Jonathon Tourtellot, renowned lecturer, speaker and consultant is coming to Kimberley April 22-23 with his ‘whole approach’ to destination tourism. The mission statement at the Destination Stewardship Center in Washington D.C., which Tourtellot runs, states his approach as: “To help protect the world’s distinctive places by supporting wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship.”
The Beaver Valley, as a growing destination is the focus of a workshop Sunday April 23 from 2 to 5 pm at the Kimberley Hall. The emphasis is on the role of stewardship as the way to maximize tourism benefits while minimizing negative impacts on the scenic beauty, flora, fauna, and watershed, while preserving the cultural history, arts and crafts, small businesses, food, recreational opportunities, and the rural quality of life so many seek when moving and visiting here.
Stacie Howe, has led the volunteer steering committee to bring Jonathon Tourtellet to the village for the Sunday workshop, April 23 and a meet and greet in her business, the Kimberley General Store the day before, Saturday April 22 from 10 am until noon for coffee and conversation.
While Stacie saw the business potential in Kimberley early on, she is also aware of the problems that tourism and development can bring. She says, “Natural beauty in the valley is fragile. Pressure on the natural environment is not exclusive to the valley but I feel we have time to make a difference here. I am so excited that someone of Jonathon Tourtellet’s calibre is coming to work with us. I encourage everyone to register for the Sunday workshop where we can learn how to shape and protect our future tourism prosperity.”
Jonathan will share his expertise and experiences from his work around the world supporting destination communities like the Beaver Valley to establish a sustainable, social, economic, environmental and governance approach to tourism.
Registration required for Kimberley Hall event as space is limited. Contact: embodiedlearning8@gmail.com to register.
source: media release
