Source: MICHIGAN STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
STRENGTHENING AND SUSTAINING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN MICHIGAN
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0205937
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 2011
Project End Date
Dec 31, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
(N/A)
EAST LANSING,MI 48824
Performing Department
Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies
Non Technical Summary
"The mission of MAES is to engage in innovative, leading-edge research that ensures the wise use of agricultural, natural and community resources and enhances the quality of life in Michigan, the nation and the world" (http://www.maes.msu.edu/about/mission.htm). In light of this mission statement, the broad intention of this research project is to conduct a series of studies that will contribute to the strengthening and future sustainability of Michigan's tourism industry. As the state's third largest industry, tourism offers the potential to represent a vibrant and viable alternative to the declining auto and associated manufacturing industries. However, full realization of this potential will require both the strengthening of Michigan's existing tourism product as well as the provision of appropriate new product that appeals to today's traveler. Michigan is blessed with a diversity of natural and cultural landscapes and attractions; the project proposed will investigate ways in which to capitalize upon these resources while minimizing negative impacts on their availability and quality, thereby maintaining the image on which the new "Pure Michigan" tourism marketing campaign is being built. In particular, the project will focus on: (i) opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state's tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) relationships between tourism (and broader outdoor recreation), natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the "greening" of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. Beyond the general mission as outlined above, MAES has identified five target areas which will drive its research agenda over the next decade. The project proposed addresses four of the five of these areas (it is not envisaged that the project address the area of secure food and fiber systems). Specifically, in the area of food and health, the project pertains to consumer choice and diet; with regards to environmental stewardship and natural resources policy and management, the project potentially addresses issues related to land use and cover, air and water quality, and waste management; enhancement of the profitability of agriculture and natural resources will be approached via the identification and development of value-added agriculture opportunities; and, with respect to families and community vitality, the project is tied directly to community and economic development. Via attention to these target areas, the project will generate findings vital to the tourism industry in Michigan, thereby enhancing rural and urban community development and improving the lives of Michigan residents. While the project is intended to focus primarily on the state of Michigan, it does not preclude work in other states or abroad. Indeed, it is envisaged that work in other settings will provide interesting insights into the situation in this state.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1340599206090%
1320599206010%
Knowledge Area
134 - Outdoor Recreation; 132 - Weather and Climate;

Subject Of Investigation
0599 - Recreational resources, general/other;

Field Of Science
2060 - Geography;
Goals / Objectives
While specific research questions will be guided by the particular concerns of funding agencies as well as by relevant government authorities and the residents of the state, the following general objectives are identified for each of the areas of study: Agri-tourism (i) identify and actively share with relevant stakeholders opportunities for greater entry of the tourism and agricultural industries into agri/culinary tourism ventures, via modes of operation including direct sales, on-farm activities, etc.; (ii) document the experiences of current agri/culinary tourism providers, with a focus on their entry into this arena, including motivations, challenges faced, resources employed or desired, etc., so as to provide improved guidance for future entrants; (iii) investigate opportunities for collaboration between existing and future agri/culinary tourism providers, via, e.g., joint ventures with similar attractions and with local hotels, development of agri/culinary tourism trails, etc.; and (iv) investigate the motivations and levels of satisfaction of current visitors to agri/culinary tourism attractions, as well as identify future target markets. Consideration of these objectives will enable conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to be made regarding the continuing development of value-added opportunities within the agricultural industry in Michigan. Natural Resources and the Environment (i) investigate the levels of vulnerability of the various elements of the tourism sector in Michigan to projected environmental, including climate, change; (ii) identify the potential for adaptation to and/or mitigation of environmental, including climate, change within the tourism sector in Michigan, and actively share such opportunities with the tourism industry; (iii) identify and evaluate levels of awareness and perceptions of, and attitudes towards, natural resource-related and environmental issues among tourism enterprise owners and managers throughout Michigan; (iv) investigate consumer awareness and understanding of environmental (including climate) change and its potential implications for tourism, and understand how such awareness and understanding does or might influence current and future consumer travel choice; and (v) investigate the levels of environmental awareness (and associated pro-environmental behaviors), as well as the attitudes towards and perceptions of green issues, held by Michigan residents and travelers. Consideration of these objectives will help the tourism industry better understand and prepare for the implications of environmental change for their businesses. In particular, it will encourage them to minimize the negative impacts of such change, while capitalizing on any opportunities offered. In addition, this portion of the plan will enable conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to be made regarding the adoption of environmentally-friendly strategies throughout the tourism industry across the state. In addition to reduced environmental impact, the adoption of such strategies offers cost-saving opportunities as well as improvement in consumer image.
Project Methods
Specific methodological approaches will be tailored to meet the needs of each individual study and will be based upon the nature of the research question, the size and type of population to be studied, and the type of output required. As a result, these approaches may be of quantitative, qualitative or a mixed methods nature. For example, the green lodging study currently underway has employed a multi-faceted approach including (i) a quantitative analysis of travelers' awareness and opinions using standard survey procedures and a mixture of existing scales and newly developed questions, and (ii) a quantitative analysis of lodging providers' awareness and opinions supplemented with individual interviews and focus groups with these providers so as to elicit more detailed information regarding their thoughts and actions with respect to the greening of the lodging sector. In the latter case, the combination of a traditional survey with these in-depth conversations is yielding a far greater volume and depth of material than would have been possible using only one approach or the other. Moreover, it will enable illustration of statistical findings with quotations from lodging owners and managers based on their actual experience in the field, adding real-world insight and relevance to the numeric results.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Identifiable target groups reached during this reporting period (Oct 1-Dec 31 2015) included members of the equestrian and equestrian tourism communities (via the equestrian tourism forums) and the broader tourism community via one annual meeting and four websites: the Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan (MTSP) website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/) and three MTSP-related LinkedIn groups (the Michigan Bicycle Tourism Forum, 42 members as of September 5, 2015; Michigan Forum on International Tourism, 248 members; MI Tourism Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships Toolbox; 405 members). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated in a number of manners and venues, including refereed journal articles, book chapters and industry reports, magazine and web articles, academic and professional/industry presentations and posters, and websites/LinkedIn sites, as well as via targeted email communications to tourism industry members. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My five-year plan was focused on the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. More specifically, my plan had two areas of emphasis: (i) identifying opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state's tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) understanding the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the "greening" of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. The primary vehicle via which the overall and more specific goals were addressed was the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan (MTSP). The MTSP was developed via a process facilitated by myself, under the leadership of the Michigan Travel Commission, and in collaboration with the entire tourism industry, over the course of 2012. I have since been retained to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the plan for the period 2013-2017. The MTSP has eight goals, as follows: Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships: Foster a culture of public-private collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships - across the state and beyond - to continue to unify the tourism industry and help grow Michigan's economy; Funding: Secure adequate and stable funding for all strategic plan initiatives; Product Development: Enhance infrastructure to support the delivery of a world class Pure Michigan travel experience; Promotion, Marketing and Communications: Strengthen and grow the Pure Michigan brand through effective mediums at the regional, national and international levels to attract first-time and repeat visitors; Public Policy and Government Support: Empower the industry to encourage policy-makers at all levels to support the travel industry; Research and Technical Assistance: Establish a central, easily accessible and inclusive information system to capture and share timely, relevant and reliable industry research; Resources and Environment: Be internationally recognized for our stewardship of - and rich opportunities to experience - our natural, cultural, and heritage resources; and, Service Excellence: Foster a culture of service excellence that allows us to deliver on the Pure Michigan promise. Related to the MTSP and the goals of this project, I made several dozen industry presentations; coauthored several journal articles and book chapters with academic collaborators, and numerous reports and magazine and web-based articles, many with students and/or MSU Extension colleagues; facilitated several dozen workshops with implementation committees and other tourism industry stakeholder groups; and, maintained the MTSP website and three industry-related LinkedIn groups. As a result of my involvement with the MTSP I was also invited to facilitate the development of visions and/or full strategic plans for the Art-A-Licious Festival in Adrian, the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Marshall Economic Development Alliance Board. Each year I co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, "Michigan Tourism: Past Performance and Future Expectations," with colleague Dan McCole at the Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism. I also provided several dozen keynote and other invited presentations and presented several professional posters. I served on the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission (as Chair since January 2013) and the MI Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Michigan Trails Advisory Council Equine Trails Subcommittee (as the state tourism representative). In 2015 I was appointed to the Michigan Trails Advisory Council by Governor Snyder. These activities provided both scholarly and practical insight regarding Michigan's tourism industry, enabling industry members to make more informed and strategic decisions regarding the growth of their businesses and contributing to the continued strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry.

