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Conference to help rural communities develop local economy through tourismMissouri University of Missouri Extension will host a cultural heritage tourism conference April 21 to 23 in Chamois. At "Capitalizing on Your Community's Heritage: Tourism for Local Economic Development," rural community leaders can learn how to take advantage of local history to attract tourists. The conference will feature leaders in tourism, local history, community and economic development, historic preservation and the arts. "Cultural heritage tourism is a great way for a community to conserve its special characteristics for future generations and a smart way to build economic development by using resources that already exist in the community," said Connie Mefford, Extension community development specialist. Mefford said that cultural heritage tourism is ideal for rural communities. Not only does it support businesses traditionally associated with tourism--lodging, restaurants and gas stations--it also provides opportunities for local artists and other businesses. "There are a number of employment and economic development benefits of cultural and heritage tourism," Mefford said. "The benefits include increased civic pride, improved infrastructure as a result of increased sales tax revenue, new employment opportunities, development of local arts and crafts, and increased income for businesses from tourism expenditures." People interested in cultural heritage also spend more than other tourists, according to a Missouri Division of Tourism study. "Research shows that cultural heritage travelers are more traveled and educated than previous generations of travelers," Mefford said. "But they expect more from their travel experiences--making quality and authenticity important." Keynote speakers for the conference will be Julie Avery, author of "Rooted in Place: Cultivating Community Culture" and a curator at the Michigan State University Museum, and Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri. Chamois was chosen for the conference because it represents the potential of cultural heritage tourism, Mefford said. Founded in 1856, Chamois is 35 miles south of Jefferson City on the Missouri River. The conference will be held at the Chamois Lions Club Community Center, 422 N. City Park Road. Pre-conference tours of Chamois and the historical societies in Cole, Boone and Osage counties also are scheduled. Registration is $125 per person, or $100 per person for organizations with three or more attendees. Pre-conference tours are an additional $10. Individuals who register by March 25 will receive a copy of Avery's book. All registrations must be received by April 8. To register, contact MU Extension in Osage County at 573-897-3648 or go to www.WelcomeToOsageCounty.info. Lodging at local bed-and-breakfasts is also available. See the website for details. MU Extension's partners in the conference include the Osage County Agritourism Council, Missouri River Communities Network and the Boone County Historical Society.
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