The way they see: p Marine City, Michigan, is one of many towns that have benefited from Michigan State University’s FIT assessment. FIT Michigan State University Extension visitor experience assessment helps small towns look at themselves through fresh eyes
p Langsburg, Michigan, established an outdoor seating zoning ordinance based on FIT suggestions—serendipitously, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. u
ourism is a major part of the Michigan economy, accounting for 6% of all jobs and $24.6 billion in revenue (from visitor spending). In the state’s rural communities, in particular, tourism can bring much-need - ed income and economic diversification, but many rural areas aren’t aware of how visitors perceive them and may be overlooking assets that could attract tourists. Michigan State University’s First Impres - sions Tourism (FIT) assessment is making a difference in the tourism industry one small town at a time, through outsiders’ evaluations of what these towns have to offer to visitors and residents and through recommendations for what communities can do to improve their image. In this Q&A, FIT creator and MSU’s Community Vitality and Sustain - able Tourism Educator Andrew Northrop talks about how FIT helps communities learn about their strengths and weaknesses through the eyes of rst-time visitors. It empowers leaders and stakeholders to develop an action plan to improve their communities based on new perspectives and suggestions from these visitors. These action plans ultimately strengthen the quality of life for residents and visitors.
16 The NET Effect | Extension Foundation/NTAE
Extension Foundation/NTAE | The NET Effect 17
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