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2014  present). Michigan Bicycle Tourism Forum. A LinkedIn group with 42 members as of September 5, 2015.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2013  present). Michigan Forum on International Tourism. A LinkedIn group with 248 members as of September 5, 2015.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2012  present). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Michigan Equestrian Tourism Forum. Lansing, Michigan, November 12.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). Implementing the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: Fall 2015 Annual Meeting of Committees. Lansing, Michigan, November 9.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Michigan Equestrian Tourism Forum. Gaylord, Michigan, November 7.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Michigan Equestrian Tourism Forum. Ishpeming, Michigan, October 4.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Identifiable target groups reached during this reporting period included participants atfour statewide industry association meetings (Michigan Association of Counties; Michigan Trails Advisory Council; joint meeting of the Michigan Travel Commission and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission; Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan), readers of MSU Extension's online tourism news articles, and the 23,000+ readers of the Small Business Association of Michigan's Focus magazine. Four websites also allow considerable reach to the broader tourism industry [the Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan (MTSP) website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/) and three MTSP-related LinkedIn groups (the Michigan Bicycle Tourism Forum, 42 members as of September 5, 2015; Michigan Forum on International Tourism, 248 members; MI Tourism Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships Toolbox; 405 members)]. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Related to the MTSP, I: produced six reports; made presentations at four statewide industry association meetings (Michigan Association of Counties; Michigan Trails Advisory Council; joint meeting of the Michigan Travel Commission and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission; Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan;) and at Western Michigan University; coauthored a web-based article with MSU Extension colleagues and one article for the Small Business Association of Michigan's Focus magazine; facilitated three workshops ranging in length from 2 to 4 hours; maintained the MTSP website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/); and, maintained three MTSP-related LinkedIn groups. In addition, I: (co)authored four journal articles relevant to my five-year plan (one related to trail riding on public land, three related to climate change); co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, "Michigan Tourism: Past Performance and Future Expectations," with colleague Dan McCole at the Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism (a conference attended by in excess of 1,000 people); presented on the topic of the benefits of parks/recreation/tourism/trails at the Wisconsin Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference; and presented on the implications of climate change for outdoor recreation/tourism at both the Michigan and Wisconsin Recreation and Park Association Annual Conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My five-year plan is focused on the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry, one of the largest industries in the state. More specifically, my plan has two areas of emphasis: (i) identifying opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state's tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) understanding the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the "greening" of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. The primary vehicle via which the overall goal and more specific objectives were addressed in 2015 was the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan (MTSP). The MTSP was developed in 2012 via a process facilitated by myself, under the leadership of the Michigan Travel Commission, and in collaboration with the entire tourism industry. I have since been retained to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the plan for the period 2013-2017. The MTSP has eight goals, as follows: Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships: Foster a culture of public-private collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships - across the state and beyond - to continue to unify the tourism industry and help grow Michigan's economy; Funding: Secure adequate and stable funding for all strategic plan initiatives; Product Development: Enhance infrastructure to support the delivery of a world class Pure Michigan travel experience; Promotion, Marketing and Communications: Strengthen and grow the Pure Michigan brand through effective mediums at the regional, national and international levels to attract first-time and repeat visitors; Public Policy and Government Support: Empower the industry to encourage policy-makers at all levels to support the travel industry; Research and Technical Assistance: Establish a central, easily accessible and inclusive information system to capture and share timely, relevant and reliable industry research; Resources and Environment: Be internationally recognized for our stewardship of - and rich opportunities to experience - our natural, cultural, and heritage resources; and, Service Excellence: Foster a culture of service excellence that allows us to deliver on the Pure Michigan promise. Related to the MTSP, I: producedsix reports; made presentations atfour statewide industry association meetings (Michigan Association of Counties; Michigan Trails Advisory Council; joint meeting of the Michigan Travel Commission and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission; Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan) and at Western Michigan University; coauthored a web-based article with MSU Extension colleagues and one article for the Small Business Association of Michigan's Focus magazine; facilitated three workshops ranging in length from 2 to 4 hours; maintained the MTSP website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/); and, maintained three MTSP-related LinkedIn groups. In addition, I: (co)authored four journal articles relevant to my five-year plan (one related to trail riding on public land, three related to climate change); co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, "Michigan Tourism: Past Performance and Future Expectations," with colleague Dan McCole at the Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism (a conference attended by in excess of 1,000 people); presented on the topic of the benefits of parks/recreation/tourism/trails at the Wisconsin Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference; and, presented on the implications of climate change for outdoor recreation/tourism at both the Michigan and Wisconsin Recreation and Park Association Annual Conferences. I continue to serve on the MI Culinary Tourism Alliance and on the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission (as Chair since January 2013) as well as on the MI Department of Natural Resources Michigan Trails Advisory Committee Equine Trails Subcommittee (as the state tourism representative and as Vice Chair since 2014). In 2015 I was appointed to the Michigan Trails Advisory Committee by Governor Snyder.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). Trail Riding on Public Lands in Michigan: Issues and Opportunities. Mondes du Tourisme: Revue Pluridisciplinaire de Recherche, June, 92-101.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S., and Amelung, B. (2015). Implications of Climate Change for Rural Tourism in the Nordic Region Based on Application of the Tourism Climatic Index. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 15(1-2), 48-72.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hall, C.M., Amelung, B., Cohen, S., Eijgelaar, E., G�ssling, S., Higham, J., Leemans, R., Peeters, P., Ram, Y., Scott, D., Aall, C., Abegg, B., Ara�a, J.E., Barr, S., Becken, S., Buckley, R., Burns, P., Coles, T., Dawson, J., Doran, R., Dubois, G., Duval, D.T., Fennell, D., Gill, A.M., Gren, M., Gronau, W., Guiver, Jo, Hopkins, D., Huijbens, E.H., Koens, K., Lamers, M, Lemieux, C., Lew, A., Long, P., Melissen, F., Nawijn, J., Nicholls, S., Nilsson, J-H., Nunkoo, R., Pomering, A., Reis, A., Reiser, D., Richardson, R.B., Rogerson, C.M., Saarinen, J., S���rsd�ttir, A.D., Steiger, R., Upham, P., van der Linden, S., Visser, G., Wall, G., and Weaver, D. (2015). Denying Bogus Skepticism in Climate Change and Tourism Research. Tourism Management, 47, 352-356.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S., and Woods, M. (2015). Why Tourism Matter to You and Your Business. Small Business Association of Michigan Focus Magazine, 12(1), September/October, 18-19.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Wichtner-Zoia, Y., and Nicholls, S. (2015). Michigans Tourism Industry Continues To Grow: New Spending And Employment Figures Revealed At Recent Governors Conference. Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/michigans_tourism_industry_continues_to_grow
