At this time development of two trails is underway: The Heart Of Florida Scenic Loop Trail (Alachua, Columbia, Marion Counties) and The Pure Water Wilderness Scenic Loop Trail (Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy Counties)

Each Travel Guide includes:

• Print/CD/Web versions
• Rural-Urban combo visitor experience
Opportunities: Sponsorships, Ad Placement, Promotion
Gateway Destinations: Lake City, Gainesville, Ocala as central
destination gateways to Heart of Florida, Pure Water Wilderness
and future loop trails

Scenic Loop Trail Project Description

Development of materials to guide visitors through the region in a seamless, enjoyable journey of discovery. Sites will include the authentic assets of the region, including nature, heritage and culture. The goal is to promote sustainable economic development by promoting businesses and ancillary sites that will showcase the region’s treasures, increase economic benefits, and be consistent with preserving the natural environment and the diverse cultural heritage of the region. The travel guides will be available in print format, CD/DVD, and online. Promotion of the sites listed in the guide will be augmented by kiosks located at key points along routes, clear signage at each business, and the building of a culture of ‘sharing the visitor’ by everyone involved.

TIMELINE:

Year 1: Resource ID, benchmarks for evaluation, 1st edition of guide
Year 2: Community and Business Development, 2nd edition of guide
Year 3: Annual revision, updates, new listings; Major Project Evaluation

TARGETED BENEFITS of LOOP TRAIL PROJECT

• Promotion of the region to niche audiences, repeat visitors, arrivals with undecided itinerary
• Increased visitation to the area
• Longer visitor stays and greater visitor participation in area activities
• Cross-niche participation by visitors (e.g., birders who decide to visit an art gallery)
• Promotion of local businesses
• Identification of local assets
• Identification of new markets and needs, i.e., new business opportunities
• Greater economic usage of infrastructures already in place (e.g., attractions, sites, trails, boat ramps, cabins)
• Identification of business needs
• Community Development (leadership training, education programs, civic action, etc.)
• Greater regional cooperation (between towns, counties, planning districts, etc.)
• Local and Visitor public awareness of regional identity
• Greater awareness of impact of sustainable economic development:
- Local Business Involvment
- Preserved Environment
- Communities with strong sense of place and self-identity