Friday, May 23
10:30 a.m.–noon
General Session III
Most tourism organizations must show value in the economic impact generated by visitors. This is usually measured in number of hotel rooms booked and visitor expenditures. But what if they could evolve to help solve socioeconomic problems such as poor education and poverty? In this session, you'll learn how to leverage your city’s strategic assets and rich heritage to not only create a sustainable tourism product, but create a cultural economic impact that can lead to a new era of social and economic prosperity in your destination.
Kirk Whalum is chief creative officer at Soulsville Foundation (Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, Soulsville Charter School). Connect with Kirk on Twitter.