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2014  present). Michigan Bicycle Tourism Forum. A LinkedIn group with 42 members as of September 5, 2015.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2013  present). Michigan Forum on International Tourism. A LinkedIn group with 248 members as of September 5, 2015.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2013  present). MI Tourism Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships Toolbox. (2013  present). A LinkedIn group with 405 members as of September 5, 2015.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2012  present). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S., and Woods, M. (2015). An Assessment of Michigan Convention and Visitors Bureaus Hospitality Training Programs and Needs. Report prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Service Excellence Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S., Baker, J., and Woods, M. (2015). Trails as Tourism Attractions: Best Practices from Marquette. Report prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Product Development Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Niche Marketing Plan Template. Report prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Promotions, Marketing and Communications Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hall, C.M., Amelung, B., Cohen, S., Eijgelaar, E., G�ssling, S., Higham, J., Leemans, R., Peeters, P., Ram, Y., Scott, D., Aall, C., Abegg, B., Ara�a, J.E., Barr, S., Becken, S., Buckley, R., Burns, P., Coles, T., Dawson, J., Doran, R., Dubois, G., Duval, D.T., Fennell, D., Gill, A.M., Gren, M., Gronau, W., Guiver, Jo, Hopkins, D., Huijbens, E.H., Koens, K., Lamers, M, Lemieux, C., Lew, A., Long, P., Melissen, F., Nawijn, J., Nicholls, S., Nilsson, J-H., Nunkoo, R., Pomering, A., Reis, A., Reiser, D., Richardson, R.B., Rogerson, C.M., Saarinen, J., S���rsd�ttir, A.D., Steiger, R., Upham, P., van der Linden, S., Visser, G., Wall, G., and Weaver, D. (2015). No Time for Smokescreen Skepticism: A Rejoinder to Shani and Arad. Tourism Management, 47, 341-347.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S., and Serino, D. (2015). Michigan Bicycle Tourism Marketing Plan. Report prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Promotions, Marketing and Communications Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Woods, M., and Nicholls, S. (2015). A Survey of Iron Ore Heritage Trail Users. Report prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Product Development Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). Implications of Climate Change for Recreation and Parks. Michigan Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Lansing, Michigan, February 10-13.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Implications of Climate Change for Recreation and Parks. Wisconsin Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, November 4-7.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). The Economic Benefits of Parks, Recreation and Trails. Wisconsin Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, November 4-7.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). Building a Rural Economy: The Role of Tourism. Michigan Association of Counties Annual Conference, Traverse City, Michigan, September 20-22.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S., and McCole, D. (2015). Michigan Tourism 2015: Past Performance and Future Expectations. Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism, Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 23.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: Development and Implementation to Date. Department of Geography Colloquium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, February 13.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: Process and Progress to Date. Joint Meeting of the Michigan Travel Commission and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, East Lansing, Michigan, January 15.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Implementation of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan  Fall 2014 Update. Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan Board Meeting, Okemos, Michigan, October 31.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). Marshall Tourism Strategic Plan: Introduction and Visioning Session. Marshall, Michigan, September 3.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). Implementing the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: 2015 Annual Meeting of Committees. Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism, Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 22.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). International Students at MSU: A Survey of their Travel Patterns and Preferences. Report prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Promotions, Marketing and Communications Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2015). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Michigan Trails Advisory Council Meeting, Roscommon, Michigan, April 7.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Michigan Bicycle Tourism Marketing Plan Forum. Gaylord, Michigan, October 24.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is the Michigan tourism industry and all those who are impacted by it. The tourism industry is multifaceted, consisting of multiple types and sizes of entity, including commercial, public and not-for-profit organizations working at the local, county, state, national and international levels. Specific elements of the audience include but are not limited to current and potential agri-tourism and culinary tourism operators, winter sports operators/providers, accommodations providers, convention and visitor bureaus, the owners and managers of cultural and natural attractions such as museums and state parks, and communities that benefit from tourism activity. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The purpose of – as well as progress related to implementation of –the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan was disseminated via one journal article, multiple presentations (including but not limited to one to the Michigan House TourismCommittee, two to the Michigan Travel Commission, eightat the invitation of other Michigan-based industry groups,threeat state/national industry/academic conferences, and three facilitated workshops); two web-based articles, both coauthored with an MSU Extension colleague; and, the MTSP website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/). Beyond the MTSP, two other journal articles and two book chapters were published on topics related to the project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My five-year plan is focused on the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. More specifically, my plan has two areas of emphasis: (i) identifying opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state's tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) understanding the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the "greening" of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. The primary vehicle via which the overall and more specific goals were addressed in 2014 was the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan (MTSP). The MTSP was developed in 2012 via a process facilitated by myself, under the leadership of the Michigan Travel Commission, and in collaboration with the entire tourism industry. I have since been retained to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the plan for the period 2013-2017. The MTSP has eight goals, as follows: Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships: Foster a culture of public-private collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships – across the state and beyond – to continue to unify the tourism industry and help grow Michigan's economy; Funding: Secure adequate and stable funding for all strategic plan initiatives; Product Development: Enhance infrastructure to support the delivery of a world class Pure Michigan travel experience; Promotion, Marketing and Communications: Strengthen and grow the Pure Michigan brand through effective mediums at the regional, national and international levels to attract first-time and repeat visitors; Public Policy and Government Support: Empower the industry to encourage policy-makers at all levels to support the travel industry; Research and Technical Assistance: Establish a central, easily accessible and inclusive information system to capture and share timely, relevant and reliable industry research; Resources and Environment: Be internationally recognized for our stewardship of – and rich opportunities to experience – our natural, cultural, and heritage resources; and, Service Excellence: Foster a culture of service excellence that allows us to deliver on the Pure Michigan promise. Related to the MTSP, I: published one refereed journal article (Not So Different After All – An Analysis of Tourism Industry Members’ Opinions Regarding Recent and Future Tourism Issues, in the journal Tourism Analysis); produced two reports; made more than a dozen presentations (including one to the Michigan House Tourism Committee, two to the Michigan Travel Commission, eight at the invitation of Michigan-based tourism/recreation industry associations/groups, and three at state/national industry/academic conferences); coauthored two web-based articles with MSU Extension colleagues; facilitated three workshops ranging in length from 1.5 hours to 4 hour ; maintained the MTSP website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/); and, maintained three MTSP-related LinkedIn groups. I authored one, and co-authored one, chapter in an Island Press book entitled “Climate Change in the Midwest: A Synthesis Report for the National Climate Assessment” (my sole-author chapter focuses on the implications of climate change for outdoor recreation and tourism in the area). I co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, "Michigan Tourism 2013: Past Performance and Future Expectations," with colleague Dan McCole at the Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism (a conference attended by in excess of 1,000 people in 2014) and was invited to provide the keynote address – “The Economics of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources” – at the Northern Michigan Public Service Academy on “Rethinking the Natural Resources Economy: New Collaborative Approaches to Connect Parks, Recreation and Placemaking.” I presented on the topics of the benefits of parks/recreation/tourism/trails and the implications of climate change for outdoor recreation/tourism at the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference. I was also invited to serve as one of four panelists in a session on “Investment Threats and Opportunities in Detroit” hosted by MSU’s School of Hospitality Business Real Estate Investment Management Advisory Council. I continue to serve on the MI Culinary Tourism Alliance and on the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission (as Chair since January 2013) as well as on the MI Department of Natural Resources Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Committee Equine Trails Subcommittee (as the state tourism representative).

