MSU Extension

Tourism is vital to Michigan’s economy and can serve as a key economic development strategy. MSU Extension tourism education identified tourism development opportunities, and educates community and business leaders how to leverage natural and cultural resources in ways that improve and establish a sustainable economy and identifies new strategies for sustaining unique places that attracts residents, entrepreneurs and visitors.

Planning for Tourism – This workshop walks communities through a planning process and uses life-cycle models to explore where communities may be in establishing themselves as tourism destinations. Additional tools will be employed to determine their readiness, identify next steps for action and explore engagement strategies for coalition building within the community.

Strengthening Tourism Leadership: Facilitation Tools to Move Community-driven Tourism Forward – This experiential workshop is designed to build and strengthen the skills necessary to lead and facilitate productive community groups. Participants will practice using a variety of facilitation tools and learn techniques and verbal skills necessary to lead group discussions, reach consensus, set outcome-based goals and generate ideas for action.

Custom Tourism Programs – MSU Extension tourism educators are equipped to meet the diverse needs and interests of Michigan communities. Specialized programs are available to communities with a specific interest n agri-tourism, eco-tourism and/or cultural/heritage tourism.