Description
The Sanpete Regional Tourism Council, now titled "Settlements Along the Sanpitch" is a four community, county-based regional heritage tourism partnership between the four communities of Ephraim, Manti, Mount Pleasant, and Spring City. These communities are assisted in this effort by Sanpete County and a partnership agreement that was signed to form the council with two members from each of the four communities appointed by the mayors, and one representative appointed by the county commission.

How to Use This Tool
These organizational steps, vision, and mission may help other communities develop their own vision, mission, and plan for a heritage tourism organization.
Related Tool: Strategic Planning

 

 

Example
The council used the following 3-step approach:

1. Vision and mission statements were formed.
   
   Vision - Sanpete County is internationally recognized as a unique destination of high-quality historical, cultural, and recreational products, services, and experiences.
   Mission Statement - To coordinate the efforts needed to preserve and renew the shared natural, cultural, and economic heritage of Ephriam, Manti, Mount Pleasant, and Spring City. The Council will also promote the vitality of a common economic base through heritage-based businesses and tourism development.
2. Objectives and general aproaches were identified.
   Preservation - Identify, preserve, enhance, and develop heritage tourism attractions, facilities, services, and events
   Interpretation - Communicate the themes of local history, heritage, and culture to residents and visitors through an interpretive framework
   Marketing - Identify and attract targeted market segments
   Business Development - Create, retain, and assist heritage businesse
3. More detailed planning goals were developed for each of these four areas.

Limitations
This model required the establishment of a new planning body that brought the four communities together, but which is also separate from the existing community organizations. This structure has strengths and weaknesses. The strength is that it sets up a new focused planning board. The weakness is that it requires administrative assistance from the state. This model provides an excellent example of organization and planning where several communities are involved.??

Contact
Wilson Martin
Division of State History
300 Rio Grande
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Phone: (801) 533-3552
Email: wmartin@utah.gov

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Partnerships & Networks