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Keynote Address: The Economics of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Northern Michigan Public Service Academy: Rethinking the Natural Resources Economy: New Collaborative Approaches to Connect Parks, Recreation and Placemaking. Marquette, Michigan, April 10.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Investment Threats and Opportunities in Detroit. The School of Hospitality Business Real Estate Investment Management Advisory Council, East Lansing, Michigan, April 4.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kang, S., Kim, J., and Nicholls, S. (2014) National Tourism Policy and Spatial Patterns of Domestic Tourism in South Korea. Journal of Travel Research. 53(6), 791-804.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amelung, B., and Nicholls, S. (2014). Implications of Climate Change for Tourism in Australia. Tourism Management, 41, 228-244.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. 2013 Annual International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators Conference, Detroit, Michigan, October 17-20.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S., and McCole, D. (2014). Michigan Tourism 2014: Past Performance and Future Expectations. Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism, Acme, Michigan, March 10.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. 26th Annual Innkeeping Conference, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, October 29.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). Not So Different After All  An Analysis of Tourism Industry Members Opinions Regarding Recent and Future Tourism Issues. Tourism Analysis, 18(6), 731-735.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Outdoor recreation and tourism. In: Winkler, J.A. Andresen, J.A., Hatfield, J., Bidwell, D., and Brown, D. (Eds) Climate Change in the Midwest: A Synthesis Report for the National Climate Assessment. Washington, DC: Island Press, pp. 197-211.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Winkler, J.A., Andresen, J.A., Arritt, R.W., Beecher, J.A., Gronewold, A.D., Hall, K.R., Hatfield, J.L. Handler, S.D., Lofgren, B. Mackey, S.D., Nicholls, S., Patz, J., Posey, J., Pryor, S.C., and Swanston, C.W. (2014). An introduction to the synthesis report. In: Winkler, J.A. Andresen, J.A., Hatfield, J., Bidwell, D., and Brown, D. (Eds) Climate Change in the Midwest: A Synthesis Report for the National Climate Assessment. Washington, DC: Island Press, pp. 1-7.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Northrop, A., and Nicholls, S. (2014). What are the greatest threats to Michigans tourism industry? Michigan State University survey reveals the industrys greatest concerns. Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_are_the_greatest_threats_to_michigans_tourism_industry
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Northrop, A., and Nicholls, S. (2014). Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism: Register Soon! Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/pure_michigan_governors_conference_on_tourism
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Threats to Michigans Tourism Resources: Results of an Industry Survey. Prepared for 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Resources and Environment Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Nicholls. S. (2012  present). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lee, M., Neerken, A., Woods, E., Nicholls, S., and Smith, L. (2014). Bald Mountain Recreation Area: Developing Relationships. Prepared for Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Chaffin, N., May, T., Nault, S., Nicholls, S., and Smith, L. (2014). A Survey of Treetops Ski Season Pass Holders. Prepared for Treetops Resort and Spa. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S., and Smith, L. (2014). An Evaluation of the Pure Michigan Advertising Partnership Program. Report presented to the Michigan Travel Commission, Travel Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on behalf of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan Collaboration, Cooperation & Partnerships Implementation Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Implications of Climate Change for Recreation and Parks. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Blaine, Minnesota, September 24.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). The Economic Benefits of Parks, Recreation and Trails. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Blaine, Minnesota, September 24.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Smith, L., and Nicholls, S. (2014). Satisfaction with a Post-Modern Literary Attraction: The Case of The World of Beatrix Potter. Annual Meeting of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Bruges, Belgium, June 18-20.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S., Neptune, R., May, T., Bennett, W., and Deehan, J. (2014). Urban Parks as Gateways to Outdoor Recreation Activity. Michigan Recreation and Park Association Conference and Trade Show, Acme, Michigan, January 20-24.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2014). Pure Michigan and the Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: How and Why Parks and Recreation Should Get Involved! Michigan Recreation and Park Association Conference and Trade Show, Acme, Michigan, January 20-24.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is the Michigan tourism industry and all those who are impacted by it. The tourism industry is multifaceted, consisting of multiple types and sizes of entity, including commercial, public and not-for-profit organizations working at the local, county, state, national and international levels. Specific elements of the audience include but are not limited to current and potential agri-tourism and culinary tourism operators, winter sports operators/providers, accommodations providers, convention and visitor bureaus, the owners and managers of cultural and natural attractions such as museums and state parks, and communities that benefit from tourism activity. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The purpose – as well as progress towards implementation – of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan was disseminated via ten presentations (three to the Michigan Travel Commission, three at the invitation of other Michigan-based industry groups, and four at state/national industry/academic conferences); six web-based articles, coauthored with MSU Extension colleagues; and, the MTSP website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My five-year plan is focused on the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan’s tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. More specifically, my plan has two areas of emphasis: (i) identifying opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state’s tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) understanding the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the “greening” of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. The primary vehicle via which the overall and more specific goals were addressed in 2013 was the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan (MTSP). The MTSP was developed via a process facilitated by myself, under the leadership of the Michigan Travel Commission, and in collaboration with the entire tourism industry, over the course of 2012. I have since been retained to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the plan for the period 2013-2017. The MTSP has eight goals, as follows: Collaboration, Cooperation and Partnerships: Foster a culture of public-private collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships – across the state and beyond – to continue to unify the tourism industry and help grow Michigan’s economy; Funding: Secure adequate and stable funding for all strategic plan initiatives; Product Development: Enhance infrastructure to support the delivery of a world class Pure Michigan travel experience; Promotion, Marketing and Communications: Strengthen and grow the Pure Michigan brand through effective mediums at the regional, national and international levels to attract first-time and repeat visitors; Public Policy and Government Support: Empower the industry to encourage policy-makers at all levels to support the travel industry; Research and Technical Assistance: Establish a central, easily accessible and inclusive information system to capture and share timely, relevant and reliable industry research; Resources and Environment: Be internationally recognized for our stewardship of – and rich opportunities to experience – our natural, cultural, and heritage resources; and, Service Excellence: Foster a culture of service excellence that allows us to deliver on the Pure Michigan promise. Related to the MTSP, I: made ten presentations (three to the Michigan Travel Commission, three at the invitation of other industry groups, and four at state/national industry/academic conferences); coauthored six web-based articles with MSU Extension colleagues; facilitated seven 6-hour workshops with seven of the eight plan implementation committees; and maintained the MTSP website (http://tourismplan.anr.msu.edu/). As a result of my involvement with the MTSP I was invited to facilitate the development of a vision and associated strategic plan for the Art-A-Licious Festival in Adrian (three 3-4 hour facilitated sessions and the preparation of a final report) and a strategic vision for the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (five 3-4 hour facilitated sessions and the preparation of a final report (report in progress)). I co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, “Michigan Tourism 2013: Past Performance and Future Expectations,” with colleague Dan McCole at the Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism and was invited to provide the keynote address – on the economic impact of festivals and events – at the North American Irish and Celtic Festival Organizers Association Conference. I continue to serve on the MI Culinary Tourism Alliance and on the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission (as Chair since January 2013) as well as on the MI Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Committee Equine Trails Subcommittee (as the state tourism representative). As a result of the participation of the Fall 2012 PRR 474 class in the Sustainable Park Planning Project, a partnership between MSU and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, I co-authored two reports with a total of nine different students on the use of Bass River Recreation Area and its role within the broader tourism system. An evaluation of the 2012 Muskegon County Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour was prepared for the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau with two other students as a project in that same class.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Rymph, T., Beeson, A., Jackson, M., Lee, J., and Nicholls, S. (2013). Feasibility of Off-Road Vehicle Use at Bass River Recreation Area. Prepared for Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Nicholls, S., and Amelung, B. (2013). Attitudes Towards and Observations Regarding Climate Variability and Change: Evidence from Michigan's Downhill Ski Sector. Ann Arbor, MI: Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment Center.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Nicholls, S. (2013). Establishing a Vision and Developing a Strategic Plan for the Art-A-Licious Festival. Prepared for the Art-A-Licious Festival Committee. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Nicholls, S. (2013). 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: A Plan For The Industry By The Industry. [Executive Summary]. Lansing, MI: Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Dean, K., Fluck, J., Ellett, J., Moritz, N., Shumway, E., Lee, J., and Nicholls, S. (2013). A Survey of Bass River Recreation Area Users. Prepared for Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Bernstein, M., Nicholls, S., and Lee, J. (2013). An Evaluation of the 2012 Muskegon County Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour. Prepared for the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Report: Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Prepared for Travel Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Travel Commission. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online article: Hitchcock, M., and Nicholls, S. (2013). New collaboration, cooperation and partnerships toolbox launched! Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/new_collaboration_cooperation_and_partnerships_toolbox_launched
