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TOUR. ROAR. EXPLORE‌ CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA Betsey Howell, Executive Director Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau Dr. Deb Kerstetter The Pennsylvania State University

Central Pennsylvania

Tourism in Pennsylvania

Strong focus on the environment/outdoors in the last two years, only.

30% of the current tourism budget is spent on promoting low impact activities—biking, hiking, wildlife watching.

Two major initiatives Outdoor Discovery Map Program PA Wilds Initiative

Outdoor Discovery Maps

Program initiated by DCNR in cooperation with visitors bureaus Began with an eco-tourism inventory Discovery maps created for multiple areas Audubon Society in PA jumped into the fray…

Today, find outdoor recreation information on-line http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/thingsToDo.pa?area= Outdoors

PA Wilds Initiative

Initially grew out of a DCNR initiative to develop elk viewing as an activity for visitors Broadened the initiative after a consultant reviewed existing facilities and potential for development Governor got involved. Asked that PA Wilds become a tourism and economic development project PA Tourism Office, DCNR and PennDot came together to create marketing and development plan >Ready >Set >Go…

PA Wilds Initiative, cont. „

http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/regionsDetail.p a?regionid=2

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Visitor spending in 2004 was estimated to be $953.4 million, the majority of which was spent on F & B and shopping

Most of the work happens at the regional and local levels…

Regional example: The Alleghenies “Pack your rod, your reel, your net and lots of skill. The Alleghenies is home to more than 20,000 acres of lakes and 9,500 miles of streams—including Pennsylvania’s largest island lake and some of the best-known blue ribbon trout waters in the nation…”

Examples, cont.

“Lace up the boots, tighten your hipbelt and make some tracks. Put boot to trail anywhere in The Alleghenies and you’re sure to find an adventure. From urban treks, to paths that explore deep forests and rocky climbs that lead to high ridges with views that go for miles, the hikes of The Alleghenies will take you to unforgettable places.”

The Local Level The Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau and Penn State formed a partnership to… [create] a place that celebrates the beauty and culture of [the] area [and] shows how we can build for a more sustainable future…”

Leading by Example

Porous paving and concrete used to allow rainwater to drain through the parking lot and walkways into the soils where it can enter the aquifer naturally.

Created bio-swales to collect excess water and attract birds and butterflies.

Planted trees, shrubs and flowers native to the area. Doing so celebrates the natural heritage of Centre County and achieves the goal of environmental sensitivity.

Building materials—limestone, native hickory and brick— reflect construction materials found naturally in the area.

The ground water is carried away through an underground pipe that runs to the Penn State sewage plant. It is used to spray Penn State’s fields.

TOUR. ROAR. EXPLORE… ADVENTURE IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Regional and local initiatives have not…

strengthened research and monitoring programs, promoted innovative approaches and mechanisms to finance conservation initiatives or research programs, increased efforts to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Development. engaged in effective education and training regarding ecotourism, or addressed many of the critical issues facing ecotourism in strengthening its sustainability.

Regional and local initiatives have…

provided much needed addition to local income; involved local communities/representatives in the planning and benefits of ecotourism; involved strategies that engaged and empowered local communities in planning, decision-making and, in some cases, enterprise ownership; and TPAs have become strong allies of DCNR and other governmental entities who want to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of PA.

Thank You!