FUNDING-Appalachian Regional Commission - Tourism in Appalachia, Trends and Strategies; August 17, 2017

 

Description

 

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) invites proposals from qualified researchers and consultants to examine the tourism industry in Appalachia through in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis.

 

Specifically, the research will document, analyze, and map data on industry trends and activity, with particular focus given to subsectors and issues relevant to the Region. An extensive literature review should accompany this quantitative component and may supplement any topic areas unable to be examined with available data. Using a selection process based in part on this quantitative analysis and review of pertinent literature, communities that have established, impactful tourism sectors will be explored in detail as case studies, and the findings from each of these locations will be used to develop best practices for other communities seeking to initiate, develop, and strengthen their own tourism sectors. In addition to the case studies that examine communities as a whole, individual businesses and attractions will also be explored through a separate set of case studies, and best practices will be developed with a focus on providing other enterprises with relatable lessons learned from the individual experiences of these successful businesses and attractions. After synthesizing information and findings from each of the preceding sections, guidance for ARC staff will be developed regarding how to best review, manage, and evaluate tourism-related projects.

 

ARC is a federally funded partnership with the 13 Appalachian states, established in 1965 to promote economic and community development in the Appalachian Region. ARC’s Planning and Research Division conducts research and evaluations regarding key economic, demographic, and quality-of-life factors that affect current and future economic prospects in the Appalachian Region.

 

Closing Date:

 

Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 17, 2017.

 

Link to Full Announcement

 

https://www.arc.gov/funding/contracts.asp

 

Contact Information

 

Logan Thomas

202-884-7766

lthomas@arc.gov