| Kathy Hanna-Smith discusses tourism strategies during the meeting last week with both Green River officials and other tourism partners. |
Several tourism partners and Green River officials gathered at the CEU Prehistoric Museum and the Castle Country Regional Information Center last week to discuss ways of increasing the effectiveness of promoting tourism in Emery and Carbon counties. The meeting was organized by Kathy Hanna-Smith, Carbon County Travel Bureau, who also introduced the new full-time information specialist, Chanel Atwood.
Some of the dignitaries attending the luncheon meeting included CCRIC (Castle Country Regional Information Center) Board chairperson, Joe Gallagher as well as Dennis Willis, Bureau of Land Management; Duane Taylor and Pam Miller, College of Eastern Utah and CEU Prehistoric Museum; Norma Dean Hawkinson, Emery County Travel Bureau and Green River Mayor Dale Johnson. In addition there were another 15 business leaders associated with the tourism industry from Green River.
The whole focus of the meeting was partnering. The discussion centered around businesses and agencies joining together to outline opportunities, values and discuss resources available to expand their services.
Joe Gallagher opened the discussion with a welcome and overview of CCRIC.
“We want our natural resources to be a source of pride,” he said. “We are too small to work by ourselves, but together we can make it happen.”
He encouraged all groups and businesses to get involved, adding, “This is what we have, the land is what its all about.”
Chanel also echoed the partnering theme, discussing her aspirations of networking with government agencies and businesses.
“Most people that come here and stop at the museum are from the Wasatch Front,” said Smith, adding, “we are working hard at educating them.” She talked about increasing her efforts to distribute brochures and also act as a tour guide encouraging people to explore the many opportunities this area provides.
“We are trying to project the wonderful recreational opportunities that are available and rather than stay for a couple hours, work at keeping the guests for a couple days.”
Chanel told the group that it would take quite a bit of work to make it happen.
“This is a monumental effort and it will take all of our hard work to make it happen,” she added.
Kathy Hanna-Smith also lead a discussion about new partners and funding sources, said, “this is a starting point of keeping tourism alive in our two counties.” She showed her excitement of having Chanel on board and reminded the group that this is the first time they have had a full time informational specialist to lead the efforts.
The group from Green River represented a diverse tourism area, from the Chamber of Commerce, lodging opportunities, pack trips, the museum, airport, city council, and web development.