A Rapid Rural Appraisal of Taylor, British Columbia “Where Peace and Prosperity Meet”

• Main Authors: Richard Giele, B. M. T. Student, Nicole L. Vaugeois
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Northwest Territories
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.596.5829; http://web.viu.ca/trip/case taylor jan 07.pdf

By analyzing this case, learners will: 1. Become familiar with the rapid rural appraisal methodology and its potential application in tourism; 2. Be able to critique the advantages and disadvantages of the rapid rural appraisal method; 3. Be able to compare and contrast approaches to identify tourism assets; 4. Be able to contribute ideas to move a community from asset identification to implementation of a tourism planning process. In April 2006, a research team of seven senior students and two faculty members from the Department of Recreation and Tourism at Malaspina University-College undertook a three week research extension tour through northern Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories to study rural tourism development. From April 16-20, 2006 the research team conducted a pilot study using the Rapid Rural Appraisal method to identify potential tourism opportunities in the District of Taylor, British Columbia and thus determine its utility in supporting tourism planning in rural areas. The team coordinated a series of twenty in-depth interviews with community leaders, business operators, not for profit groups, District staff and residents during the four day assessment. Findings revealed that the resources within Taylor place the community in a strong position to integrate tourism into its economic development priorities. The findings also suggest that Rapid Rural Appraisal may have future implications for assessment of tourism development in rural areas.