5 year strategic plan for ASTC

In January of 2021 ASTC first began. Since then a lot of research and outreach has happened. A single member LLC, 3 websites were created, and a very robust twitter system to name a few.

The project so far has not received the support that was projected. Either two things happened.

1. The marketing program is too sluggish or failing.

2. We are too far ahead and or stakeholders do not understand or want our vision (A region where tourists become stakeholders.)

After gaining this new insight, we have decided to dissovle the LLC, and make some huge changes with our model and strategic plan.

The following will be paused for the next 2-5 years:

1. #TEAM. There will not be any Monday tweets about any up coming events and activities.

2. No Monthly Zoom meetings. However, if a person would like to talk or zoom about something, please ask.

3. The ASTC Internship program. However, if someone needs some advice about something, please ask

4. The yearly Hall of Fame write ups at the beginning of the year.

5. Volunteer programs with ASTC. However, if you need guidance on where to volunteer for hours, please ask.

6. No opportunities to donate money to ASTC.

7. No opportunities to adopt an organization.

The following will recieve far less focus over the next 2-5 years:

1. Blog creations to help stakeholders.

2. The 5 yearly goals.

3. Quartlery Sustainablity Reports.

As a reminder, during this 2-5 year period we will still look after some important aspects.

1. Helping entrepreneurs get started. However, there will be delays in emails and setting up meetings.

2. Finding ways to help trip planners in our region.

3. Improving information on our Stakeholder site to help better inform those who care about tourism development and policy in our region. More attention will be on the Tourism Category to help improve this industry.

Since the overhead for ASTC is so small, the president made the decision to fund the social enterprise with personal income rather than creating revenue streams for the LLC. This has several big advantages.

1. The president can improve his skills, learn more about the region, and network with stakeholders.

2. Liability of risk are eliminated.

3. More time will be spent learning on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for our 5 state service area.

4. More time will pass as the coal country regions further develop their tourism infrastructure.

5. The Tourism and Stakeholder sites will keep getting better, thus improving the brand of ASTC.

6. This 2-5 year period gives more time for stakeholders to learn about ASTC and see its potential.

Updates:

Here is a list of seasonal jobs that the president of ASTC has had since posting this blog:

Southern Appalachian Wildnerness Stewards, Fall of 2021.

Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest, imporving an approach trail for the Bald River Gorge Wilderness Wilderness.

Twin River Outfitters, Spring, and Summer of 2022.

Buchanan, VA. Upper James River (64 miles).

Please read this blog to learn more.

If you have any question, please contact ASTC for further information.

Thank you for reading.

Travis Stanley

Appalachia Sustainable Tourism Collaboration