Community-Friendly Tourism

Tourism is undeniably vital to Stowe’s economy, providing jobs,
supporting local businesses, and contributing to our vibrant community. However, its success hinges on responsible management that balances the needs of our valued visitors with the equally important needs of our residents. We need to evolve our thinking about tourism, from simply appreciating its economic contributions to strategically managing its impact in a way that enhances, rather than detracts from, our quality of life. This requires a collaborative and comprehensive approach, engaging with local businesses, non-profit organizations and clubs, Stowe Vibrancy, Stowe Area Association (SAA), and, crucially, our visitors themselves. My vision for community-friendly tourism rests on several key principles:

• Protecting Stowe’s Assets: The natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and unique character of Stowe are the very assets that attract visitors. Stowe must prioritize policies that protect these resources, ensuring their long-term sustainability. This includes:
  • Responsible Development: Creating targeted zoning bylaws that carefully manage development, ensuring its appropriate in scale and location, and that it does not negatively impact our environment or strain existing resources. We need to avoid the temptation of unchecked expansion that could compromise the very qualities that make Stowe desirable.
  • Consistent Enforcement: Town-wide ordinances regarding access, parking, and usage of town-owned assets and recreational amenities must be consistently and
    fairly enforced. This ensures equitable access for both residents and visitors and helps prevent overuse and degradation of these resources. Clear guidelines and
    proactive enforcement are essential for maintaining order and preserving these assets for future enjoyment.
• Balancing Visitor Needs with Resident Well-being: We must find creative ways to balance the legitimate needs of our visitors with the equally important needs of our residents. This means:
  • Managing Peak Season Impacts: Developing strategies to mitigate the impact of peak tourist seasons, such as managing parking and traffic flow, ensuring adequate staffing for local events, and providing clear communication to visitors about responsible behavior.
  • Supporting Local Businesses: Promoting policies that help local businesses thrive in our tourism-driven economy. This includes addressing workforce housing needs, improving public transportation options for employees, and supporting staffing efforts, thereby attracting and retaining workers in Stowe.
  • Enhancing the Resident Experience: Investing in amenities and services that prioritize residents needs while benefiting visitors, such as community parks, walking trails, and community focused events. A thriving community benefits everyone.
• Engaging with Visitors: We need to actively engage with our visitors, educating them about responsible tourism practices and encouraging them to be good stewards of our community. This includes providing clear information about local regulations, promoting sustainable tourism options, and fostering a culture of respect for our town and its residents.
• Collaboration and Communication: Effective tourism management requires ongoing collaboration and communication between all stakeholders. We need to foster open dialogue between residents, businesses, and tourism organizations to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the entire community. This includes regular meetings, surveys, and other forms of community engagement.

By embracing these principles, we can ensure that tourism continues to be a positive force in Stowe, contributing to our economy without compromising the quality of life we all cherish.