Annual Symposium

Tuesday, October 20
Sterling Evans, PhD
Louise Welsh Chair at Oklahoma University

Topics Include:

• The concept of history of ecotourism
• A comparative analysis of ecotourism in Latin America and the U.S.
• The economic impact of ecotourism on an area

Thursday, October 22
Serafin Gomez, Leonor Marquez, Benito Chica
Prodetur

Prodetur's main goal is to bring in people to learn about the area's heritage, focusing on the Civil War era that lasted from 1980-1992. Prodetur has utilized this increasing tourist attention to Morazan by directing these tourists to local businesses for their accommodations and needs. In this way, the local post-war economy benefits from the trouist activity as well. Prodetur offers touist guided tours and natural and historic attractions, lodging, meals, recreational activities, and transportation to/from sites.

Wednesday, October 28
Phyllis Baxter, Appalachian Forest Heritage Area
Audy Perry and Tyson Compton, Cabell Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area is a regional, grassroots effort to integrate central Appalachian forest history, culture, natural history, products, and forestry management into a heritage tourism initiative to promote rural community development. Also that evening, we will have Audy Perry and Tyson Compton of the Cabell Huntington Convention & Visitors Bureau. They will relate what Phyllis says about the Appalachian area more specifically to Huntington, and the efforts currently being put forth to preserve the culture of Huntington.