Tourism and economic development

In recent years, Everyday Democracy - formerly the Study Circle Resource Center - has been working with the Northwest Area Foundation on a project called Horizons, which aims to help communities move from poverty to prosperity. For many of these communities arrayed across the Great Plains and Northwest, tourism can be at least a piece of the puzzle of creating a more vibrant economy.

On her blog Smart Communities, Suzanne Morse of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change is writing this week about how tourism is helping many towns, while warning that it can't be the whole solution,  especially in a time when volatile gas prices and rising recession are keeping many people at home.

For another perspective, check out this article in the March issue of Ode magazine that mentions (toward the bottom) the growth in agritourism, which is building off a burgeoning interest in locally produced food. People may not be able to travel far from home this year, but we may be able to book a weekend at a nearby farm B&B or drive a few towns over to a thriving farmers' market or a creative new restaurant.

As an occasional travel writer who used to make a living at it, I know that my favorite places to go are ones that have - and celebrate - character all their own. Take an inventory of the scenic, cultural, culinary, and other offbeat assets that your area can offer tourists. But when you do, remember to focus on amenities - present or planned - that boost the quality of life for residents as well as enriching the visitor experience for travelers. Making Places - another link from Suzanne - offers many ideas in its sections on parks, public squares, markets, waterfronts, and more.