Product Development
Based on the initial Master Plan recommendations
a primary focus of product development was identified as a part of
the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee
interim study. The Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) was asked to
further research and review the need and considerations for:
“Creating a consistent and systematic approach to identify and fund
new product development opportunities.”
The WOT has undertaken additional research to develop alternatives
and concepts to the Committee for their consideration and possible
action in the 2012 Legislative session and to continue the
implementation of the Master Plan.
Initial Research
All 50 states and programs in other countries were part of the
initial review to determine what types of tourism development
programs may already exist and to determine any that could be used
to identify “Best Practices.” By far the majority focused on
programs that supported marketing only. Of all the programs
reviewed—20 were identified for further investigation and analysis
and of those—10 were chosen as having the elements that merit final
consideration for purposes of best practices for any final
recommendations: Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas, Colorado,
Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Ireland.
These programs broke down into the following categories:
• Sales/Use/Income Tax Incentive or rebates
• Community Development Block Grants—Targeted to Tourism
• Comprehensive and specific Tourism Development Grant Programs
• Event Development Grants
• Convention Centers
• Feasibility/Master Plan/Planning Grants
To review the Initial 50-State Research, please click here:
INITIAL 50-STATE RESEARCH.
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