The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University is spearheading a significant initiative aimed at bolstering community-based tourism across North Carolina. This impactful program, known as UPLIFT North Carolina, recently gained national recognition in a feature from the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. This acknowledgment highlights the program’s growing influence and the importance of its mission to Uplift Partners within the tourism sector.
The core of this recognition stems from a new partnership between the Smithsonian Center and UPLIFT. This collaboration is set to provide invaluable workshops and mentorship opportunities designed to cultivate and enhance festivals and tourism experiences throughout North Carolina communities. For stakeholders in the tourism industry, especially those invested in community growth, this partnership represents a significant opportunity to access expert resources and guidance. It’s about uplifting partners by providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive.
Dr. Carol Kline, a distinguished professor within the Walker College’s Department of Management and the Director of Appalachian State University’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program, co-leads the UPLIFT North Carolina initiative. Her leadership, coupled with the program’s framework—Understand, Plan, Link, Innovate, Finance, and Tell—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to community tourism development. The Smithsonian partnership further amplifies this expertise, offering a blend of academic rigor and cultural heritage insights. This synergy is designed to effectively uplift partners by enriching their capabilities and broadening their networks.
This strategic alliance is a testament to Dr. Kline and her team’s dedication to fostering connections between tourism entities, services, and businesses across the region. By transcending geographical boundaries, UPLIFT aims to empower local leaders and practitioners to realize their unique visions for tourism within their own communities. The focus is squarely on uplifting partners by supporting their local ambitions and fostering sustainable growth.
Simon Jones of NatureScapes, another co-leader of UPLIFT, alongside Dr. Kofi Boone from North Carolina State University and Jesa Valla, shares the enthusiasm for this collaboration. Jones stated, “We are so excited to be working with the Center to bring their knowledge and experience to support rural North Carolina communities in their efforts to build vibrant local tourism economies based on their natural and cultural heritage.” This sentiment underscores the shared commitment to uplifting partners in rural communities by leveraging cultural and natural assets for economic vitality.
UPLIFT North Carolina is more than just a program; it’s a catalyst for economic recovery and growth. Funded by the Economic Development Administration under the American Rescue Plan Act, UPLIFT directly addresses the economic challenges faced by North Carolina’s tourism sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By implementing strategic economic-building initiatives, UPLIFT is actively working to revitalize the travel and tourism industries. Ultimately, the program is designed to uplift partners throughout the state, ensuring a resilient and thriving tourism future.
For those interested in learning more about how UPLIFT North Carolina is making a difference and how it can potentially uplift partners in your community, further details are available on the UPLIFT North Carolina webpage. Explore how this initiative is fostering growth and resilience in North Carolina’s vibrant tourism landscape.
