George Washington University will be facilitating a town hall meeting to discuss tourism in southeastern Oklahoma, Choctaw Country Tourism announced.
The meeting will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 3 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center & Library.
“We’re excited to announce a new initiative by the Choctaw Nation to create a Destination Management Plan (DMP) for our community,” said Jo McDaniel, manager of Choctaw Country Tourism. “This plan aims to develop a sustainable tourism industry that celebrates our rich cultural heritage, creates job opportunities, and enhances our local economy.”
McDaniel said GWU are the experts in tourism and are overseeing and facilitating the DMP process, from beginning with the tribe months ago on a strategy, to coming here in person to see some of the main tourism attractions and facilitating the town hall and other community meetings across southeastern Oklahoma.
“We have identified a steering committee with representatives/ stakeholders from across our region for a great mix of people, who will continue to meet with us monthly going forward to implement some if not all of the ideas/best practices that we obtain from the town hall meeting and the other community meetings,” McDaniel said.
“GWU is diligent in hearing from stakeholders and residents across our region to see how we can improve or sustain tourism for the sake of employment, economic development and growth and to get some truths and great ideas from the community.”
GWU is where Choctaw Country Tourism staff gets all of its accreditations in the field of tourism to become experts or at least more knowledgeable in tourism.
“This is your chance to have a voice in shaping the future of tourism in Choctaw Country,” McDaniel said.
“Our goal is to ensure tourism benefits our community, respects our cultural and natural resources, and stays true to our shared values.“ The public is invited to the town hall to:
• Learn about the DMP and its goals.
• Share your ideas and feedback.
• Collaborate with fellow community members and stakeholders.