Communities employ varied strategies and tactics to create positive change. These strategies are a starting point for communities seeking ways to collaborate and improve their tourism products and experiences. 1. Assess what’s working and what is not – This usually requires a consultant who can serve as an objective observer. Analysis of the visitor experienceContinue reading “Eight Strategies for Community Collaboration”
Author Archives: heartfeltassociates
Tourism Collaboration Should Be Easier – 5 Reasons To Collaborate
Remember when we were children? Our mothers worried about how to get us to play well together, to share toys and to cooperate. There seems to be some natural inclination among humans to compete. But even as children we found ways to overcome the tendency and collaborate. We built sand castles on the beach together,Continue reading “Tourism Collaboration Should Be Easier – 5 Reasons To Collaborate”
The Ethics of Interpretation – Choosing to make a difference
A friend and colleague in Panama recently posted a question that caused me to think more deeply about a conservation issue. It seems a private zoo owner had attempted to move about ten percent of the remaining animals of a rare and endangered species from their natural habitat in Panama to his zoo collection inContinue reading “The Ethics of Interpretation – Choosing to make a difference”
Running of the Bulls in the U.S.?
I will never forget a sunny Tuesday in July four decades ago in northern Spain. We drove into Pamplona at daybreak and gathered in the street by the town council building with hundreds of other young men in white outfits with red sashes, berets, zapatas and other adornments. José, my Spanish compadre, and I wolfedContinue reading “Running of the Bulls in the U.S.?”
Professionalism – Six Ideas to Consider
Several years ago we were in the Galapagos Islands leading an ecotour along with our local guide who grew up on the islands. He admitted to having some interpretive training but it was not evident in his performance. He glibly told us the names of things with no explanation of their role in the ecosystemContinue reading “Professionalism – Six Ideas to Consider”
The Butler Did It – Everyday Heroism
We recently sat in a theater in Keauhou, Hawaii, watching The Butler. Most folks applauded at the end for a writer, cast and crew that could not hear the praise. We wanted each other to hear it, to share the moment. Most sat still and watched the names of all who made the film rollContinue reading “The Butler Did It – Everyday Heroism”
Try to Remember – Keep a Journal
I am reading Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose and the wonderful journals of the men on the Voyage of Discovery from Washington, D.C. to Oregon coast with Lewis and Clark left us amazing accounts of their journeys. Where would we be without journals? It was ornithology class in college that made me start keeping aContinue reading “Try to Remember – Keep a Journal”
Training Guides to Interpret
We were walking down a path through a beautiful botanical garden many years ago and our guide was talking over her shoulder with only a few able to hear. When she stopped she would start talking and not wait for the group to gather. When asked a question she could not answer, she pulled aContinue reading “Training Guides to Interpret”
Five Ideas to Engage Your Audience
When I have the opportunity to speak to a group, my challenge is to find the most bored and tuned out person sitting in the audience and get him or her more fully engaged with whatever subject matter I’m presenting. Given that I’m usually trying to influence audience members to move toward greater stewardship ofContinue reading “Five Ideas to Engage Your Audience”
Five Ways to Build a Strong Membership
Twice in my career I have run membership organizations. In each case building membership was important to our work. And I learned a lot about that from others who had been building membership successfully for years. These are five of the better tactics for building and retaining a strong and lasting membership in my experience:Continue reading “Five Ways to Build a Strong Membership”
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