Regional Tourism Efforts: The Original Florida

	Speakers:
	Lori Pennington-Gray Assistant Professor (Ph.D.), Center for Tourism Research and Development Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism University of Florida		Stephen M. Holland Associate Professor (Ph.D.)
	Brijesh Thapa Assistant Professor (Ph.D.)
	Description: Learning Objectives: To educate the audience on the benefits of a voluntary "regional" tourism effort To discuss the goals of a voluntary regional tourism effort To discuss the options for funding a voluntary regional tourism effort The dominant image of Florida constitutes theme parks and beaches. However, the inventory of tourism attractions in the North Central region of the State is largely nature-based, and represents 2.5% of the total share of visitors. The region is also known as the "Original Florida," and is characterized by natural attractions such as parks, cold springs, and rivers. Not surprisingly, about 30% of visitors to the North Central region typically come to participate in varied outdoor recreational activities in the area.In December, 1996, the eleven counties of north central Florida joined together in forming the North Central Florida Economic Development Partnership. The formation of the regional partnership set in motion the opportunity for the Region to take full advantage of the re-alignment of functions of the Florida Department of Commerce into the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development within the Executive Office of the Governor and the creation of Enterprise Florida, Inc. The mission of the regional partnership is to promote the economic vitality of the rural communities of North Central Florida through public/private partnerships. The regional partnership's mission is to coordinate, complement, and enhance those economic development programs. The regional partnership requires financial or in-kind commitments from the private sector, which will establish public/private partnerships. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the purpose, mission, goals, and options for funding for a voluntary regional tourism effort. Delivery Methods: Methods will include slide show of the region, Presentation of the history, role and funding efforts of the Original Florida, Discussion/interaction from group on funding opportunities for Original Florida.