ABOUT KRISTIN ASHLEY
I am currently pursuing a double major in Global Wine Studies and Recreation, Tourism and Events with a Tourism Management Specialization and a minor in Sustainable Tourism. I am passionate about traveling. I have visited 14 countries throughout Western Europe via Eurail, Volunteered for an Organic Farm in Argentina, studied Ethical Treatment of Animals in Tourism in Thailand, among other wonderful adventures. I hope to use my education to increase the positive impact of tourism on small authentic communities in a sustainable way. I would love to work with G Adventures to continue their mission for socially responsible international adventure travel. I grew up with no running water or electricity in the woods Northwest of Ellensburg, WA. I believe has increased my appreciation of the smaller things and heightened my awareness of human interaction and responsibility for their environment.
ONLINE STRATEGIES FOR RECREATION AND TOURISM
Why this class?
I am currently interning with the Director of Marketing at Yakima Valley Tourism. He has expressed the importance of digital media when marketing to potential visitors and the ability for the visitors to feel ownership of their experience and connection with the destination when their photos are used on the Yakima Valley Tourism Website. He has challenged me to be in control of their Facebook page, learn about online ad bidding, monitor google analytics to understand campaign success, and assist with marketing projects for the Hops, Wine, Farm, and Adventure markets. I would love to learn skills here which will not only make me successful for Facebook marketing, but an asset to Yakima Valley Tourism.
"To travel is to live"
Hans Christian Anderson