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online article: Northrop, A., and Nicholls, S. (2013). Tourism marketing return on investment: Interpret ROI with care! Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/tourism_marketing_return_on_investment
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online article: Northrop, A., and Nicholls, S. (2013). Welcoming international tourists: Michigans focus on the Canadian market. Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/welcoming_international_tourists
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online article: Hitchcock, M., and Nicholls, S. (2013). The importance of collaboration, cooperation and partnerships: Collaboration, cooperation and partnerships are key to long term success. Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/the_importance_of_collaboration_cooperation_and_partnerships
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online article: Hentz, G., Wichtner-Zoia, Y., and Nicholls, S. (2013). Michigan tourism: more than marketing. Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/michigan_tourism_more_than_marketing
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Online article: Wichtner-Zoia, Y., Hentz, G., and Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan is ready for implementation. Michigan State University Extension website, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/the_2012_2017_michigan_tourism_strategic_plan_is_ready_for_implementation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Industry meeting presentation (invited): Nicholls, S. (2013). Implementation of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: September 2013 Update. Michigan Travel Commission Meeting. Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 20.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Industry meeting presentation (invited): Nicholls, S. (2013). Implementation of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan Board Meeting, Newaygo, Michigan, August 2.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Industry meeting presentation (invited): Nicholls, S. (2013). Implementation of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau Board Meeting, Coldwater, Michigan, June 21.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). Keynote Address: Estimating the Economic Impacts of Festivals. North American Irish and Celtic Festival Organizers Association Conference. Muskegon, Michigan, April 19.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Industry meeting presentation (invited): Nicholls, S. (2013). Michigan Tourism: An Industry Update and the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan. Benzie County Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Dinner, Beulah, Michigan, May 1.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. National Extension Tourism Conference, Detroit, Michigan, August 6-9.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). The Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Uppertunities: The U.P.s Premier Tourism Conference, Escanaba, Michigan, May 22.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S., and McCole, D. (2013). Michigan Tourism 2013: Past Performance and Future Expectations. Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism, Detroit, Michigan, April 14-16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism, Detroit, Michigan, April 14-16.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Industry meeting presentation (invited): Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: April 2013 Update. Michigan Travel Commission Meeting. Detroit, Michigan, April 14.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Industry meeting presentation (invited): Nicholls, S. (2012). The Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan: Approval and Implementation. Michigan Travel Commission Meeting, Frankenmuth, Michigan, February 15.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nicholls, S. (2013). The 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Tourism Summit for Michigan's Thumb and Surrounding Counties, Gagetown, Michigan, September 18.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My current five-year plan is focused on the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. More specifically, my plan has two areas of emphasis: (i) identifying opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state's tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) understanding the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the "greening" of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. With regards to the first area of emphasis, I continue to serve on the MI Culinary Tourism Alliance, and this year saw the conclusion of the USDA grant entitled, "A Michigan-French Partnership to Strengthen the Global Competence of Students, Researchers and Extension Educators in Agriculture and Tourism" (with CARRS colleagues Bingen, Wright and Howard). I was invited to make a presentation on the promotion of agri-tourism at the 14th Annual National Value Added Conference in Traverse City, MI, in June. With regards to the second area of emphasis, I was invited to contribute to the U.S. National Climate Assessment Midwest Technical Input Report and to speak at the National Climate Assessment Workshop on Rural Communities (in Charleston, SC, in February). Two journal articles stemming from a grant entitled, "Going Green: Adoption of Environmental Initiatives among Michigan's Accommodations Sector" (funded by the University of Nevada Las Vegas) were published. In April, I hosted a colleague from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, who shares my interests in tourism and climate change. In addition, I co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, "Michigan Tourism 2012: Past Performance and Future Expectations," with CARRS colleague Dan McCole at the Driving Tourism 2012: Michigan Governor's Lodging and Tourism Conference. I was invited to make a presentation on Michigan tourism at a symposium organized by the Mackinac Horsemen's Association on Mackinac Island and on the economic impact of festivals and events at the 20th Annual MI Festival and Events Association Convention in Traverse City. I was selected to prepare the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Preparation of this plan involved a series of industry surveys and the hosting and facilitation of twelve five-hour long stakeholder workshops throughout the state (with total participation in excess of 500 persons). Progress reports on the plan were made at four Travel Commission meetings. I continue to serve on the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission as well as on the MI Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Committee Equine Trails Subcommittee (as the state tourism representative). In both spring and fall semesters I participated in the new teaching/research sustainability project between MSU and MDNR, involving students from my GEO 459 and PRR 474 classes in projects at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park and Bass River Recreation Area. PARTICIPANTS: MSU colleagues with whom I collaborated this year on project-related activities include (listed in alpha order by last name): Jim Bingen (CARRS), Virginia (Ginger) Hentz (MSUE), Don Holecek (CARRS), Phil Howard (CARRS), Dan McCole (CARRS), Michelle Walk (MSUE), Wynne Wright (CARRS), Bonnie Zoia (MSUE). Off-campus collaborators include: Dr. Bas Amelung, Assistant Professor, Environmental Systems Analysis group, Wageningen University, Netherlands; Raleigh Johnson, Dan Lord, Ron Olson and Pat Whalen, all of Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Parks and Recreation Division; Sally Laukitis, Executive Director, Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Robert Lukens, Executive Director, Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau; George Zimmermann, Vice President, Travel Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Student participation: I employed one undergraduate student over the course of the year (from 10 to 40 hours per week) to assist with the preparation of the Tourism Strategic Plan (Alyssa Peterson). Alyssa counted this employment as her professional internship experience, one of the requirements of her program for graduation. One student from GEO 459 (Spring 2012) and the 14 students enrolled in PRR 474 The Tourism System (Fall 2012) worked on semester-long research projects with and for the MDNR, Holland Area CVB and Muskegon County CVB (see collaborators listed above). These projects pertained to tourism planning, management and marketing at various sites throughout Muskegon and Ottawa counties and included the generation of research objectives and questions, primary data collection, data analysis, and the preparation of oral and written final reports. All three of my 2012 journal articles were co-authored with former graduate students (Kang and Shih). TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is the Michigan tourism industry. The tourism industry is multifaceted; specific elements of the audience include but are not limited to current and potential agri-tourism and culinary tourism operators, winter sports operators/providers, accommodations providers, convention and visitor bureaus, and the owners and managers of cultural and natural attractions such as museums and state parks. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Expected impacts of this five year plan include, at the broadest level, the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry via the generation of knowledge that will help various sectors of the industry to increase their short-term economic viability as well as their long-term sustainability (economic, social and environmental). In the context of agricultural/culinary tourism, impact will result from the identification and active sharing of opportunities for greater entry of tourism and agricultural operators into agri/culinary tourism ventures; documentation of the experiences of current agri/culinary tourism providers, with a focus on their entry into this arena and factors such as motivations, challenges faced, and resources employed or desired; investigation of opportunities for collaboration between existing and future agri/culinary tourism providers, e.g., via joint ventures with similar attractions and the development of agri/culinary tourism tours and trails; and, investigation of the motivations and levels of satisfaction of current visitors to agri/culinary tourism attractions. These activities will enable conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to be made regarding the continuing development of value-added opportunities in Michigan. With regards to the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, impact will result from investigation of the levels of vulnerability of the various elements of the tourism sector in Michigan to projected climate change; identification of the potential for adaptation to and/or mitigation of climate change; investigation of consumer awareness and understanding of environmental (including climate) change and its potential implications for tourism, and understanding of how such awareness and understanding does or might influence current and future consumer travel choices. These activities will help the tourism industry better understand and prepare for the implications of environmental change for their businesses. In particular, it will encourage them to minimize the negative impacts of such change, while capitalizing on any opportunities offered. In addition, this portion of the plan will enable conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to be made regarding the adoption of environmentally-friendly strategies throughout the tourism industry across the state. In addition to reduced environmental impact, the adoption of such strategies offers cost-saving opportunities as well as improvement in consumer image. The 2012-2017 MI Tourism Strategic Plan involves definition of the industry's desired future state and identification of the actions necessary to move the industry towards that desired future state. The planning process has concentrated on the answering of three key questions: where and how is the industry at the present time, where and how would the industry like to be by 2017, and how can the industry achieve this desired future state. Consideration of these questions and generation of the associated vision, goals, objectives and strategies will help grow and sustain the industry over the next five years.

