Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: (1)Economic impact estimation from public dollar investments in transportation infrastructure and nature-based destination projects has continued to be in high demand to understand the nature of investment impacts on local economies. Work in 2010 focused on refining two previous initiatives that were met with positive reviews--impacts from regional public airports and the regional economic impacts from Minnesota's largest zoological garden in the Twin Cities area. (2)Past work demonstrated that rural areas of Minnesota, including the forested regions of the state in particular, are heavily dependent on the income derived from visitors to their regions. The mode of transportation people use to get to rural areas impacts varies, though Minnesota is known as a "drive-to" state. While much is known about the economic impacts from visitors coming to regions by car, there was no means to readily assess economic impacts from those arriving by air until an economic impact calculator was developed in 2005 for use by the state's 136 general aviation, publicly sponsored airports (except Minneapolis/St. Paul International, Duluth International and Rochester International). Measuring the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts from all airport-related activity, the calculator included the immediate expenditures of all airport-related business spending, including visitors buying meals and staying at local lodging. The sum of direct, indirect and induced economic impacts were reported in terms of gross output in (dollar) sales in the economy and the number of jobs, full and part-time, that are associated with given levels of tourist activity across the entire economy. After testing, the calculator was moved to the MN Department of Transportation/ Aeronautics web server for public use. After several years of experience and statewide acceptance, new models of the Minnesota economy were run in 2010 to update the database for the MnDOT website calculator (expected to be updated online in early 2011). This research leveraged past survey research data by subregions of the state that detailed how visitors spend money locally. (3) In 2007, the economic impacts from visitor activity at, and capital construction/site improvements to the Minnesota Zoo were estimated and evaluated. Located in the southwest Metro community of Apple Valley, MN, Dakota County, the Minnesota Zoo is considered one of the nation's top zoos. Currently caring for 504 species and home to more than 2,400 animals, the Zoo features exhibits such as a tropical rain forest, marine center, northern tundra, woodland forest and a family farm. At the time of the initial investigation, new Zoo additions like the Minnesota Trail and Russia's Grizzly Coast enhanced the facility and visitor experience with a broadening array of nature-based educational opportunities. In 2010, another assessment was made using the national input-output model IMPLAN to model Metro impacts in the 7-county area surrounding Minneapolis and St. Paul. This time, Zoo asset preservation investments and a multiphase Heart of the Zoo renovation/transformation project were included in the impact assessment. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested and lake natural areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. The opportunity enhances and links a more than $11 billion industry to these rural areas to diversify struggling and shifting economies. Better understanding of why and how people come to forested regions will help future marketing efforts, where growth is expected to also come from more urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using varied modes of transportation to access forested areas. This research suggests strong program improvements and investments needed to enhance transportation systems, thereby increasing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its market share of the projected steady growth in leisure and business travel slated for the decade ahead. The Minnesota Zoological Gardens' economic impacts to the 7-county Metro Area using proven input-output impact estimation techniques stem from 2009 gate totals of 1,355,260 visitors, leading to the annual impacts from operations and visitors generating $113.9 million in gross output, over 1,100 jobs and $61.1 million in value-added to the local Metro economy on an annual basis. Further, publicly bonded investments in the Zoo's asset preservation investments and the multiphase Heart of the Zoo renovation/transformation project are expected to generate an additional $119.9 million in gross output and $59 million in value-added. This information is critical to legislators and the state's governor as they assess and prioritize public investments at the state level during critical shortages in funding public projects.
Publications
- Erkkila, D.L. 2010. Economic Impacts from the Minnesota Zoo 2009. Final report to the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, January 28, 2010. College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sicences, North Central Research & Outreach Center. 8p.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Appointment changed from research to administration. No major progress. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Appointment changed from research to administration. No major progress.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Appointment changed from research to administration. No major progress.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Nature-based tourism providers from public and private organizations, outdoor recreation resource managers, and public policymakers.
Impacts
No major progress was made during this reporting period as the PI's appointment changed during this time.
