Lure of the Shore –Virginia Passport Program!
Category: Community Development
Project Description:
The Eastern Shore Passport Program is the hot
ticket to explore
the shore which is enticing visitors to come
back again and again. The Eastern Shore RC&D is
one of several organizations that supported a
local Tourism Commission initiative called
Lure of the Shore. Travelers obtain
passports from the website
www.lureoftheshore.com or
participating businesses. The colorful cards
are imprinted with the ES RC&D logo and provide
discounts on an array of adventures from
kayaking and fishing, to art or music classes,
spas and wine tasting. The menu of travel
packages is constantly changing to highlight
unique cultural and natural attractions in tune
with the season.
The Tourism Commission works with the local businesses to develop and promote special offers that will appeal to travelers looking for a unique environment and experience. The effort is doubling and tripling the length of many visits, which is terrific for the bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Impact and Outcome: Beneficial impacts of the project are still accumulating after the Passport’s launch. Hundreds of passport holders and several thousand visitors to the website are helping local businesses make money through low-impact tourism. Bed and breakfasts, outfitters, and other businesses are reporting new customers as a result of the campaign. Visitors who stay longer are spending more money.
RC&D Council’s Role: ES RC&D Council’s role has been promotional and financial. Council was eager to support this because of an earlier partnership with the Tourism Commission to develop an AgTourism Brochure. It was also a big boon to businesses selling locally grown food, plants, and wine -- as well as travel related businesses.
Total Project Cost: Partners and the Commission contributed many hours of labor and donated services worth over $20,000. RC&D Council's contribution (in-kind and cash) was $1,000.
Total Number of Partners: At least 350 supporters attended the Passport launch party. At least 100 of them represented businesses affiliated with the project and more are being recruited as the program grows.
Contact Information: Donna Bozza, RC&D
Council member and ES Tourism Director
Eastern Shore of VA
Tourism Commission
(757) 787-8268,
www.esvatourism.org
Jane Corson
Lassiter, RC&D Coordinator, NRCS
Eastern Shore RC&D; 757-787-2786