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2 <br /> Based on these estimates,Visitors Bureau staff anticipates annual economic contribution of$150,000 <br /> from spending by visitors who originate on a trail or begin their experience in Hillsborough. Over ten <br /> (10)years,this represents a potential economic boon of$1.5 million in increased revenues for Orange <br /> County. From a strategic economic development perspective,if approved,we must ensure that this product <br /> remains attractive to visitors and residents. <br /> The initial roll-out of a marketing plan(which should be shared among Orange County's Visitors Bureau and <br /> Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority)will be aimed at residents. Once our community is aware of <br /> the trail,residents will play a key part in bringing visiting friends and family to partake in trail activities,with <br /> ancillary benefits to restaurants and retail,transportation and related sightseeing activity. <br /> Marketing will be a function of the Visitors Bureau within Economic Development.The goal will be to: <br /> • Extend visitors' stay by one day. <br /> • Bring new school groups to the trail. <br /> • Encourage out-of-state hikers to stop in Orange County,dine,stay in a hotel one night and enjoy the <br /> amenities of our communities. <br /> Marketing Tactics: <br /> • Print and on-line ads to be placed in city publications that have a trail component in their backyard. <br /> • The Visitors Bureau will produce a trail map and launch a public relations program consisting of <br /> social media,print news release distribution and video of trail walkers. <br /> An important part of the Economic Development and Visitors Bureau department's goal in 2018 will be to <br /> identify the"Scenic Trail's traveler's profile"and expectations of the Mountains to Sea Trail experience in <br /> North Carolina. <br /> Sources: <br /> http://www.americantrails.org/resources/economics/Trail-Towns-Great-Allegheny-Passage-tourism.html <br /> http://www.americantrails.org/resources/economics/Trail-Towns-Tourism-Guide.html <br /> http://www.americantrails.org/resources/economics/novikirelandl.html <br /> RECENT DEVELOPMENTS—Collaboration Increases Among Partners <br /> Orange County's MST development has recently benefitted by increased collaboration among various <br /> nonprofits,private businesses and a major electric power utility. To illustrate,the Eno River Association has <br /> just secured a 1.9 acre trail and conservation easement along Pleasant Green Road that will serve to further <br /> connect the Mountains-To-Sea Trail within the County. This progress will add 4 miles of Eno River trails in <br /> the immediate area,and also include a new footbridge over the Eno River. It will connect the Pleasant <br /> Green trail access area with the Few's Ford trail access at Cole Mill Road. Partners in this latest addition of <br /> Eno River trail easement in Orange County include the Eno River Association,the Friends of the North <br /> Carolina Mountains-To-Sea Trail,the power utility Duke Energy,and the retail store Great Outdoor <br /> Provision Company. Duke Energy&Great Outdoor Provision assisted with financial sponsorship. Kate <br /> Dixon,who serves as the statewide executive director of the Friends of the North Carolina Mountains-To- <br /> Sea Trail agency,has described this new partnership as a major breakthrough to help complete the MST <br /> route from Fall Lake (in Durham County)to Hillsborough in Orange County. <br />