Publications
- Erkkila, D.L. 2007. Economic Impacts from the Minnesota Zoo. Final report to the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, October 22, 2007. College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sicences, North Central Research & Outreach Center. 7p.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
The focus has been on assessing and documenting the impacts that rural tourism development has on forested, rural landscapes, including economic development at the community or regional level. Those impacts have included seasonal home development, lake tourism and transportation systems, including highway and air travel. Work is now shifting to focus on the tourism sector in sustaining growth while, at the same time, protecting the environment. As communities struggle with the economic decline of historically strong sectors, they are more willing to attract any development that offers replacement jobs and new economic activity. If adequate plans or zoning controls are not in place, development can proceed at a pace faster than the area can accommodate or its residents accept. Further, infrastructure needs to service the growing tourism industry may be ignored or overlooked and important community values and other social and human capital concerns might also be ignored
in the development process, difficult to repair later on. As economic goals typically drive development, the resulting economic impacts of tourism will continue to be of interest to elected officials and the industry itself. Work in the last decade on eco-efficiency in private sector development, for example, suggests that profitability and environmental improvements can run on parallel tracks and is an approach worth exploring in a tourism and community-level context. As this work moves forward, assessing data adequacy for assessments and better understanding of the relationships between community tourism development and the resource tradeoffs that support that development will be critical. The justifications for this are the pressing economic, environmental, and social imperatives that are moving communities in northern Minnesota to respond to increasing tourism demand by increasing development. These imperatives are occurring amidst increasing environmental/economic concerns on
public forests and issues of community economic and environmental sustainability.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested and lake natural areas of Minnesota continues to mean increased economic activity for rural communities. New data shows that the opportunity remains to enhance and link a $12 billion industry to these rural areas to diversify struggling and shifting economies. The sustainability of growth is what future research should uncover while still allowing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see steady-to-increased market share of the projected steady growth in leisure and business travel slated for the decade ahead.
Publications
- Erkkila, D.L. 2006. Local Considerations in Marketing and Developing Lake Destination Areas. In: Lake Tourism - An Integrated Approach to Lacustrine Tourism Systems, eds. C. M. Hall and T. Harkonen. Clevedon, UK: Channel View Publications. 235p.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
The rural areas of Minnesota, including the forested regions of the state in particular, are heavily dependent on the income derived from visitors to their regions. The mode of transportation people use to get to rural areas impacts varies, though Minnesota is known as a drive-to state, meaning private vehicles are the dominant mode of travel. While much is known about the economic impacts from visitors coming to regions by car, there has been no means to readily assess economic impacts from those arriving by air. Since the deregulation of the US airlines in the 1970s, air service to rural areas of the state has been declining. In recent years, this decline has become severely pronounced as legacy carriers struggle to restructure and survive. Nevertheless, local decision-making bodies making investments to enhance air facilities and infrastructure in their region need good data. After 21-months of study, an economic impact calculator was developed for use by the
state's 136 general aviation, publicly sponsored airports (except Minneapolis/St. Paul International, Duluth International and Rochester International). The calculator measures the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts from all airport-related activity. This includes the immediate expenditures of all airport-related business spending, including visitors buying meals and staying at local lodging. Firms providing such goods and services also require supplies and services to keep their businesses operational. These needs fuel additional indirect economic impacts in the local economy as business buy from other businesses to get inputs for their sales to tourists. Finally, all of the affected businesses using business earnings to pay employees wages and salaries that pump up local economies as employees spend disposable income on consumer goods and services. These induced impacts complete the economic cycle stemming from visitor impacts and airport business enterprises. The sum of
these direct, indirect and induced economic impacts are typically reported in terms of gross output in (dollar) sales in the economy and the number of jobs, full and part-time, that are associated with given levels of tourist activity across the entire economy. This study involved site visits to 51 airports, meetings with airport managers, Fixed Base Operators (FBO), and Metropolitan Council officials, as well as data collection of financials from airport sponsors and FBOs. Once tested, the calculator was moved to the Minnesota Department of Transportation/Aeronautics server (http://dotapp1.dot.state.mn.us:8080/aeic/main.htm.) The web-based calculator provides significant new information to improve local investment decisions. Although the current model provides a good estimation of FBO expenditures, greater accuracy could be obtained with more data. Graduate student years = 0.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested and lake natural areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. The opportunity is enhancing and linking a $10 billion industry to these rural areas to diversify struggling and shifting economies. Better understanding of why and how people come to forested regions will help future marketing efforts, where growth is expected to also come from more urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using varied modes of transportation to access forested areas. This research suggests strong program improvements and investments needed to enhance transportation systems, thereby increasing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its market share of the projected steady growth in leisure and business travel slated for the decade ahead.
