Agricultural News
Serious Attention Being Paid by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell to Agritourism Industry - Big Plans in the Works
Tue, 19 Feb 2019 13:26:34 CST
Joining Governor Kevin Stitt at this week's Oklahoma Farm Bureau Leadership Conference was his Lt. Governor, Matt Pinnell, who has been given roles within the Governor's Cabinet in both areas of commerce and tourism. In this capacity, Pinnell has taken on the charge to help the Governor in his agenda to propel the Oklahoma to Top Ten status. In regard to the state's agriculture industry, agritourism is pinned at the top of his list and is something the Lt. Governor says he is committed to promoting and strengthening in cooperation with both the State Tourism and Agriculture Departments. He spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays during his time with OKFB members this week to explain how his plan to do this is developing. You can listen to Pinnell's full comments on this subject, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
"Secretary (Blayne) Arthur and I are formulating a plan right now- kind of a collaboration between the Department of Ag and the Department of Tourism to really do a much better job promoting the agritourism assets we have across the state," Pinnell remarked. "It's the fastest growing cottage industry inside the Tourism Department as a whole across the country."
Rhetorically speaking, Pinnell explained that country stays and rural experiences are becoming increasingly popular for travelers and vacationers around the nation looking to reconnect with nature and a nostalgia for the simple pleasures one can only find in small town America.
"It's real hot right now and we've got to take advantage of it," he said. "We have assets all across our 77 counties but we've got to do a better job promoting it."
At present, behind the scenes, Pinnell says he is spearheading an effort to put together a marketing plan that will redirect focus on in-state promotion. Currently, most of what is being done, is focused outside of Oklahoma via TV, direct mail and digital advertising. While those marketing channels will continue, Pinnell says he intends to reinforce intrastate promotion.
As the single most sales tax dependent state, Pinnell argues that it is in Oklahoma's best interest to support this growing segment of the overall economy. Pinnell notes that tourism in the state currently generates $650 million in state and local tax revenue. Under his new plan being developed, Pinnell insists that amount will grow.
In addition to agritourism, Pinnell highlighted other areas in which he intends to promote such as the state's CareerTech opportunities. He also remarked on the cooperative and supportive spirit between his and the Governor's office and how Oklahomans will all benefit from that collaborative bond.
Listen to Pinnell's full comments on these topics and more, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below for your chance to hear that complete interview with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell.
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