Connecting West Virginia fee-fishing businesses with the larger tourism market through the development of tourism package

Abstract

Thirty-five or more fee-fishing businesses in West Virginia are often characterized as small businesses, and they could benefit from connecting with larger travel packages that are more likely to attract out-of state anglers. The objectives of this study are to: (1) identify mini-market segments based on fee-fishing experiences; (2) examine how fee-fishing mini-markets can better connect with the larger outdoor recreation markets; and (3) use this information to identify gaps in recreational offerings and develop tourism packages in a West Virginia test market. Six fee-fishing mini-markets were identified. Regression analysis results indicate that it is possible to develop fishing packages. A gap analysis suggests that most of the recreation activities associated with family fishing experience are available to customers in the West Virginia test market. The development of additional tourism offerings and public/private partnerships can help address the gaps identified in the weaker markets.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Mei, Zongxiang; Pierskalla, Chad; Shuett, Michael. 2007. Connecting West Virginia fee-fishing businesses with the larger tourism market through the development of tourism package. In: Burns, R.; Robinson, K., comps. Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2006 April 9-11; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-14. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 197-205.