Publications
- Gartner, W.C., D. L. Erkkila and J. Hyunkuk. 2005. Development of a Web-Based Economic Impact Calculator for Small and Medium Size Airports. Minnesota Department of Transportation Report No. 2005-19. University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Exploratory research has evaluated the needs of rural regions of Minnesota that are heavily dependent on travelers seeking lake destinations, with particular emphasis on the value added services and marketing aspects of lake destinations. Not all lake tourism destination areas are the same and it is assumed that different locales are at different stages in the product development cycle, have different markets and different opportunities. Research shows that despite differences, common themes emerge because of the common draw--lakes. Further, lake-destination tourism brings other influential groups into play, suggesting that successful development and marketing of lake-destination areas may be more complicated, and requiring careful attention to all stakeholders' needs. Primary stakeholders in tourism development have always been the customer and business providing the touristic good or service. Understanding the customer's motivations for travel, needs and travel
preferences have been central to development of new products and connecting those products to the customer through effective marketing. Lake image and branding are ingredients of the marketing campaign trade. It is often assumed that if the customers are coming, the needs of the business owner are met. Because lakes are frequently found away from large population centers, however, value-added developers often seeks to find ways to attract and retain visitors to lake regions for extended periods, creating more host-guest interaction. Secondary stakeholders, then, are host community residents and, in particular, owners of shoreline property around the marketed lakes. Paying attention to their needs is important as well. Emerging research and experience in more developed areas is pointing to common themes and needs that lake destination areas should consider. Evidence suggests that pursuing tourism development in these areas that is not sustainable could come at a high cost. A broader
scheme that integrates all stakeholders' needs should be employed in value-added development and marketing at the local level. Research and experience in Minnesota's lake destination areas suggest the following themes and needs: (1) Involvement and consideration of all stakeholders are critical to sustainable lake destination development and marketing; (2) There is a strong thread of common environmental sensitivity woven through all stakeholders in the lake destination area experience; (3) Regions and communities interested in developing value-added opportunities for lake-destination tourism will greatly benefit by investing in market research and the development of strategic/master plans the engage all stakeholders in the lake destination product process. A web-based economic impact measurement tool for small and medium size commercial and general aviation airports in Minnesota is also being finalized.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested and lake natural areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. The opportunity is enhancing and linking a $10 billion industry to these rural areas to diversify struggling and shifting economies. Better understanding of why people come to forested regions will help future marketing efforts, where growth is expected to also come from more urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using highways to access forested areas. This research also points to viable policy and program improvements that will enhance both segments of the transportation system, thereby increasing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its market share of the projected steady growth in leisure and business travel.
