Released May 12, 2009
LOGAN, Utah --- Utah State University Extension, the College of Natural Resources and the Utah Office of Tourism co-sponsor the 2009 National Extension Tourism Conference in Park City June 14-17 at The Yarrow Resort Hotel and Conference Center. The theme, “The Tourism Connection: Sustaining People, Places and Communities,” is associated with the concept of sustainable tourism development -- development that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsible and acceptable.
The national conference is designed to enhance networking between tourism and recreation professionals nationwide and provide opportunities to share information about tourism and recreation projects and programs. Speakers from across the United States, Canada and other countries will address topics on agricultural tourism, rural tourism development, heritage and cultural tourism, ecotourism and nature-based tourism. Other topics on tourism include education and training, marketing and promotion, research and evaluation, community and regional tourism planning and development and the economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism and recreation.
“This conference occurs about every two years and is a great opportunity for those who work in the broad area of recreation and tourism development across the country to showcase their programs and network with others,” said Steve Burr, Utah State University Extension outdoor recreation and tourism specialist and National Extension Tourism Conference chair. “Because the conference is held in Park City this June, it’s also a great opportunity to showcase our tourism development activities in Utah, especially the importance of our public lands to outdoor recreation and tourism in the state.”
Keynote speakers include Kelly Bricker, associate professor at the University of Utah and chair of The International Ecotourism Society; Roger Brooks, founding member of the award winning Destination Development Team; and Dick Senese, associate dean, Community Vitality and Outreach, University of Minnesota Extension. Also included in the conference are a number of field trips focusing on outdoor recreation and trails, heritage and cultural tourism, wildlife watching and Olympic Park tourism.
Visit http://extensiontourism.net/ and click on “2009 NET Conference June 14-17, 2009” for conference registration and hotel reservations. Early bird registration is available until May 15, after which standard registration will be in place. Contact Steve Burr for further information at steve.burr@usu.edu or 435-797-7094.
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http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=4605
Contacts: Steven W. Burr, 435-797-7094
Julene Reese, 435-797-0810
