Tourism Development Workshops Slated Across Texas

Writers: Tim W McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu

VERNON - A community workshop series on tourism development will kick off June 28 here in the Empire Room of the Wilbarger Auditorium.  The series includes four workshops slated across the state in June, July and August.

The workshop series is sponsored and hosted by the Texas Department of Economic Development (TDED) tourism division and the Indigo Resource Group.

"The workshops are designed to help small and rural communities recognize, develop, package and market tourism products," said Carson Watt, Texas Agricultural Extension Service program leader for recreation, parks and tourism.  "Each will include hands-on training and demonstration of techniques useful in creating and growing a successful tourism development program.

The workshops will help participants understand Texas funding options for tourism development programs, identify alternative funding programs for destination marketing, and learn how to create and maintain an effective destination website.

Other topics will include: how to build technology-based marketing campaigns to support a tourism program alternative land uses - including heritage tourism and an update on legislation designed to support tourism development programs and activities.

The workshop series moves to the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe on July 19; to the Fresh Water Fisheries Center in Athens on July 30; and concludes on August 9 at the Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville.

Advance registration costs $60 per person, plus $30 for an accompanying spouse or guest, and includes lunch.  Registration at the door costs $75 per person.

Texans can register, or get more information on the workshops, by calling Penny Reeh at the Indigo Resource Group at (830) 990-0180.  Those with Internet access can register online, and get more information on TDED programs and tourism development at http://research.travel.state.tx.us.