Publications
- Gartner, W.C., and D.L. Erkkila. 200x. Attributes and amenities of Minnesota?s highway transportation system that are important to tourists. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Washington DC. (in press)
- Erkkila, D.L. 200x. Local Considerations in Marketing and Developing Lake Destination Areas. In: Lake Tourism: An Integrated Approach to Lacustrine Tourism Systems, eds., Harkonen, T. and C.M. Hall. Clevedon, UK: Channel View Publications. (in press)
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Primary focus continued in transportation issues related to moving travelers to and from destination areas. A highway study looking at questions including what tourists need from a highway system when going to or returning from their destination. This study attempted to extend existing research to encompass users of both scenic designated and nondesignated highways in the state of Minnesota. Inquiry dealt with user preferences for highway features: attributes, amenities, and aesthetics. It also extended the use of benefit-based studies, a staple of recreation research, into the field of highway user studies. Eleven state road segments were chosen for analysis with highway users queried at rest stops and other locations. Natural scenery consistently shows up as an interesting feature of the road segment regardless of which road segment was examined. When features of the natural scenery were examined, items such as lakes and rivers, or forests showed a high degree of
interest to the travelers. Findings here suggest there is strong evidence that many travelers are looking for a commercial-free corridor, with commercial establishments confined to communities. A new study has been initiated to focus on the economic benefits of regional airports to rural communities. Much progress has made recently in developing economic impact measurement tools for other types of "difficult to measure" activities (e.g., festival and events); these tools all require the establishment of standards drawn from and based on present local economic activity. This project is developing such a measurement tool for small and medium size commercial and general aviation airports in Minnesota. The tool will be web-based and it is envisioned that users of the economic impact tool will only need to know basic, baseline data, like the types and number of businesses associated with their airport.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested natural areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. The opportunity is enhancing and linking a $9.7 billion industry to the forested rural areas to diversify struggling and shifting economies. Better understanding of why people come to forested regions will help future marketing efforts, where growth is expected to also come from more urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using highways to access forested areas. This research also points to viable policy and program improvements that will enhance both segments of the transportation system, thereby increasing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its market share of the projected steady growth in leisure and business travel slated for the decade ahead.
Publications
- Gartner, W.C., L.L. Love and D.L. Erkkila. 2003. Attributes and amenities of Minnesota's highway system that are important to tourists. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension Service Tourism Center. (MnDOT Final Report 2003-22).
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Research considered communities economically tied to nature-based tourism. A significant 12-month visitor profile survey project in six communities across the state, including four in forested regions, was completed. Results are helping understand why people visited, what it would take to attract more to stay longer and spend more, and what an individual business can do to increase its market share even if the size of the market does not expand. The survey questionnaire was distributed to visitors in a variety of places including gas stations, motels, restaurants, attractions, etc. Business and leisure travelers were identified and profiled for each community/regions. Results are being disseminated to communities and business owners to consider how business practices should be changed to accommodate traveler services and business profit enhancement. Community tourism development organizations (e.g., chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus) are being
encouraged to consider research results to refine marketing plans with the information provided and in the communities within forested regions, better understand the draw to these resources and how to better market to these customers. Individual businesses are being encouraged to develop market profiles of their target markets and/or conduct feasibility studies using the data. Also completed and drafted in final form is a highway transportation study looking at what tourists need from a highway system when going to or returning from their destination. Focus group methodology was used to develop these questions. Information obtained from focus group discussions identified a number of key issues subsequently addressed through an intercept survey. One key issue was the highway designations (e.g. scenic, historic) and what they mean to the traveler and their driving behavior. The study also dealt with issues of road width, road service, rest stops, relationship to communities and
services, and speed. Finally, a study evaluating the economic and social benefits of coldwater angling in Minnesota was completed. That study determined overall the fishing experience satisfaction and expenditures and benefits for five different types of coldwater angling in regions across the state. Graduate students = 0
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. The question is how to link $9.7 billion tourism and travel industry to the forested rural areas to diversify struggling and shifting economies. Understanding why people come to forested regions will help future marketing efforts, where growth is expected to also come from urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using highway access. This research points to viable policy and program improvements to enhance the transportation system, thereby increasing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its market share of the projected steady growth in leisure and business travel slated for the decade ahead. Further, the economic and social benefits of nature-based activities like coldwater angling aid resource managers in understanding the linkages of these resources to local economies.
Publications
- Gartner, W.C., L.L. Love, D.L. Erkkila. and D.C. Fulton. 2002. Economic impact and social benefits study of coldwater angling in Minnesota. Prepared for the MN Department of Natural Resources. UM Extension Service Tourism Center and MN Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit. St. Paul, MN. 126p.
