University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service student Ann Owen has developed 10 compelling recommendations to generate tourism and economic development for DeWitt, a small city in the Arkansas Delta.
Her recommendations are the culmination of hundreds of hours of rural tourism research on behalf of her partner, Mayor Ralph Relyea of the City of DeWitt. These 10 recommendations are wide reaching: accommodate overnight visitors; grow agritourism; feed foodies; celebrate community with a festival; develop a visitor center and volunteers; create a quirky, offbeat roadside attraction; produce art and cultural events; discover heritage tourism; explore nature and sports tourism; and twin the town.
“This comprehensive plan is full of short- and long-term projects, that, when implemented, will generate a lot of tourism traffic in DeWitt,” said Mayor Relyea. “Our area is full of history and natural attractions, and we are looking forward to having visitors experience our Southern hospitality.”
Within the plan there are also some specialty tourism opportunities and tourism enhancements that are encouraged. To help brand DeWitt and develop a five-year marketing plan, a tourism council could be established, comprised of a variety of individuals and groups from various sectors of the community that can play a role in stimulating tourism in this 3,292 member community.
Owen completed this final Capstone project as part of her 36-hour Clinton School coursework, which has students complete three public service projects for the Master of Public Service degree program.
About the City of DeWitt, Arkansas
In 1853, the City of DeWitt became the seat for Arkansas County, the first county west of the Mississippi River. This small Delta city is at the heart of the largest of Arkansas’ 75 counties, and it now serves as the seat for the Southern District of Arkansas County, with Stuttgart as the seat for the Northern District. DeWitt, with a population is just under 3,300, is a community rich with history, rice production and duck hunting – all of great interest to tourists. For Arkansas County Travelers, DeWitt can serve as the hub for a number of wonderful nearby attractions.
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