{"id":10970,"date":"2018-03-22T19:36:15","date_gmt":"2018-03-22T23:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/?page_id=10970"},"modified":"2026-11-10T12:55:54","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T17:55:54","slug":"extension-and-outreach","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/extension-and-outreach\/","title":{"rendered":"Extension and Outreach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helping Local Communities Thrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a land-grant university, NC State serves North Carolina by sharing research-based knowledge and providing resources to communities, businesses and government agencies. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management supports this mission through extension and outreach programs that strengthen recreation and tourism opportunities across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our faculty and staff work with local partners to support small businesses, promote tourism development, protect natural and cultural resources, and help communities prepare for environmental changes and natural disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism plays an important role in North Carolina\u2019s economy. In 2025, visitors spent a record <strong>$37.2 billion<\/strong>, supporting more than <strong>230,000 jobs<\/strong> statewide, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commerce.nc.gov\/news\/press-releases\/2026\/05\/07\/north-carolina-tourism-hits-record-372-billion-2025\">N.C. Department of Commerce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through research, education and partnerships, our extension programs help communities develop tourism opportunities that support local businesses, create jobs and sustain the places that make North Carolina a destination for visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resources for Practitioners and Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NC State Tourism Extension provides research-based resources and assistance for extension agents, business owners, community leaders and others involved in tourism planning and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/tourism.ces.ncsu.edu\/\">NC State Tourism Extension<\/a> to explore programs, educational resources and opportunities for collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet Our Tourism Extension Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/directory\/carla-barbieri\/\">Carla Barbieri<\/a> \u2014 Professor and Tourism Extension Specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/directory\/duarte-morais\/\">Duarte Morais<\/a> \u2014 Professor and Tourism Extension Specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/directory\/whitney-knollenberg\/\">Whitney Knollenberg<\/a> \u2014 Associate Professor and Tourism Extension Specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/directory\/ann-savage\/\">Ann Savage<\/a> \u2014 Tourism Extension Associate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Featured Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">People-First Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/peoplefirsttourism.com\/\">People-First Tourism<\/a> connects local entrepreneurs with visitors seeking authentic tourism experiences. The program helps small businesses and community members share their traditions, skills and local knowledge while creating opportunities for income and economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through its online marketplace, visitors can discover and book experiences that support local businesses and connect them with the communities they visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women in Agritourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agritourism creates opportunities for farms to diversify their income by welcoming visitors for educational and recreational experiences, including farm tours, cooking classes, hayrides and seasonal events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/tourism.ces.ncsu.edu\/search-results\/?q=women+in+agritourism\">NC Women in Agritourism initiative<\/a> examines the opportunities and challenges facing women involved in agritourism across North Carolina. The project seeks to identify factors that contribute to business success and support the growth of farm-based tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initiative is supported by NC State&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/\">College of Natural Resources<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/\">College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"ncst-labeled-section wp-block-ncst-featured-content ncst-featured-content is-card-style layout-three-column\">\n  <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__background\">\n    <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__container\">\n               <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__header\">\n                      <h2 class=\"ncst-labeled-section__heading\">Extension and Outreach Resources <\/h2>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__content\">\n        <div class=\"wp-block-ncst-featured-content\">\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/tourism.ces.ncsu.edu\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-14148\"\n            alt=\"Lighthouse Next to a House - Extension and Outreach - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/Extesnsion_0011_DSCF6528_Erin_2.jpg\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/Extesnsion_0011_DSCF6528_Erin_2.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/Extesnsion_0011_DSCF6528_Erin_2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/Extesnsion_0011_DSCF6528_Erin_2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/Extesnsion_0011_DSCF6528_Erin_2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/Extesnsion_0011_DSCF6528_Erin_2-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Tourism Extension<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">We improve the quality of tourism across North Carolina by helping individuals and communities solve challenges and develop healthy, prosperous and enduring enterprises and destinations.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n              <p class=\"content-card__cta\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/extension-and-outreach\/professional-development-and-services\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-14172\"\n            alt=\"Outdoor Seating Area - Professional Development and Services - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/PRTM_Outreach_0000_pavilion-3415050_1920.jpg\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/PRTM_Outreach_0000_pavilion-3415050_1920.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/PRTM_Outreach_0000_pavilion-3415050_1920-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/PRTM_Outreach_0000_pavilion-3415050_1920-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/PRTM_Outreach_0000_pavilion-3415050_1920-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/PRTM_Outreach_0000_pavilion-3415050_1920-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Professional Development and Services<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">We strive to provide quality technical assistance, applied research and continuing education to the parks and recreation industry within North Carolina.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n              <p class=\"content-card__cta\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/extension-and-outreach\/community-outreach\/\"\n  >\n  \n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"\n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-14146\"\n            alt=\"Kid with Butterfly - Extension and Outreach - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/kid-with-butterfly.jpg\"\n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/kid-with-butterfly.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/kid-with-butterfly-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/kid-with-butterfly-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/kid-with-butterfly-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/05\/kid-with-butterfly-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                        <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Community Outreach<\/h3>\n              \n\n              \n\t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\"><span class=\"text\">We are committed to providing short- and long-term community service opportunities to enrich the quality of life for North Carolinians and improve society\u2019s health and well-being.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n              <p class=\"content-card__cta\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Helping Local Communities Thrive As a land-grant university, NC State serves North Carolina by sharing research-based knowledge and providing resources to communities, businesses and government agencies. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management supports this mission through extension and outreach programs that strengthen recreation and tourism opportunities across the state. Our faculty and staff&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/split-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"red_400\",\"imageAlt\":\"Farm Tour - Extension and Outreach - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State\",\"imageID\":14309,\"imageURL\":\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/farm_tour.jpg\",\"mirrorLayout\":false,\"pageIntro\":\"We connect NC State research with communities and businesses to strengthen North Carolina's recreation and tourism industries, support local economies and protect natural and cultural resources.\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10970","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10970"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23060,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10970\/revisions\/23060"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/prtm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}