- Love, L.L., W.C. Gartner, and D.L. Erkkila. 2002. Study of Current Area Tourist: Customer Profiles. Prepared for MN Office of Tourism. UM Extension Service Tourism Center. St. Paul, MN. 156p.
- D.L. Erkkila, L. L. Love, V.L. Long, K. Gustafson, and C. Messer. 2002. Evaluation of the Tourism Market and Development Potential of the Itasca Area. Report prepared for Depot Commons, Inc. UM Extension Service Tourism Center. St. Paul, MN. 75p. plus appendicies.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
A 12-month survey project in six communities across the state, including four in forested regions is nearing completion. Questions posed to visitors include why they are visiting, what it would take to bring in more tourists of the type that stay longer and spend more, and what could an individual business could do to increase its market share even if the size of the market does not expand. Work is underway to identify and profile tourists to these communities. The questionnaire developed was distributed to visitors in a variety of places including gas stations, motels, restaurants, attractions, etc. When the study is complete it should be apparent (1) why a particular destination was selected; (2) the types of activities visitors engaged in during their stay; (3) how much money was spent and on what; and (4) the identification of community tourism development issues as seen through the eyes of its visitors. Community tourism development organizations (e.g., chambers
of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus) will be able to refine marketing plans with the information provided and in the communities within forested regions, better understand the draw to these resources and how to better market to these customers. Additionally, individual businesses will be able to develop profiles of their target markets and/or conduct feasibility studies using the data. Work is also progressing on a (highway) transportation study looking at questions including what tourists need from a highway system when going to or returning from their destination. Information obtained from focus group discussions identified a number of key issues to be addressed through further research. A questionnaire has been developed and is being used to help answer what specific highway designations (e.g. scenic, historic) mean to the traveler and how that affects their driving behavior. It also deals with issues of road width, road service, rest stops, relationship to communities and
services, and speed. Signage, which was brought up in all focus groups, is not a major aspect of the effort. Although a very important part of traveling, signage issues are seen to be changing rapidly as newer vehicles use computers and service providers to provide information. Graduate student = 1.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested natural areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. Better understanding of why people come to forested regions will help future marketing. Growth will also come from more urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using our highway system. This research points to policy and program improvements that will enhance the transportation system. Improvements should enhance the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its share of the projected growth in leisure and business travel anticipated for the decade ahead.
Publications
- Gartner, W.G., D.L. Erkkila, and L. Limback. 2001. State Barriers to Increasing Share of the International Tourist Market. Annals of Tourism Research (in press).
- Gartner, W.C., L.J. Limback, and D.L. Erkkila. 2000. Barriers to Increasing Minnesota's Share of the International Tourist Market. University of Minnesota Extension Service, Tourism Center. St. Paul, MN. 86p.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Increasing leisure and business travel between urban and rural, forested areas of Minnesota can increase economic returns to rural communities. This means efficient and effective transportation systems are critical to the economies of all rural communities. One recently completed research project and another underway suggest ways in which rural areas can increase their market share of travelers using air and highway transportation modes. Many of Minnesota's overseas holiday visitors (leisure travelers who are not visiting friends and relatives) are on driving tour vacations once they arrive by air and are visiting many states on their trips. One finding points to a lack of an intermodal transportation system that could serve to move non-driving visitors to Greater Minnesota destinations. Further, Minnesota lacks transportation links from its communities to its rural resorts, vacation properties and its natural resource-based tourism facilities. Amtrak and shuttle
service serves the state to many destinations but these systems are not packaged for tourists or promoted. Research recommendations include a need to continue support of intermodal transportation, especially fast options to primary tourist attractions and destinations, both within Minnesota and to Greater Minnesota destinations. Another recommendation is the development of partnerships with shuttle services between the large urban airport and Greater Minnesota communities and development of information to be included in tourist brochures on how to use them. Focus group work in a new research project looking at highway traveler needs points to many areas where visitors cite existing travel improvements or needs. For example, visitors use slower, more scenic routes either on their way to, or while at a destination, but not on the return trip. They would like the option of either bypassing towns or passing through them along the way. Visitor trip purpose, time of day and schedule all
determine what kind of road experience a visitor wants. Focus group participants spoke to safety issues relating to their trips. For example, they agree that road surfaces have been improving and more passing lanes are needed on many of the tourist routes in Minnesota. Others mentioned how their travel behavior had changed because of traffic and congestion. Also, tourists are frequently looking for a learning experience and are interested in a wide variety of resources: culture, heritage, wildlife and geography of the surroundings. Many would take routes that were designated as special interest routes. Graduate students = 0.
