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Universal Economic Development Strategy? Do all Tribes embrace tourism as a priority for important economic development? NO, not all tribes welcome tourism into their communities. Some tribes tolerate visitation, but would prefer to keep it at a minimum, while other tribes embrace tourism and choose to develop attractions to keep the tourists on their reservation for a time. There are many approaches to tourism development management; in the best cases tribes have succeeded in using tourism for economic development while still affirming community values and cultural integrity.
Exploring Tourism Markets or Niches Nature-based or eco-tourism Emphasizes the natural environment, flora and fauna, ethno-botany and observing and learning more about the natural world. This form of tourism respects the land and leaves only a small footprint, ideally an undetectable impact on the natural world. Natural attractions include: Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs, Beaches, Springs, Streams, Swamps, Waterfalls, Creeks, Ponds, Tidal Flats, Islands, Canyons, Caves, Gorges, Unusual geological formations, Scenic landscapes, Forests (Tribal, National, Sate), Gems or unusual stones, Fossils, Fall foliage, Mountains, Hills, Cliffs, Badlands, Desert, Bogs, Bayous, Sand Dunes, Sea shells, Valleys, Wildlife, Meadows, Unusual trees or plants, Sanctuaries/refuges/preserves, Prairies and grasslands. Activities include: Cultural sites, Hiking, Bicycling, Camping, Educational, Walking Tours, Fishing, Photography, Archeology/History, Bird watching, Horseback Riding, Wildlife viewing, Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking. Jobs could include: Tour guide, Horse wrangler, Historian, Groundskeeper, Outfitter, Website Maintenance, Tour planner/organizer, Receptionist, Driver. Note: It is important to make lists of Natural attractions because many of these natural wonders need protection, not promotion. Part of responsible tourism development is to know the areas that need protection. This makes it easier to find and develop the areas that can be opened for activity, while diverting attention and interest from the places you want to protect. (Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3, D1.) Cultural tourism Focuses on the fine arts and museums. Attractions include: arts and crafts shows, interpretive centers and museums, fine dining and Spas/Hot Springs/Health retreats. Jobs could include: Artist (from the traditional to the contemporary arts), Curator, Historian, Vendor, Tour Guide, Chef, Restaurant owner, Waiter/Waitress, Massage therapist, Hairstylist, Baker, Gift Shop owner, Manicurist, Receptionist, Marketing Specialist, Computer graphics designer, Printer/Publisher, Website Maintenance. (Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3, D1.) Heritage Tourism Focuses on the story of people and places told through interpretation of cultural landscapes and preservation or restoration of historic structures. Attractions: Historic buildings, Historic Sites (Famous event sites, Battlefields, Pictograph caves), powwows, Interpretive centers, Scenic overlooks, Scenic turnouts, arts and crafts shows, flea markets, Antique shops, Learning centers, Archeological sites, tipi encampments, Guided tours, Gardens, Ranches, Music festivals, Roadside food stands/produce stands. Jobs could include: Gardener, Ranch hand, Encampment organizer, Drum groups, Dancers, Beadworker, Retail of all kinds, Ethno-botanist, Architect. (Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3, D1.) Cultural Heritage Tourism Cultural heritage tourism is a combination of aspects of eco-tourism, cultural tourism and heritage tourism. Successful cultural heritage tourism:
Community involvement is essential because it builds a framework that will:
(Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3,4. Original Source: Lori Pourier, LLP Associates, Rapid City, SD interview with tribal leaders and members) Recreation Tourism Recreation Tourism is very common and is activity driven. This would include adventure tourism, which often involves strenuous, sometimes perilous activity. Recreation tourism can be less environmentally sound and the landscape is often impacted. Activities include: Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Mountain bicycling, Hunting, Motorcycling, Snowmobile activity, Rock climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Boating, Camping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Wildlife viewing, Repelling. Note: Some of these activities could be considered dangerous. It is important to understand the risks involved with these activities. All involved individuals must be professional and highly trained and abide by all safety policies and procedures. It is also important to raise awareness among local hospitals, police departments, and fire departments in order to create a safe and responsible community network. (Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3, D1.) Gaming Gaming is a part of tourism and hospitality development. There are people who plan their vacations just so they can visit a casino. Jobs could include: Receptionists, Game hall attendants, Waiters, Waitresses, Chefs, Janitors, Entertainers and more. (Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3) Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry goes hand in hand with tourism development. A community’s ability to be hospitable and accommodate visitors is a big factor to determine the success of tourism development in their community. The hospitality industry is generally defined as lodging and dining. Often times, lodges and restaurants can serve as attractions in themselves. Jobs could include: Receptionists, Managers, Hotel staff, Entrepreneurs (Small & Specialty business), Entertainers, Waiters, Waitresses, Chefs, Wholesale food sellers, Maids, Janitors, Gardeners, Marketing specialists, Website Developer, Hosts, Architects, Construction workers, Garbage disposal, Bakers. Note: Hotels on reservations are not subject to the state’s bed tax. This 4% bed tax serves as a mechanism to raise money for the state to promote tourism. There is not a significant financial commitment from the state to support the tribes in tourism promotion and development because the tribes do not have a bed tax law. (Tribal Tourism Toolkit - For the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and Other Tribal Opportunities, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 3) |
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