Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

Committee Chair

Chad D. Pierskalla.

Abstract

There is substantial demand for fishing packages in West Virginia. 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 are: (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) to 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 that include other tourism activities through partnerships with West Virginia State Parks. A gap analysis was conducted. The development of additional tourism offerings and public/private partnerships can help address the gaps identified in the weaker markets.

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