Nevada’s tourism efforts are shifting away from promoting the famous casinos of Las Vegas to focus on rural tourism and the natural beauty of the state. With a grant of $13.5 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Travel Nevada is investing in marketing, infrastructure, and workforce projects to strengthen tourism in rural areas. The goal is to increase the quality of life for Nevadans and stimulate the local economies of rural communities by promoting tourism outside of the main urban centers.
The Destination Development Program created by Travel Nevada outlines a 10-year plan for how the grant money will be spent. Grant funds have been distributed to communities such as White Pine County, Lincoln County, and Black Rock-High Rock. These communities offer unique attractions such as hiking, stargazing, mountain biking, astrological tours, cowboy culture, and hot springs. The success of the grants is still being measured, but the program plans to provide funding to additional communities in the coming year.
To make these rural travel experiences more accessible and bookable, Travel Nevada is collaborating with GetYourGuide, an online travel agency that focuses on promoting unique tourism offerings. By working with innovative destination marketing organizations like Nevada, GetYourGuide aims to drive visibility to lesser-known areas and create a more sustainable approach to tourism. This partnership is part of a larger trend where destinations worldwide are looking to provide diverse tourism experiences to attract visitors and ease overcrowding in popular areas.
The collaboration between Travel Nevada and GetYourGuide aligns with efforts in other destinations to distribute tourist dollars across various points of interest rather than concentrating them in well-known locations. Japanese hotel group Hoshino Resorts, tour operator Intrepid Travel, and travel agency TravelStore are also working to promote off-the-beaten-path experiences and encourage tourists to explore alternative vacation spots. By spreading tourism dollars to different areas, these initiatives aim to protect the environment, reduce overcrowding, and support local communities.
The focus on rural tourism and unique experiences is part of a broader shift in the industry towards more sustainable and responsible travel practices. By showcasing lesser-known destinations and promoting diverse activities, destinations like Nevada can attract a new wave of travelers interested in authentic experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. This approach aligns with a global trend of reevaluating traditional tourism models and prioritizing community well-being and environmental conservation in travel planning. Nevada’s efforts to support local communities and create harmony between residents and tourists reflect a growing awareness of the need for responsible tourism development.