Impacts
Increased visitation to the forested areas of Minnesota means increased economic activity for rural communities. Some of that growth will come from higher levels of international visitors arriving by air. Growth will also come from more urban Minnesota and out-of-state travelers using our highway system. This research points to viable policy and program improvements that will enhance both segments of the transportation system, thereby increasing the likelihood that rural Minnesota will see an increase in its market share of the projected tremendous growth in leisure and business travel.
Publications
- Erkkila, D.L. (2000) Trends in tourism economic impact estimation methods. In: Gartner, W. and Lime, D.W.(eds.) Trends in Outdoor Recreation, Leisure and Tourism. CAB International, Wallingford, UK. Pp. 235-244.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Efficient and effective transportation systems are critical to the economies of all rural communities. Trends showing increasing travel for recreation or business purposes between urban and rural, forested areas of Minnesota (including growth in international visitation) can increase economic returns to businesses within these rural communities. Study results in two areas suggest ways that increased visitation of forested areas could occur. Reduction of certain barriers in and around Minnesota's international airport can increase international visitation to the state and redirect visitors to outstate areas. Included here is improving the airport's information services for visibility and access for the international visitor; enhancing the airport's information services to meet the needs of foreign travelers (e.g. Do staff have experience and knowledge of outstate tourism opportunities?), and matching delivery of services to international visitors' expectations
regarding ground transportation options linking the airport to other regions, identifying where improvements to current practices could increase the number of connecting passengers who would use the system to see more of the state. The second area of research involves enhancing the amenities and attributes that travelers from the urban centers expect as they move to the rural, forested regions via ground travel modes. Qualitative focus group research has been determined to be the best method to provide tourists' perspectives and input on critical highway travel issues. Rural lodging establishments will provide a source for visitors still on trips. Research will try to measure both a tourist's preference for and actual experience with a highway feature. Comparing these two measures provides an indication of the gap that exists between current road experience and desired road experience. The size and direction of the gap indicates potential problem areas where Minnesota roads are not
meeting the expectations of travelers. Issues to be covered by the research include: how different types of tourists (defined both by purpose of trip and by type of vehicle or trailer they are driving) categorize roads and what their expectations are for each category; whether travelers expect a consistent experience in regards to the design and engineered elements and maintenance of roads, and; what informational needs tourists have about the roads and amenities along them. (E.g., What is appropriate content and how much detail is needed for a tourist to have a good experience along a scenic, forested route? Where and how should information be disseminated to be most effective?)
Impacts
International visitors come to Minnesota by air. Their travel to the state offers a significant economic growth opportunity and getting those travelers out of the airport (urban area) to outstate forested regions offers a significant growth opportunity for rural communities. Reducing barriers that keep them from venturing out of urban areas and enhancing their travel experience to outstate regions will facilitate spreading the economic wealth provided by this opportunity ro disadvantaged, yet prime recreational rural forested areas.