Publications

  • Nicholls, S. (2012). Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. In Winkler, J., Andresen, J., Hatfield, J., Bidwell, D. and Brown, D. (coordinators). U.S. National Climate Assessment Midwest Technical Input Report. Available from the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment (GLISA) Center, http://glisa.msu.edu/docs/NCA/MTIT_RecTourism.pdf.
  • Nicholls, S., Bosheff, P., Collins, B., and Bennett, W. (2012). Urban Skiing. Parks and Recreation, July, 18-19.
  • Nicholls, S., and Kang, S. (2012). Going Green: The Adoption of Environmental Initiatives in Michigans Lodging Sector. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 20(7): 953-974.
  • Nicholls, S., and Kang, S. (2012). Green Initiatives in the Lodging Sector: Are Properties Putting their Principles into Practice International Journal of Hospitality Management, 31: 609-611.
  • Shih, C., and Nicholls, S. (2012). How do Weather Conditions Influence Leisure Traffic Evidence from Michigan and Implications for Climate Change. Tourism Analysis, 17(4): 431-443.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My current five-year plan is focused on the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry, the third largest industry in the state. More specifically, my plan has two areas of emphasis, namely (i) identifying opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the state's tourism and agricultural industries, via the identification of value-added opportunities including those in agri- and culinary tourism; and (ii) understanding the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, including issues associated with the "greening" of the tourism industry and the two-way relationship between tourism and climate change. With regards to the first area of emphasis, throughout 2011 I continued to serve on the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance as well as, in 2010-11, the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance 2011 Conference Planning Committee. The first Michigan Culinary Tourism Conference was held at the Kellogg Center on the MSU campus in January 2011, with over 250 educators, farmers, restaurant owners and tourism industry members in attendance. I continued my involvement on a USDA grant entitled, "A Michigan-French Partnership to Strengthen the Global Competence of Students, Researchers and Extension Educators in Agriculture and Tourism" (with CARRS faculty members Bingen, Wright and Howard). Findings from this project were presented with MSU Extension colleague Michelle Walk at the 2011 National Extension Tourism Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. I am developing a new 400-level course on agricultural and culinary tourism which will be taught for the first time in spring 2013. With regards to the second area of emphasis, I completed a grant entitled, "Going Green: Adoption of Environmental Initiatives among Michigan's Accommodations Sector" (funded by the University of Nevada Las Vegas). Findings of this study were published in the form of two reports as well as in two journal articles in press and two more in preparation. I received a grant from the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment Center to conduct an assessment of the implications of climate variability and change for Michigan's winter sports sector and state parks. I co-presented the annual tourism review and outlook, "Michigan Tourism 2011: Past Performance and Future Expectations," with CARRS colleague Dan McCole at the Driving Tourism 2011: Michigan Governor's Lodging and Tourism Conference in Kalamazoo. I joined the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission in January 2011, and was invited to join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Committee Equine Trails Subcommittee as the state tourism representative in the fall. I am in preliminary discussions with staff members from the MI DNR and from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore regarding potential research projects with them for next year. PARTICIPANTS: MSU colleagues with whom I collaborated this year on project-related activities include: Jim Bingen (CARRS), Don Holecek (CARRS), Phil Howard (CARRS), Dan McCole (CARRS), Michelle Walk (MSUE), Wynne Wright (CARRS). Off-campus collaborators include: Jim MacInnes (President and Co-Owner of Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa) and several of his team members; Chris Hale, Brent Nelson and Steve Kershner (Shanty Creek Resort); and Ken Griffin, Colin Riviere and Joe Breighner (Boyne Mountain/Highlands). TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is the Michigan tourism industry. Specific elements of the audience include current and potential agri-tourism and culinary tourism operators, winter sports operators/providers, lodging providers, and state parks managers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Given that 2011 is the first year of this plan, impact has to date been limited but will expand over the course of the five year project period. Expected impacts include, at the broadest level, the strengthening and sustaining of Michigan's tourism industry via the generation of knowledge that will help various sectors of the industry to increase their short-term economic viability as well as their long-term sustainability (economic, social and environmental). In the context of agricultural/culinary tourism, impact will result from the identification and active sharing of opportunities for greater entry of tourism and agricultural operators into agri/culinary tourism ventures; documentation of the experiences of current agri/culinary tourism providers, with a focus on their entry into this arena and factors such as motivations, challenges faced, and resources employed or desired; investigation of opportunities for collaboration between existing and future agri/culinary tourism providers, e.g., via joint ventures with similar attractions and the development of agri/culinary tourism trails; and, investigation of the motivations and levels of satisfaction of current visitors to agri/culinary tourism attractions, and the identification of future target markets. These activities will enable conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to be made regarding the continuing development of value-added opportunities within the agricultural industry in Michigan. With regards to the relationships between tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment, impact will result from investigation of the levels of vulnerability of the various elements of the tourism sector in Michigan to projected climate change; identification of the potential for adaptation to and/or mitigation of climate change; and, investigation of consumer awareness and understanding of environmental (including climate) change and its potential implications for tourism, and understanding of how such awareness and understanding does or might influence current and future consumer travel choice. These activities will help the tourism industry better understand and prepare for the implications of environmental change for their businesses. In particular, it will encourage them to minimize the negative impacts of such change, while capitalizing on any opportunities offered. In addition, this portion of the plan will enable conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to be made regarding the adoption of environmentally-friendly strategies throughout the tourism industry across the state. In addition to reduced environmental impact, the adoption of such strategies offers cost-saving opportunities as well as improvement in consumer image. The provision of completed research analyses in easily accessible formats (e.g., online PDFs), as well as the continued presentation of results in both academic and practitioner-oriented venues, will maximize the distribution and impact of these findings throughout the research and professional communities.

Publications

  • Nicholls, S., and Kang, S. Forthcoming, 2011. Green initiatives in the lodging sector: Are properties putting their principles into practice International Journal of Hospitality Management. Doi 10.1016/j.ijhm.2011.10.010
  • Nicholls, S., and Kang, S. 2011. Going green: Traveler perceptions of and attitudes towards implementation of environmental initiatives in the Michigan lodging sector. East Lansing, MI: Department of CARRS, MSU.
  • Nicholls, S., and Kang, S. 2011. Going green: Implementation of environmental initiatives in the Michigan lodging sector. East Lansing, MI: Department of CARRS, MSU.
  • Shih, C., and Nicholls, S. 2011. Modeling the influence of weather variability on leisure traffic. Tourism Analysis, 16(3), 315-328.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My current five-year plan is focused on the distributions of public open spaces throughout communities as well as on identifying and assessing the benefits derived from these distributions. During the current year of this project I have been involved in a variety of activities and events pertaining to this theme. I continue to be retained by Thomson Rogers, Barristers and Solicitors, of Toronto, Canada, in the Ontario Supreme Court of Justice case of "Jean-Marc Haddad v. The Kaitlin Group Ltd., 1138337 Ontario Inc. and CCCC Durham West Ltd." This is a case for which I developed extensive written expert testimony regarding the impact of location within a golf course community on residential property values in 2008; written cross-examination responses were submitted in early 2009; the case continues. In January 2009 I responded to a request for proposals from the City of Ferndale Department of Parks and Recreation with regards to the completion of their five-year master plan. This proposal was submitted with Pam Kirbach of Kirbach Consulting. Having successfully acquired this contract, in 2010 I completed a GPS/GIS inventory of Ferndale parks and recreation resources, as well as an assessment of the levels of access associated with Ferndale parks. Results of this project were presented at the 2010 Michigan Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, held in Grand Rapids, February 2-5 ("The Value of GIS in the Master Planning Process"). I continue to serve as an Associate Editor on the editorial review boards of the "Journal of Park and Recreation Administration" and the "Journal of Leisure Research." In Spring 2010 I provided a guest lecture on "Applications of GIS in Parks and Recreation" in FW 421 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources. In December 2010 I successfully interviewed with the Ingham County Public Services Committee for a place on the Ingham County Parks Commission; my term will commence January 2011. PARTICIPANTS: My work on the Master Plan for the City of Ferndale Department of Parks and Recreation was in collaboration with Pam Kirbach of Kirbach Consulting and was assisted by Scott Harding, an MS-GIS graduate from the MSU Department of Geography. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Generation of evidence regarding levels of park access and equity, and examination of how distributions of access correlate with levels of physical activity, is an important precursor to the identification of disengaged and inactive residents and, ultimately, the development of efforts designed to increase levels of activity through improved access to places that encourage healthy lifestyles. Evidence regarding the impacts of open space amenities on property values and the property tax base provides an important rationale for future decisions regarding the sale, acquisition or expansion of open space in urban communities. Such issues impact families and communities at a number of levels, from the provision of places in which to engage in both passive and active forms of recreation, to the protection of threatened natural resources and the regulation of environmental services, to the overall improvement of quality of life. The provision of completed research analyses in easily accessible online formats, as well as the continued presentation of results in both academic and practitioner-oriented venues, will maximize the distribution and impact of these findings throughout the research and professional communities.

