Nearly 30 stakeholders in rural development gathered on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the Martinique Territorial Collectivity’s European Funds Directorate to discuss rural tourism and share their experiences.
Perspectives from Martinique and Quebec
Organized by the Martinique Rural Network* In collaboration with Laval University in Quebec City and the «Attractiveness and Innovation in Tourism – Quebec City-Charlevoix» Partnership Research Chair, this event fostered the exchange of ideas and experiences among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Supporting Stakeholders and Boosting Rural Tourism
Through their discussions, the participants highlighted the challenges they face in developing their businesses in rural areas and the isolation they often experience in their work. Olivier Dehoorne, a professor and researcher at the University of the Antilles, emphasized the need for rural tourism stakeholders to network.
Indeed, this networking is essential to maintaining added value in our region, given the risk of fragmentation of the supply and the capture of value by marketing platforms.
Various networking initiatives were presented. The participants found them enlightening.
Experiences in Rural Tourism
Patrick Duchel spoke about his 18 years as a coordinator within the TakTak network. The network brings together about 40 tourism professionals from Martinique (transportation providers, restaurant owners, lodging providers, museums, and partner cities). It serves as a key interface between industry stakeholders on the one hand, and between stakeholders and visitors on the other. Its goal is to promote artisanal, cultural, and environmental expertise.
Pascale Marcotte and Laurent Bourdeau, from Laval University in Quebec City, presented “La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix.” Producers and restaurateurs work hand in hand to develop innovative products that showcase the region’s unique character. The Route des Saveurs makes it easier for tourists to access these offerings. Thanks to this initiative, the region has established a strong reputation as a gastronomic destination.
Discussions about these experiences helped everyone gain a better understanding of the value of this type of network and how it is organized.
Many have expressed enthusiasm about the potential for developing rural tourism.
In line with its commitment to supporting stakeholders, and in order to help foster and promote the development of this type of network in our region, the Martinique Rural Network plans, in the coming months, to:
- establish a working group comprising stakeholders in the field and institutional representatives,
- strengthen its collaboration with the University of the Antilles and Laval University in Quebec City. This collaboration will allow us to draw on the expertise of academics, involve students, and foster cooperation between our territories.
*The Martinique Rural Network is a platform for information and discussion on rural development. It is jointly managed by the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique (CTM) and the Directorate of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (DAAF). Its operations are coordinated by the CTM’s Directorate of European Funds.
Source: http://www.collectivitedemartinique.mq/vers-des-outils-de-dynamisation-du-tourisme-rural-en-martinique/
