For years, I have been hearing local pundits extol the necessity of “diversifying” our economy.
Everyone, no matter their political or sociological leanings, can understand the common sense conclusion that overreliance on one economic sector can be precarious under the best of circumstances.
I am not naïve enough to believe our local economy could be solely reliant on what I am about to propose. However, given our unique geographical proximity to multiple population centers and the transportation infrastructure available, I feel there are ancillary economic opportunities available that could improve our diversification in some measure. Moreover, rather than compete with our traditional industries, these efforts would strengthen them by improving the quality of life, resulting in a larger and more stable workforce.
Any progress on these fronts would take a coordinated effort of local government, businesses and altruistic individuals. Unfortunately, I have been cursed with a horrible affliction called optimism, so I will proceed with my thesis.
The areas of which I speak are tourism and the arts. There are multiple areas of economic tourism. Obviously, we lack the large-scale amenities or natural resources of typical big tourist venues, i.e. beaches, canyons, or Dolly Parton. However, we are capable of catering to niche types of tourism. One of the most obvious might be agritourism.
Agritourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting farms, ranches, or other agricultural businesses. It can include activities like farm stays, vineyard tours, hayrides, you-pick operations, and harvest dinners. Agritourism can be a way for visitors to experience rural life, culture, and food. It can provide extra income for farmers and help visitors learn about agriculture and food systems. Many places have turned “agritainment” into real tourist dollars.
In addition, the arts are often viewed as a form of cultural enrichment, but their impact extends beyond just elevating our spirits or broadening our minds. In fact, the arts can play a crucial role in stimulating local economies. Obviously, it depends on the individual community; however, there is no downside to expanding cultural activities for community improvement. Even the most apathetic naysayer must concede this point.
In fact, the arts can serve as a catalyst for community revitalization. In many urban, suburban and even rural areas, arts districts have turned underdeveloped areas into vibrant, desirable neighborhoods. These transformed areas attract new businesses, enhancing property values and increasing tax revenue. In this way, the arts can play a significant role in reversing economic decline and fostering community development.
Numerous economically distressed sites in the tri-state area have revitalized via the arts. Additional benefits include:
1. creating a welcoming quality of life.
2. improving the academic performance of students who become involved.
3. generating tax revenue by tourists spending money on art, accommodations, dining, and retail.
4. improving health and wellness by reducing stress and providing stimulating outlets.
5. fostering community cohesion by strengthening social networks.
Studies have shown every dollar invested in the arts generates several times that amount in economic impact. Hence, funding the arts is not just a cultural endeavor but an economic strategy as well.
Other types of tourism which could be within the realm of possibility with some investment and grassroots planning are:
Historical visits are a popular form of cultural tourism. These sites offer a glimpse into the history and culture of a place.
Business tourism is a subset of regular tourism. While our hotel space may be limited, there could be rural team-building activities for “city slickers” associated with our bucolic settings.
Wildlife sanctuaries are an important part of eco-tourism. Visitors can observe wildlife in their natural environment while learning about conservation efforts. Wildlife sanctuaries also offer opportunities for research and education.
Spa and wellness retreats are a popular form of health tourism that offers a range of wellness services, such as massages, yoga classes, and healthy meals.
Sports tourism is a fast-growing sector of the travel industry. Numerous travel teams around the county take their money every week to other towns and states to strengthen their economies.
Finally, “Dark Tourism” is all the rage. That’s an actual economic term. Dark tourism involves visiting places associated with macabre or supernatural events. There has been much written about the spooky sites around our county. People are always fascinated by horror themes and venues.
As I said, I am an eternal optimist, but I also recognize the challenges of getting disparate groups to work together for a common cause. Perhaps a committee of committed retired people could be formed to explore some of these possibilities. Those individuals can recall when there were a multitude of cultural, athletic and economic opportunities here for all ages. Rather than dolefully recounting those bygone days, these people could step up and actually be part of the solution.
I can hope.