Improving Non-consumptive Tourism in Kentucky
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Recreation and parks administration
Minor
undeclared
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
51
KY Senate District #
16
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Michael Bradley, PhD
Department
Department of Recreation and Parks Administration
Abstract
Kentucky has the benefit of offering a robust array of natural resources for recreation and tourism. Sustainable, non-consumptive, tourism such as outdoor photography and hiking allows economic impacts to thrive while conserving the valuable natural resources. The researcher facilitated a comparative analysis of states with substantial non-consumptive natural resource tourism, relative to Kentucky. Other states involved in the comparative study include Alaska, Texas, and Washington. The researcher gathered information on states in many different geographic areas of the country to further improve the range of the study. Kentucky has many opportunities to improve tourism while conserving its natural resources. Marketing to new audiences and access to diverse populations are two areas where Kentucky natural resource tourism has much room for improvement. Due to the diverse wildlife of the state, there is a wide variety of natural attractions and opportunities to potentially bring in tourists of all interests. A multitude of plant and animal life, as well as copious cave systems, rivers, and the Appalachian Mountains invite outdoorsman of all nature. The many neighboring states surrounding Kentucky provide easy access to those wishing to visit. All of these factors provide an ideal situation for non-consumptive natural resource tourism in the commonwealth. Ideally, Kentucky would be able to bring in more tourists, improving its economic gain, while allowing its wildlife to be appreciated and protected. Economic growth brought by recreation and tourism can in turn be used to further improve and expand its natural areas available for tourist use. Using the information gathered from other states and their natural resource tourism marketing plans, Kentucky can improve its own and expand the overall tourist experience.
Improving Non-consumptive Tourism in Kentucky
Kentucky has the benefit of offering a robust array of natural resources for recreation and tourism. Sustainable, non-consumptive, tourism such as outdoor photography and hiking allows economic impacts to thrive while conserving the valuable natural resources. The researcher facilitated a comparative analysis of states with substantial non-consumptive natural resource tourism, relative to Kentucky. Other states involved in the comparative study include Alaska, Texas, and Washington. The researcher gathered information on states in many different geographic areas of the country to further improve the range of the study. Kentucky has many opportunities to improve tourism while conserving its natural resources. Marketing to new audiences and access to diverse populations are two areas where Kentucky natural resource tourism has much room for improvement. Due to the diverse wildlife of the state, there is a wide variety of natural attractions and opportunities to potentially bring in tourists of all interests. A multitude of plant and animal life, as well as copious cave systems, rivers, and the Appalachian Mountains invite outdoorsman of all nature. The many neighboring states surrounding Kentucky provide easy access to those wishing to visit. All of these factors provide an ideal situation for non-consumptive natural resource tourism in the commonwealth. Ideally, Kentucky would be able to bring in more tourists, improving its economic gain, while allowing its wildlife to be appreciated and protected. Economic growth brought by recreation and tourism can in turn be used to further improve and expand its natural areas available for tourist use. Using the information gathered from other states and their natural resource tourism marketing plans, Kentucky can improve its own and expand the overall tourist experience.