Publications
- Erkkila, D.L. 2000. Trends in tourism economic impact estimation methods. In: Trends in Outdoor Recreation, Leisure and Tourism, eds. Gartner, W., and D. W. Lime. CAB International, Wallingford, UK. (in press)
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Transportation systems have long been known to be critical to the economic underpinnings of all rural communities. Increasing travel to rural, forested areas of Minnesota and, in particular, accessing the tremendous growth in international visitation to the US, could increase economic returns to businesses within these rural communities. The current study looks to achieve: 1) Identification and reduction of transportation barriers to increase international visitors to Minnesota, enhancing what was a $1.1 billion gross receipt business for the state in 1996; 2) Improved inter-modal transportation system within the state; 3) More effective state and community marketing techniques that better focus on the needs of the international traveler; and 4) Improved international trade climate for Minnesota businesses due to higher volumes of international travelers. The study thus far has used a "committee of experts" to categorize transportation barriers. One, for example, is
air travel pricing. Air prices have been investigated and determined to be a significant barrier, insofar as air travel costs to Minnesota are higher than to other major US airport entry points. Another barrier, the national Passenger Service Act of 1886, has been identified as a hindrance to international visitation that will require legislative remedy. Its port-of-call requirements currently limit international visitor travel to Minnesota via passenger ships on the Great Lakes. Currently, research activity involves investigating ground transportation barriers that inhibit moving visitors from the Minneapolis/St. Paul international airport to outstate forested areas. Comparisons will be made with six other comparable airport environs to identify ways to increase visitor layovers and excursions within Minnesota. Future research work will also look at the role of "tourist friendly" information centers to facilitate international visitor movement to rural areas. A new, related study was
funded in 1998 and is being planned to identify key amenities and attributes demanded by the traveling public on public roadways. This study will also determine the importance of these amenities and attributes in present vacation-related trips (to forested regions of the state), as well as their influence in future vacation travel decisions -- all key ingredients to enhancing travel to natural areas around the state.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
As tourism research in Minnesota is in a formative state, the newly developed statewide tourism research agenda is focusing on specific gaps in the level of understanding of the tourism and travel industry. In particular, the agenda-building process acknowledged the strength and role of forested, natural areas as an attraction for the traveling public. We have known that transportation systems are critical to the economic underpinnings of all rural communities. Current study efforts have suggested that the rural, forested areas of Minnesota could tap into the tremendous growth in international visitation to the US if certain barriers that are part of, or encountered by using, transportation systems are minimized or eliminated. This finding was key to the a new research project now underway with the following expected outcomes: 1) Identification and reduction of transportation barriers to increase international visitors to Minnesota, enhancing what was a $1.1 billion
gross receipt business for the state in 1995; 2) Improved inter-modal transportation system within the state; 3) More effective state and community marketing techniques that better focus on the needs of the international traveler; and 4) Improved international trade climate for Minnesota businesses due to higher volumes of international travelers. Major points of entry for international visitors tend to be on the east and west coasts and several Midwest urban centers. Barrier reduction can mean that the international visitor that never strays from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, for example, may be able to make new connections to Northern Minnesota's forested regions, thereby helping tourism economies in those rural areas where nature-based tourism is growing. Related to this study is an additional research project that is in review whose objectives are to identify the key amenities and attributes demanded by the traveling public. The study will also determine the importance of these
amenities and attributes in present vacation-related trips, as well as their influence in deciding future vacation travel, important ingredients to enhancing travel to natural areas around the state.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Initial study explaining the relationship between natural resource management and tourism in Minnesota surfaced an immediate need: a survey instrument that could be used on forest visitors to determine whether visual quality objectives (best management practices) have been met in areas where harvesting occurred. Work on that began, as well as continuing investigation of the strength and role of forested, natural areas as an attraction for community and regional visitors as it relates to the retention and expansion of rural tourism businesses. Because of a lack of statewide attention and resources for nature based and other tourism research, a research agenda was developed for the state's tourism and travel industry. The agenda focuses on both existing and future gaps in the level of understanding of the tourism and travel industry. Without precedence, the agenda identified the key information needs or issues that, once found or resolved, could strategically place the
industry where it needs to be in the next 5-10 years. The agenda reflects the efforts of focus group and other information gathering processes to identify the preeminent research needs for Minnesota's tourism and travel industry. It establishes industrywide priorities, considers the diversity of the industry, was developed from industry input, and identifies potential funding sources.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Erkkila, D. 1996. Mississippi Valley Partners Business Retention and Expansion Program: Potential strategies and actions report. Minnesota Extension Service, Tourism Center.
