Tourism and Special Events in Small Communities: A Case Study of Cedar Key, Florida

PRESENTATION

	Speakers:
	Scott Williams Ph.D. Student University of Florida		Brijesh Thapa, Ph.D. University of Florida
	Description: For many small communities, capitalizing on the lucrative tourism market proves to be difficult due to such factors as geographical isolation, lack of attractions, or lack of publicity. Cedar Key, a small coastal town on Florida's Gulf Coast, provides a valuable case study of innovative ways in which a small isolated town has capitalized on special events and festivals in stimulating interest in the area as a tourist attraction. Twice each year, the town hosts a weekend seafood festival, which brings in thousands of visitors to sample local seafood, showcase and sell local crafts, and visit local natural and historical attractions. The vast majority of the townspeople assist in hosting these two events. Conversations and interviews with local residents and business owners demonstrate that these festivals are popular because they result in high volume of tourist visitation, and generate publicity to sustain business throughout the remainder of the year. Research for this study was conducted on-site during the festival in the fall of 2003, and consisted of interviews with long-term residents, day and overnight visitors, business owners and out-of-town vendors. Through the presentation and subsequent discussion, the paper will address issues involved in tourism planning for small communities, and how such events can both generate tourist revenue in the short and long term and preserve the unique character of the area. Delivery Methods: Powerpoint presentation of Cedar Key and local issues in tourism planning Facilitation of group discussion on issues and strategies relating to tourism in small communities