PLYMOUTH, N.H.-
The Institute for New Hampshire Studies (INHS ) at Plymouth State University has received a $140,000 contract to conduct tourism research during the next year for the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, Department of Resources and Economic Development. Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council approved the contract, which PSU has held for 20 consecutive years. Institute founder and Director Dr. Mark Okrant said the Institute provides the tourism industry with important information.
“It’s an honor to continue our work for the Division of Travel and Tourism Development,” said Okrant. “This contract will mean we have been conducting tourism research for the people and businesses of New Hampshire for twenty-two years at the time this contract culminates.”
Founded in 1975, the mission of the Institute for New Hampshire Studies is to advance knowledge about New Hampshire and its relationship to the New England region, through ongoing education and research. The Institute brings together the proficiencies of faculty from the social science disciplines, frequently applying an interdisciplinary approach. The Institute sponsors a minor in New Hampshire and Northern New England Studies and has hosted numerous workshops and field schools in related topics.
In its efforts to increase knowledge of the region, the Institute sponsors and facilitates projects. Since 1980, INHS has sponsored several archaeological field schools as well as research projects, including prehistoric site excavations; evaluations of a range of 18th and 19th century sites; surveys and excavations of shipwrecks having New England significance.
The Institute conducts a great deal of tourism research, including projects that support state and regional tourism marketing, as well as the development of tourism communities, accommodations and attractions, and historic properties.
Since 1990, INHS has conducted more than 100 individual projects for the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD); tourism research contracts total approximately $1.5 million to date. The INHS online tourism data base is the state’s largest. These efforts have gained Plymouth State University a strong reputation as a tourism education and research center.
Recently, a tourism marketing tool kit was placed on the Institute website to assist small businesses, particularly those situated in Northern New Hampshire, with efforts to market themselves more effectively (http://oz.plymouth.edu/~mokrant/toolkit/).
INHS projects and activities serve the state and New England region, in keeping with the mission of Plymouth State University.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu</a
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