Publications

  • Nicholls, S. (2010). Assessment of the Levels of Access to Ferndale Parks. Report prepared for the City of Ferndale Parks and Recreation. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My five-year plan is focused on the distributions of public open spaces throughout communities as well as the benefits derived from these distributions. During the fourth year of my five-year project I have been involved in a variety of activities and events pertaining to this theme. I continue to be retained by Thomson Rogers, Barristers and Solicitors, of Toronto, Canada, in the Ontario Supreme Court of Justice case of "Jean-Marc Haddad v. The Kaitlin Group Ltd., 1138337 Ontario Inc. and CCCC Durham West Ltd." This is a case for which I developed extensive written expert testimony regarding the impact of location within a golf course community on residential property values in 2008; written cross-examination responses were submitted in early 2009. In January 2009 I responded to a request for proposals from the City of Ferndale Department of Parks and Recreation with regards to the completion of their five-year master plan. This proposal was submitted with Pam Kirbach of Kirbach Consulting. Having successfully acquired this contract, I am close to completing a GPS/GIS inventory of Ferndale parks and recreation resources, as well as an assessment of the levels of access and equity associated with Ferndale parks. Results of this project will be presented at the 2010 Michigan Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, to be held in Grand Rapids, February 2-5. A similar proposal was also submitted to Pittsfield Township in March 2009, however, this application was not successful. Also early in 2009 a single-authored chapter entitled "Tourism and Recreation" appeared in a new text, "Geography and Geology of Michigan." In terms of academic and professional service, during Fall 2008 I served as the faculty mentor on an MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Undergraduate Research Program Award with Allison Czarnik, then a Senior in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources. The project on which we collaborated, "Assessing the Need for and Desirability of a New Dog Park in Meridian Township," involved determination of the level of support and demand for a new dog park in Meridian Township as well as the optimal characteristics of such a facility (size, location, etc.). Results of the project were presented at the 2009 Michigan State University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (East Lansing, Michigan, April 16). I continue to serve as an Associate Editor on the editorial review boards of the "Journal of Park and Recreation Administration" and the "Journal of Leisure Research." In Spring 2009 I provided guest lectures on "Applications of GIS in Parks and Recreation" in FW 421 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources Management (Kelly Millenbah, instructor) and "GPS and GIS in Parks and Recreation" in PRR 448 Foundations of Natural Resource Based Recreation Management (Dennis Propst, instructor). I continue to serve as thesis advisor to James Bennett, a student in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, whose thesis work will be a direct extension of my own Master's work on the measurement of park accessibility and equity. 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
Generation of evidence regarding levels of park access and equity, and examination of how distributions of access correlate with levels of physical activity, is an important precursor to the identification of disengaged and inactive residents and, ultimately, the development of efforts designed to increase levels of activity through improved access to places that encourage healthy lifestyles. Evidence regarding the impacts of open space amenities on property values and the property tax base provides an important rationale for future decisions regarding the sale, acquisition or expansion of open space in urban communities. Such issues impact families and communities at a number of levels, from the provision of places in which to engage in both passive and active forms of recreation, to the protection of threatened natural resources and the regulation of environmental services, to the overall improvement of quality of life. The provision of completed research analyses in easily accessible online formats, as well as the continued presentation of results in both academic and practitioner-oriented venues, will maximize the distribution and impact of these findings throughout the research and professional communities.

Publications

  • Nicholls, S. 2009. Tourism and recreation. In R.J. Schaetzl, J.T. Darden D. Brandt (eds), Geography and Geology of Michigan. Pearson Custom Publishers. Upper Saddle River, NJ.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My five-year plan is focused on the distributions of public open spaces throughout communities as well as the benefits derived from these distributions. During the third year of my five-year project I have been involved in a variety of activities and events pertaining to this theme. In April 2008 I co-authored a presentation entitled "Measuring Park Access and Equity at the Household Level" at the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in Boston. The co-author on this piece was Scott Harding, a Master's student in Geographic Information Sciences in MSU's Department of Geography. Scott and I are close to completing a manuscript which we plan to submit to the "Journal of Leisure Research" early in 2009. Also in April 2008 I was retained by Thomson Rogers, Barristers and Solicitors, of Toronto, Canada, in the Ontario Supreme Court of Justice case of "Jean-Marc Haddad v. The Kaitlin Group Ltd., 1138337 Ontario Inc. and CCCC Durham West Ltd." Over the course of the summer I developed extensive written expert testimony regarding the impact of location within a golf course community on residential property values in support of this case. In terms of other writing activities, a chapter entitled "Tourism and Recreation" will appear in a new text, "Geography and Geology of Michigan," early in 2009. In terms of academic and professional service, during the Fall 2008 semester I served as the faculty mentor on an MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Undergraduate Research Program Award with Allison Czarnik, a Senior in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources. The project on which we collaborated, "Assessing the Need for and Desirability of a New Dog Park in Meridian Township," involved determination of the level of support and demand for a new dog park in Meridian Township as well as the optimal characteristics of such a facility (size, location, etc.). This information was ascertained by use of a survey administered at existing Ingham County dog parks as well as other park locations popular with dog owners. Results of the survey will be presented to the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation and Ingham County Parks Commissions early in 2009. The data collected will also be used in the preparation of a grant to be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the monies needed to design and create the new dog park facility. I continue to serve as an Associate Editor on the editorial review boards of the "Journal of Park and Recreation Administration" and the "Journal of Leisure Research." In 2008 I also provided reviews of journal articles pertaining to my MAES project theme to both "Urban Studies" and the "Handbook of GIS and Society Research." In Spring 2008 I provided a guest lecture on "GPS, Remote Sensing & GIS, and Applications in Urban Parks" for PRR 448 Foundations of Natural Resource Based Recreation Management (Dennis Propst, instructor). Finally, in October 2008 I was invited to join the Master's thesis committee of I-Chun Wu, a student in the Department of CARRS whose thesis work will be a direct extension of my own Master's work on the measurement of park accessibility and equity. PARTICIPANTS: Direct participants in and collaborators on the project in the year 2008 were as follows: (i) Scott Harding, Master's student in Geographic Information Science in the Department of Geography, with whom I co-presented a paper at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in Boston and am collaborating on a journal article for submission to the "Journal of Leisure Research"; (ii) Allison Czarnik, a Senior in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources, for whom I served as faculty mentor on an MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Undergraduate Research Program Award ("Assessing the Need for and Desirability of a New Dog Park in Meridian Township"); (iii) LuAnn Maisner (Director, Meridian Township Parks Department), Jane L. Greenway (Parks and Land Management Coordinator, Meridian Township Parks Department) and Pat Witte (Manager, Lake Lansing Parks, Ingham County Parks department) - partners on the dog park project conducted by myself and Allison (item ii); and (iv) Darcy Merkur, Partner, Thomson Rogers, Barristers and Solicitors, of Toronto, Canada (recipient of written expert testimony). A potential new participant for 2009 is Dennis Schornack, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, with whom I hope to collaborate on an analysis of the impacts of Oakland County's public parks and other open spaces on residential property values in the county. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences in the year 2008 included: (i) attendees of the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers, at which I co-authored a presentation entitled "Measuring Park Access and Equity at the Household Level" with Scott Harding; and (ii) students enrolled in PRR 448 Foundations of Natural Resource Based Recreation Management, to whom I presented a guest lecture on ""GPS, Remote Sensing & GIS, and Applications in Urban Parks." PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Generation of evidence regarding levels of park access and equity, and examination of how distributions of access correlate with levels of physical activity, is an important precursor to the identification of disengaged and inactive residents and, ultimately, the development of efforts designed to increase levels of activity through improved access to places that encourage healthy lifestyles. Evidence regarding the impacts of open space amenities on property values and the property tax base provides an important rationale for future decisions regarding the sale, acquisition or expansion of open space in urban communities. Such issues impact families and communities at a number of levels, from the provision of places in which to engage in both passive and active forms of recreation, to the protection of threatened natural resources and the regulation of environmental services, to the overall improvement of quality of life. The provision of completed research analyses in easily accessible online formats, as well as the continued presentation of results in both academic and practitioner-oriented venues, will maximize the distribution and impact of these findings throughout the research and professional communities.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My five-year plan is focused on two major themes: determining the levels of access and equity associated with the distributions of urban open spaces, and calculating the impacts of these spaces on surrounding property values. During the second year of my five-year project I have continued to concentrate primarily on the first of these two areas, i.e., measuring park and recreation access and equity. To aid in these efforts I applied for - and received - a $1,500 "Undergraduate Research Engagement Support Award" from the Michigan State University College of Social Science. The student employed was also one of three undergraduate students and one graduate student with whom I collaborated on a poster entitled, "Geospatial Technologies for Open Space Planning and Management," presented at the 2007 Michigan Land Use Summit. This poster was awarded Second Place in the Undergraduate Student Category in the poster competition at this event. I have since hired the graduate student on this poster - an MS candidate in the Geographic Information Science program in the Department of Geography - to assist with the development of advanced GIS-based approaches to the measurement of access and equity. The results of our work to date will be presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in April. We are also in the process of preparing three journal articles related to this work, for submission to the Journal of Leisure Research, Professional Geographer, and one other, as yet undecided, journal. Other forthcoming publications include the chapter on recreation and tourism in a new text book, "Michigan: A Geography" (edited by Schaetzl, Brandt, and Darden). The year 2007 also saw two new collaborations for me. The first, with colleagues in the Departments of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS) and Geography, resulted in the receipt of a small, internal grant from the Family Research Initiative at Michigan State University which funded preparation of a white paper entitled, "Investigating the Impact of Neighborhood Environments on the Risk of Hypertension." The second, with McKenna Associates, Inc., a community planning, urban design and landscape architecture firm operating in Michigan and Ohio, resulted in a contract to conduct the telephone interview component of the City of Farmington Hills Special Services (Parks & Recreation) Master Plan. This project will be completed early 2008. In terms of professional service, I served as the Associate Editor or as an invited reviewer on seven papers related to my umbrella project theme, twice for the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, four times for the Journal of Leisure Research, and once for Leisure Sciences. I also provided one guest lecture and one half-day field trip on "GPS and GIS in Parks and Recreation" for PRR 448 Foundations of Natural Resource Based Recreation Management (Dennis Propst, instructor). PARTICIPANTS: Direct participants in the project in the year 2007 were as follows: (i) Daniel Saltiel, former BS student in Geography, hired using "Undergraduate Research Engagement Support Award," has since graduated and gone on to find employment in the field of GIS, to a significant extent due to his substantial work experience with me on several of my projects; (ii) Scott Harding, current MS candidate in Geographic Information Science, with whom I am writing three journal articles and will co-present at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers; (iii) Phil Howard, MSU Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS) and Sue Grady, MSU Department of Geography, with whom I collaborated on an internal grant from the MSU Family Research Initiative and prepared a white paper entitled, "Investigating the Impact of Neighborhood Environments on the Risk of Hypertension;" and (iv) McKenna Associates, Incorporated (235 East Main Street, Ste 105, Northville, MI 48167) (main contact = Courtney Piotrowski Miller, RLA, ASLA, Principal Landscape Architect) (this is the firm with whom I have subcontracted to conduct the telephone interview component of the City of Farmington Hills Special Services (Parks & Recreation) Master Plan). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences in the year 2007 included: (i) attendees of the 2007 Michigan Land Use Summit (at which the poster, "Geospatial Technologies for Open Space Planning and Management," was presented); (ii) residents of the City of Farmington Hills (via the subcontract with McKenna Associates, Inc. to conduct the telephone interview component of the City's Special Services (Parks & Recreation) Master Plan; and (iii) students enrolled in PRR 448 Foundations of Natural Resource Based Recreation Management (guest lecture and field trip).

