The time, energy, and effort devoted to the planning, organization, and promotion cannot be over- emphasized. Communities with the proper attitude, knowledge, and skills will get the largest share of the tourism dollar. Many communities fail to reach their tourism potential because they have never planned or evaluated their program. Complete a comprehensive inventory of resources. Put yourself in the visitor's shoes.
Tourism is everybody's business.
There are three major local stakeholders. Commercial - this sector goes beyond motels, food suppliers, or filling station operators and should include active participation from others such as bankers, lawyers, doctors, mechanics, media, etc. A mechanism needs to be put in place to bring all those entities together. On the whole, travelers represent an upscale of the population. The growing experience and sophistication of American tourists have created a rise in demands that take the fun-seeker off the beaten path, or provide a new prospective or destination.