Specifications include, but are not limited to: 2.3.1 Economic Impact: A. Access and use geolocation, geo-fencing or similar services to gather information related to current visitation to the Chesapeake Bay region, including select state and local parks, national wildlife refuges, Chesapeake Bay Gateway partner sites, Chesapeake Bay towns, and Chesapeake Bay waterways.; B. Conduct intercept interviews at select sites within the Chesapeake Bay region to assess visitor spending/economic impact.; 2.3.2 Visitor Interest in Tourism Products and Services: A. Conduct intercept interviews at select sites within the Chesapeake Bay region to assess interest in various Chesapeake Bay visitor experiences and tourism products, including different types and topics of Chesapeake Bay Storyteller tours, both land and water-based, and visitor experiences at Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water Trails Network sites.; 2.3.3 Traveler Interest and Intent to Travel: A. Conduct research on traveler interest and intent to visit among potential visitors who are not in-market. Analyze interest in various Chesapeake Bay visitor experiences and tourism products, including Chesapeake Bay Storyteller tours, and visitor experiences at Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water Trails Network sites.; B. Analyze the effectiveness of various Chesapeake Bay marketing initiatives and messages to inspire travel, such as existing print and digital products, video and ads among potential visitors.; C. Analyze visitor needs and interest in various Chesapeake Bay visitor experiences and tourism products, including different types, lengths and topics of Chesapeake Bay Storyteller tours, both land and water-based, interest in Chesapeake Bay stewardship opportunities and voluntourism, as well as museum experiences, outdoor recreation, visitation to Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water Trails Network sites and related visitor services and experiences.; 2.3.4 Visitor Needs/Gap Analysis: A. Determine visitor needs and conduct a gap analysis to identify Chesapeake Bay tourism experiences and services that are not currently available and/or have potential for growth.; B. Analyze the potential to increase overnight tourism and related business to the Chesapeake Bay region.; 2.3.5 Recommendations for Tourism Experiences, Products and Marketing: A. Use research results to make recommendations for the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water Trails Network sites, the Chesapeake Bay Storyteller tour businesses, the Maryland Office of Tourism, Destination Marketing Organizations for 13 Maryland Chesapeake Bay region counties and Baltimore City, and tourism partners throughout the Chesapeake Bay region for developing Chesapeake Bay tourism initiatives, including visitor experiences, tourism products and marketing.
