Is Tourism the Answer?

Last fall I participated in two outstanding conferences: the Montana Economic Development Summit and Montana Main Street. Both drew dynamic speakers and provided dozens of opportunities for community leaders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and the public sector to network and brainstorm.

Tourism and what it means as part of an overall economic development strategy was a key component. As I listened to the conversations, it struck me that no one questioned the appropriateness of aggressively pursuing tourism dollars. No one was asking the fundamental question: Is tourism right for our community?

The discussions reminded me of an example I’ve heard many times – the story of Walt Disney and Anaheim. When Disney wanted to build Disneyland, he met with tremendous resistance from many local residents. He was persistent and ultimately, his dream became a reality. Today, the Disneyland Resort complex employs 20,000 and more than 18 million people visit Anaheim each year.

Some look at this as an accomplishment based upon determination and vision, others see it as one man coming into a community and changing everything whether residents wanted it or not. A good example of what focus can achieve, not so attractive as an example of preserving a sense of place, the importance of community, or the necessity for residents to be involved in determining the future of their town.

Tourism as an economic development tool is not without it challenges and trade-offs. It’s critical to consider the impact on all aspects of a community’s quality of life and make deliberate decisions. Is it worth it when tourism development increases property values to the point where residents have to leave their homes because they can no longer afford to live in the community? Many small towns have developed into huge resort destinations, dramatically altering the resident demographics and the area’s inherent character – its sense of place. The developers are raking in money, the tax base increases, jobs are created, but how much of the money is actually staying in the community? How many of the people working at those new jobs can still afford to live in the community?

The answers are different for every town and those who have successfully integrated tourism development into the fabric of their community usually approached the process as a collaborative endeavor. They took the time to have the tough conversations and debate the alternatives. They were willing to say “no” or “let’s take this slowly” when ideas seemed at odds with their community’s vision and character.

Yes, tourism may be the answer to economic development, jobs, and a better quality of life. It can enhance a town’s sense of place and keep it from becoming just another desolate spot filled with empty storefronts and abandoned homes. Is it right for your community? You won’t know until you step up and become a part of the discussion.