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Scandia EDA presentation 4.24.19 Opportunities1 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Tourism Development Opportunities in Scandia CYNTHIA MESSER cmesser@umn.edu April 24, 2019 2 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. TOURISM ASSESSMENT PROCESS Community Asset inventories SWOT Mystery visitors Experienced Scandia, candid feedback Expert Team Community assessment visit SWOT meeting Reviewed past reports, documents Report 3 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. EXISTING RESOURCES Comprehensive Plan 2040 Architectural design guidelines St Croix Scenic Byway EDA City leadership Passionate supporters 4 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SCANDIA’S GOALS Maintain and promote the City’s cultural character and history. Maintain and promote a variety of land uses and residential densities while maintaining Scandia’s existing agricultural and rural character . Preserve and protect the City’s natural resources . Provide economic opportunities for residents and businesses. Source: City of Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan 5 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Strengths –Gammelgarden –Swedish heritage and history –Scenic beauty –Location –St. Croix River –Small town charm –Agritourism resources Weaknesses –Lack of businesses downtown –How spread out things are in the community –Lack of restaurants and lodging –Lack of community connections SWOT 6 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Opportunities –Gateway Trail –Commuter traffic –Farm to table –Lodging –Airbnb, cabins etc –Architectural guidelines –Connect to river –Business development Threats –Locals fear change –Development that doesn’t support character –Speed of tourism influx –Internet –Climate change –Potential loss of school SWOT 7 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Enhance /expand tourism amenities and assets Strengthen local and regional connections Educate the community Plan tourism to protect the assets and character of the community 8 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION Structure for tourism –Leadership –Tourism plan Infrastructure Assets –Outdoor recreation / nature-based tourism –Cultural/heritage 9 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Outdoor Recreation 10 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Agritourism 11 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Cultural/heritage 12 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. BUSINESSES 13 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. COMMUNITY SUPPORT Decide what tourism means for Scandia Seek diverse community voices Educate residents about potential Collaborate –between businesses –with neighboring communities 14 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. WASHINGTON COUNTY TOURISM $566,454,649 Gross Sales in 2017 $38,324,474 State Sales Tax 11,781 private sector jobs Source: Explore Minnesota Tourism, 2018 15 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. MARKETING Create a marketing plan Determine your messaging Coordinate marketing efforts Website enhancement 16 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. TOURISM MARKETS Current –Day trippers Cultural heritage Recreation (biking, river, fishing) Shopping Agritourism Events –Visiting friends/relatives (VFR –Pass-through / commuters 17 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SUGGESTED NEXT STEPS Establish leadership committee for tourism –Explore a funded position Create a tourism development plan Create marketing plan Identify realistic enhancements –Visually –Accessibilty –Attractions, amenities, ancillary services 18 © 2019 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This PowerPoint is available in alternative format s upon request. Direct requests to 612-624-4947. Discussion & Questions