Stakeholder Involvement, Culture, and Accountability in the Blackstone Valley of New England, USA: A Work in Progress

Abstract

Following its historical rise and fall, America's first industrialized polluted landscape garnered federal and local support to remedy its near destruction. Today, the Blackstone Valley is a pragmatic example of translating theory into practice. The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, since its inception in 1985, has applied leadership, innovation, and commitment to its mission and innovative sustainable tourism place-making principles in its work. This dedication to its destination, aligned with principles from the World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environmental Programme & World Tourism Organization, and the Geotourism principles of the National Geographic Society, Center for Sustainable Destinations, has led the way for the Blackstone Valley to become a sustainable tourism destination. The Tourism Council has worked to preserve and enhance the Valley's environment, respect the sociocultural authenticity of the communities, and provide economic growth to all stakeholders. Social responsibility from all sectors of the community has led the Valley to find its direction, follow its vision, and share it with others along the way. The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council continues to fulfill the vision of sustainable tourism through the Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory. The Laboratory's purpose is to share the Tourism Council's experience in developing planned sustainable tourism with local, regional, state, provincial, and worldwide tourism leaders, and community stakeholders seeking to develop viable and successful destinations.