Geotourism alliance promises expanded tourism and business opportunities

Geotourism along the Mighty Mississippi got a significant boost this week with the announcement of a $300,000 grant from the Delta Regional Authority.

DRA is committing the funds to a geotourism alliance sponsored by the National Geographic Society and guided by the Big River Strategic Initiative.

Geotourism – defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of place – is a primary development priority for the Big River Strategic Initiative.

The investment will fund the National Geographic Society Geotourism Alliance, which seeks to unite destinations and drive tourism along the Mississippi River Delta.

“The Delta region’s music, history and culinary tourism provide great opportunities for economic growth and expansion for our small businesses,” said DRA co-chairman Chris Masingill.

Charlie McVean, known for his commodities business McVean Trading & Investments as well as his visionary leadership in Memphis’ greenways expansion, serves as chairman of BRSI. He said the National Geographic Society geotourism project will “bring long overdue attention to one of the world’s greatest natural resources, increase visitation and generate significant tourism revenue for our region.”

McVean also is leading the private fundraising effort for the Big River Crossing project, which will transform the Harahan Bridge into a pedestrian- and bike-friendly connector path spanning the Mississippi River and connecting Downtown Memphis to West Memphis, Ark.

James Dion, director of tourism for National Geographic Maps, referred to the 10-state Mississippi River Corridor as “one of the treasured places on the globe.”

“The interactive MapGuide will celebrate the Mississippi’s abundant scenic, cultural and historical attributes from the unique vantage point of those who live there,” Dion said.

Funded by the $300,000 DRA grant, the geotourism program will target economically challenged, small- and medium-sized businesses, communities and private organizations. Those groups are distinguished by a mission to capture and reflect the environmental, cultural, historical and scenic assets of the Mississippi River.

The program – expected to kick off in January 2015 – also will foster trails and byways growth, as well as spur local participation in tourism planning.
 
By Jane A. Donahoe