- Erkkila, D, GW Morse. 1996. Sustaining vintage village tourism: Priority strategies. Mississippi Valley Partners Retention and Expansion Program Summary Report of Priority Projects. Minnesota Extension Service, Tourism Center.
- Erkkila, DL, GW Morse. 1996. Mississippi Valley Partners Business Retention and Expansion Program: Preliminary research report. Minnesota Extension Service, Tourism Center.
- Marcouiller, DW, GP Green, SC Deller, NR Sumathi, DL Erkkila. 1996. Recreational homes and regional development: A case study from the Upper Great Lakes states. Pub. G3651. University of Wisconsin-Extension.
- Erkkila, DL, WC Gartner. 1996. Minnesota tourism and travel industry research agenda. Minnesota Extension Service, Tourism Center.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Research to define the relationship between natural resource management and tourism in Minnesota began in mid-1994. The first phase included convening a focus group of key individuals from the forest products and tourism industries to gather information on how the two industries interrelate and positively (or negatively) impact each other. Results from the group effort were used to design a survey of Minnesota tourism business owners/operators in two natural resource-based communities. Respondents were asked to indicate their perceptions about the relative importance of tourism-related attractions and activities that may be positively or negatively affected by timber management practices in northern Minnesota within the next 5-10 years. Questionnaire results identified some of the potential areas where actions public managers take help or hinder the landscape that also serves as an attraction for the traveling and recreating visitor. A follow-up focus group session was
conducted in one of the surveyed communities to further assess the tourism business owners' survey responses. The objective was to better understand those forest management actions that may be viewed as hindrances to tourism development, thereby providng insight on potential future mitigation strategies.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- ERKKILA, D., L. FREDRICKSON. 1995. Summary report of focus group session on the interrelationships that exist between the forest products industry and the tourism industry in northern Minnesota. Working paper.
- FREDRICKSON, L., D. ERKKILA. 1995. Summary report of Grand Marais focus group session: Interrelationships that exist between the forest products industry and the tourism industry in northern Minnesota. Working paper.
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Research to define the relationship between natural resource management and tourism in Minnesota began in mid-1994. This followed completion of a final state (generic environmental impact statement) report on the impacts of projected timber harvests. The first phase has included convening a focus group of key individuals from the forest products and tourism industries to gather information on how the two industries interrelate and positively (or negatively) impact each other. Results from the group effort were used to design a survey that will go out to approximately 150 Minnesota tourism business owners/operators who are being asked to indicate their perceptions about the relative importance of tourism-related attractions and activities that may be positively or negatively affected by timber management practices in northern Minnesota within the next 5 to 10 years. The results of this questionnaire will help in the identification of some of the potential areas where
actions public forest managers take help or hinder the landscape that also serves as an attraction for the traveling and recreating visitor. Once forest management-tourism links are identified, forest management actions that are a hindrance to tourism development can be explored further to identify potential mitigation strategies.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Research to define the relationship between natural resource management and tourism in Minnesota has been deferred until recent completion of a draft state (generic environmental impact statement) report on the impacts of projected timber harvests. A work plan is now being developed to begin research on this objective that will avoid duplication of the state study and complement/build on its research recommendations. The initial effort will concentrate on scoping out the variety of tourism and travel sector activities that interact with natural resource management activities, also to be defined. Subsequent work will focus on understanding resource management activities that significantly impact tourism and identifying mitigation strategies. Coordinating study continues with the state tourism office to compare competing economic impact assessment models to determine "best" uses for alternative approaches to regional tourism economic impact assessments; one rural
(natural resource-based) and one urban region of the state are being used for comparative purposes. A review of scientific literature and unpublished documentation has been completed on tourism economic impact assessment methods as a basis for exploring new and improved methods. GSY .5.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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