OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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The Sustainable Coastal Tourism & Outdoor Recreation provides applied research for communities and businesses, direct business training, and advising and consultations with community organizations, businesses and individuals. Generally, these services are free or low cost. We work with convention and visitor bureaus, hotels, tour operators, fishing guides, conservation organizations, government agencies, non-profits, etc.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” The UNWTO concluded that sustainable tourism guidelines and management practices apply to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations.
In 2017 the UNWTO found that as one of the fastest-growing global economic sectors, tourism can “help preserve natural and cultural assets,… empower host communities, generate trade opportunities and foster peace.” However, to realize these goals, the tourism sector must be well designed and managed.
In 2016, Oregon Sea Grant and Oregon State University Extension came together to hire Extension Tourism Specialist, Miles Phillips to serve Oregon's coastal community.
OSU Extension faculty work with business people, growers, foresters, youth and community leaders. They see first-hand what’s working in Oregon communities and what’s not. Extension educators consult with scientists at Oregon State University, where they focus their research on the real issues important to people. Results from that research circle back to the community through Extension programs. Knowledge grows from this cycle of reaching out and engaging the people who use it.
The Oregon State University Extension Service celebrates over 100 years of educational outreach. From the beginning, OSU Extension’s mission has been to convey research-based knowledge in a way that is useful for people to improve their lives, their homes, and their communities across the state.
Miles is located in Corvallis and is currently focused on supporting and informing economic growth, job growth and sustainable management of wildlife and natural resources in coastal Oregon. For more information see his blog at Oregon Coastal Tourism.
Audrey Comerford, Agritourism Coordinator
Melissa Fery, Small Farms
