Mahoosuc Way Celebrates Two Years of Sustainable Tourism Efforts
For the last two years, the Center has worked with the Mahoosuc Sustainable Tourism Committee to advance a sustainable tourism and destination development model that builds economic vitality and supports local quality of life across the Mahoosuc region.
“It’s encouraging just how far we’ve come since this concept first came together,” said Mike Wilson, senior program director for the Northern Forest Center. “The work in the Mahoosuc region is a great example of movement toward sustainable destination management. It’s an encouraging trend we’re seeing across the Northern Forest.”
In February, the group celebrated its two-year anniversary and progress to date by hosting the Mahoosuc Way Summit with more than 90 people.
Origins: Developing Sustainable Tourism in the Mahoosuc Region
The Mahoosuc Way grew from a 2019-20 Community Destination Academy (CDA) sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism, Northern Forest Center, and Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce which pointed to strong interest among stakeholders in better integrating the value and effects of increasing visitation with the carrying capacity of local communities and natural resources.
“The program is rooted in a set of core pillars identified in the Mahoosuc Region Sustainable Tourism Plan that grew from the CDA process,” explained Wilson. “Teams formed around these strategic pillars to guide ongoing destination development. Their success at collaborating is evident in the program outcomes from the past two years.”
Program Highlights
Community and Visitor Engagement – Local teams launched the Mahoosuc Way website and created the Embrace Our Place Pledge. By
taking the pledge, visitors and local residents express their commitment to behaviors rooted in five core values: Honor this Land; Explore Wisely; Show Respect; Cultivate Community; and Be Climate Conscious.
From , to multiple social media channels and a monthly newsletter, the pledge is designed to communicate local values to newcomers, encouraging collective action to protect and sustain the quality of place that makes the area an attractive place to live and visit.
During the February Summit, the team premiered a new Mahoosuc Way video series that gives voice to local hopes and vision for a truly sustainable tourism industry that supports the local economy, community, and natural environment.
