GAUTIER, MS (3/21/17) - As nature tourism in the Gulf of Mexico region marks opportunities for local economies, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center will offer a unique program to prepare local businesses to harness the benefits of cultivating visitors who seek to experience Mississippi’s natural areas and wildlife.  Audubon’s “Birder Wise” Small Business Seminar will be held on March 28 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Indian Point RV Resort in Gautier.

The Birder Wise Small Business Seminar is a four-hour program tailored to small business and tourism-related entities interested in learning how to understand and recognize the needs and desires of the growing nature tourism sector. Participants learn: who birders are and what they look for when traveling; the connection between birds, local habitats and facilities that support them; the economic impact of birders on the local economy; as well as ways and means to connect their business to this valued demographic.

“At our center, we engage increasing numbers of visitors from around the region and world who come to enjoy the beauty of our river and the species of birds and wildlife that inhabit it,” said Mark LaSalle, director at Pascagoula River Audubon Center. “Just as we have grown to further accommodate and encourage the nature tourism community through the opening of our new facility, we continue to collaborate with local businesses and economic development groups to realize the collaborative benefits of attracting this sector.”

 The seminar costs $60 per participant, which includes materials and a “Birder Wise” decal that participating businesses may display as means of promoting this growing tourism sector. Pre-registration by March 27 at noon is required.  To register or for more information, contact us at 228-475-0825 or prac@audubon.org.