On Wednesday, November 27th, 2019, Letchworth Gateway Villages officially launched, ExploreGeneseeValley.com - a digital mapping project started in 2018 with local partners and residents to map the experiences, stories and attractions that define the Genesee Valley Region.
Creating a Living Guide to the Region
The Map Guide Program was created by National Geographic in 2002 based on the belief that “the best travel advice comes from the people that live there.” Through crowdsourcing points of interest from locals, the Map Guide Project helps develop and authentically communicate the Genesee Valley's unique story of place. The resulting product is a collaborative digital platform that functions as a living guide to the region, helping connect travelers with the many attractions, businesses and activities through the voices of the people that live there.
Promoting Sustainable Rural Development
The ultimate goal of the Genesee Valley Map Guide Project is to promote economic stability and visibility for the small communities within the region. “One of the major challenges we have in rural areas is online visibility,” says Nicole Manapol, Letchworth Gateway Villages Director. “The Genesee Valley Map Guide not only provides a platform to promote our region online, it also serves as a tool to teach local businesses and organizations how to improve their online presence and enhance searchability.”
How local residents and businesses can get involved
Local experts and visitors alike are encouraged to get involved by mapping the places and experiences that capture the Genesee Valley’s unique character, heritage, and beauty. To become a Map Guide contributor visit: https://exploregeneseevalley.com/share-the-love
For more information about the Genesee Valley Map Guide, visit: https://exploregeneseevalley.com/
About Letchworth Gateway Villages
Letchworth Gateway Villages (www.letchworthgatewayvillages.org) is a collaborative initiative led by the villages of Perry, Mount Morris, and Geneseo to catalyze regional economic growth and new tourism-related market opportunities for the communities that serve as gateways to Letchworth State Park.
Contact Information: director@letchworthgatewayvillages.org