All Together
-Action Steps
-Ideas For Increasing Tourism
-Hospitality Training
-Identifying Potential Nature Visitors
-A Marketing Plan
-Marketing Tools

Contact for a copy of this publication:
Martha G. Morris
Operations Manager and Publications Coordinator
Strom Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina 29634-5130
(864) 656-0215, FAX (864) 656-4780

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