Projects

TGA offers services to support, develop, and promote sustainable tourism in Appalachia.

TGA focuses on developing Process, Tools, and Demonstration of sustainable tourism in Appalachia

Process

TGA is pleased to support Appalachian communities that want to discover, dream, design, and deliver sustainable, community-based tourism.

First Impressions

TGA is working with West Virginia University Extension Department of Community, Economic, and Workforce Development to create and implement a First Impressions for Tourism program using the National Geographic Geotourism Principles as a standard for destination stewardship.  The purpose of the First Impressions Program is to help a destination learn about existing strengths and weaknesses as seen through the eyes of the first-time visitor. The results of the First Impressions Program can form the basis for future development.

Community-based Tourism Assessment and Planning

TGA is partnering with George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism Studies, West Virginia University Extension Service Community Economic and Workforce Development and West Virginia University Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources to implement a Community-based Tourism assessment and planning process using The Mountain Institute’s Community-based Tourism for Conservation and Development manual that follows four consecutive steps that are known as the “4Ds” – Discovery, Dream, Design, and Delivery.

Focus Groups

TGA and West Virginia University Extension Department of Community, Economic, and Workforce Development are creating a process to bring Focus Groups to Appalachian communities.  Following the First Impressions visit focus teams will be assembled from a variety of disciplines to match the needs of the community/region.  Teams consisting of volunteers from public and private sectors will engage relevant community organizations to develop practical ideas and designs that help the region plan for a sustainable future. Recommendations will be made based on the results of the First Impressions visit and a comprehensive focus team visit.  The recommendations generated by the team will be compiled into a written report and presented to the community within 2 – 3 months of the visit.  From the focus team report and presentations community organizations should identify goals and action groups for specific issues.  At this point, the community will decide which projects to move forward on.  Technical assistance and follow-up visits will be made by appropriate team members to ensure on-going success of the community.

Previous projects include Community-based Tourism assessment and planning and curriculum development for local universities.

Tools

itravelgreen® West Virginia

TGA has partnered with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, West Virginia Division of Tourism, and E3Check to develop and implement itravelgreen® West Virginia.

itravelgreen® West Virginia will provide a comprehensive system for improving the triple bottom line of travel and tourism providers and brand recognition as a sustainable travel and tourism organization.

itravelgreen® West Virginia uses the enviroIndex™ Sustainability Rating System to assess, on a numerical scale, the relative impacts of key economic, environmental, and social performance indicators.

The enviroIndex™ Sustainability Rating System uses two types of performance indicators:

1)     Measures – An organization’s sustainability levels by using direct Measures of its current energy and water consumption and waste production; and,

2)     Inventories – How well an organization is operated and maintained to ensure long-term sustainability through using Inventories of actions and facilities related to communication, energy saving, water saving, waste reduction, local involvement, purchasing, transportation, natural environment, and built environment.

itravelgreen® West Virginia is scheduled for launch in 2012.  More information can be found at www.dep.wv.gov/sustainablewv/itgwv

Geotourism MapGuide

TGA is collaborating with the National Geographic Society to develop a Geotourism website and mobile app. for West Virginia and use the geotourism platform as the backbone of a process to identify, support, develop, and promote destination stewardship and authentic travel experiences in West Virginia tourism regions.

A Geotourism Map Guide functions as a catalytic tool to implement geotourism, defined as:

“tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”

TGA and NGS believe this collaborative undertaking will create a public-private alliance to enhance economic vitality, develop local geotourism-based businesses and opportunities, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of West Virginia.

Demonstration

We don’t just talk about it, we do it!

TGA regularly travels throughout Appalachia not only for personal edification and to share the wonders of Appalachia with our children but also to assess tourism practices.

We regularly post reviews, lessons learned, and cool stuff we find on our journeys to:

We aim to provide an honest interpretation of where to find authentic travel experiences and green businesses in Appalachia, highlight good and bad examples of destination stewardship, and hope that through us you might find a new place in Appalachia to explore.

We regularly profile certain destinations.  If you are an Appalachian destination manager and would like TGA to visit your destination and help you demonstrate and promote authentic travel experiences, green businesses, and destination stewardship give us a call or send us an email.

Tours

TGA arranges small group tours to Appalachian tourism destinations doing it right – that is, those that celebrate their natural, cultural, and historic resources, maintain their sense of place, and promote green businesses.  These tours support green and authentic tourism providers and include conversations with local leaders.   Check out itineraries below.

Floyd, VA

Asheville, NC

Garrett County, MD

Laurel Highlands, PA

PA WILDS

Costa Rica

West Virginia