Impacts
Generation of evidence regarding levels of park access and equity, and examination of how distributions of access correlate with levels of physical activity, is an important precursor to the identification of disengaged and inactive residents and, ultimately, the development of efforts designed to increase levels of activity through improved access to places that encourage healthy lifestyles. Evidence regarding the impacts of open space amenities on property values and the property tax base provides an important rationale for future decisions regarding the sale, acquisition or expansion of open space in urban communities. Such issues impact families and communities at a number of levels, from the provision of places in which to engage in both passive and active forms of recreation, to the protection of threatened natural resources and the regulation of environmental services, to the overall improvement of quality of life. The provision of completed research analyses in easily accessible online formats, as well as the continued presentation of results in both academic and practitioner-oriented venues, will maximize the distribution and impact of these findings throughout the research and professional communities.

Publications

  • Nicholls, S., and Crompton, J.L. (2007). The Impact of a Golf Course on Residential Property Values, Journal of Sport Management, 21(4): 555-570.
  • Grady, S., Howard, P., and Nicholls, S. (2007). Investigating the Impact of Neighborhood Environments on the Risk of Hypertension. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University Family Research Initiative.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
My five-year plan is focused on two major themes: determining the levels of access and equity associated with the distributions of urban open spaces, and calculating the impacts of these spaces on surrounding property values. During the initial year of this project I have concentrated primarily on the first of these two areas, i.e., consideration of access and equity. A study of the levels of access and equity associated with Grand Rapids area parks was completed. Funding from the Michigan State University Land Policy Program (Undergraduate Research Scholars Grant URS00305) enabled an undergraduate student to be employed on this project. Results were presented in the form of a poster at the 2006 Michigan Land Use Summit, for which the first of two 'Awards for Outstanding Land Use Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Student Category' was received. A report was also submitted to the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department. As a continuation of my work with the Trust for Public Land, I served as one of three invited panelists in a session entitled, 'Strengthening Community and Stimulating Economic Development: How Much Economic Value Does a Park and Recreation System Bring to a City,' at the 2006 Urban Park and Recreation Summit in Chicago. This session was attended by approximately 150 conference delegates, including park and recreation directors, civic leaders and open space advocates from the nation's largest cities. Numerous reports and presentations were also made throughout the year on the geospatial methods associated with my plan themes. A survey of the levels of adoption and use of geographic information systems by Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) members was conducted, the results of which were presented as a report and at the annual MRPA conference. A follow-up report, concerning low-cost GIS options for local government agencies, will soon be completed. A presentation regarding the uses of GIS by recreation resource planners and managers was also made at the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners annual conference. The latter report and presentation were co-authored with a second undergraduate student. A poster associated with this work on the applications of GIS was awarded the second of two 'Awards for Outstanding Land Use Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Student Category' at the 2006 Michigan Land Use Summit. In the coming year I plan to expand upon a previously conducted study of the levels of access and equity associated with the distribution of parks and other recreational facilities in Lansing. Specifically, the association between objectively defined levels of access will be correlated with perceived levels of access, as well as with self-reported levels of physical activity. In a separate study, the property value impacts of the various park and recreation facilities in the Greater Lansing area will be calculated. The results of these analyses will be used by the city as they enter into the preliminary stages of developing a comprehensive master planning process for the city that will take place over the next three years.

Impacts
Evidence regarding levels of park access and equity, and examination of how distributions of access relate to levels of physical activity, is an important precursor to the identification of disengaged and inactive residents and, ultimately, the development of efforts designed to increase levels of activity through improved access to places that encourage healthy lifestyles. Evidence regarding the impacts of open space amenities on property values and the property tax base provides an important rationale for future decisions regarding the sale, acquisition or expansion of open space in urban communities. Such issues impact families and communities at a number of levels, from the provision of places in which to engage in both passive and active forms of recreation, to the protection of threatened natural resources and the regulation of environmental services, to the overall improvement of quality of life. The provision of completed research analyses in easily accessible online forms, as well as the continued presentation of results in both academic and practitioner-oriented venues, will maximize the distribution and impact of these findings throughout the research and professional communities.

Publications

  • Crompton, J.L. and Nicholls, S. 2006. An assessment of tax revenues generated by homes proximate to a greenway. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 24(3):103-108.
  • Nicholls, S. and Latkova, P. 2006. Adoption and use of geographic information systems by Michigan Recreation and Park Association members. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.
  • Nicholls, S. and Bennett, J. 2006. Assessing the accessibility and equity of Grand Rapids area parks. East Lansing, MI: Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.