The southeast is home to first-class paddling opportunities for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From whitewater rapids to coastal islands and everything in between, communities can leverage their unique natural characteristics to provide an environmental and cultural asset that supports not only local recreation but also brings in visitors and connects them to the community. With the impacts of COVID-19, travel plans are rapidly shifting to focus on outdoor recreation and locations within driving distance, which means new opportunities for the Carolinas. Finally, leveraging waterways into community and economic assets can help boost local support and, in flood-prone areas, can help communities overcome barriers by creating a positive community asset from one that traditionally has only caused problems. Creating paddle trails, also known as blueways, is a strategy that helps to improve visitor experience, preserve the environmental integrity of the area, and leverage the paddle trail to increase awareness and connection to surrounding communities. Blueways, and outdoor recreation, in general, help improve the health and quality-oflife for residents and can attract visitors and new businesses to an area. Rural communities, in particular, have the unique ability to leverage their abundant natural resources in a sustainable way for economic development. Unfortunately, blueway creation is more challenging than simply installing a sign and hopping on the water. There are many factors to consider during the planning process, like stakeholder engagement, creating a managing organization, and funding the blueway. Building access sites and ensuring user safety involves careful consideration and design. Ensuring that the river stays usable and clean is an additional challenge that becomes more important as the blueway becomes more popular. Finally, the planning process must consider ways to effectively leverage the blueway for economic development by connecting it to local communities.

Tourism continues to evolve, and so does the role of destination professionals. Today, destination
organizations act as community partners, trusted storytellers and catalysts for shared prosperity. The way
forward depends on how effectively professionals listen, collaborate and align with the people who live,
work and invest in their destinations.
The Destination Professional’s Guide to Community Engagement helps destination organizations
strengthen local connections and build long-term trust. Drawing on findings from the Destinations
International 2025 DestinationNEXT Futures Study (2025 DNEXT Futures Study), the guide turns global
research into practical steps that professionals can adapt for any community, regardless of size or
resources.
This guide serves as both an invitation and a call to action. It encourages destination professionals at every
level to:
🔸 Redefine success through trust, equity and shared responsibility
🔸 Translate insights into programs that reflect local values and priorities
🔸 Use transparency and accountability to strengthen credibility and trust
🔸 Build a culture of participation and pride that supports community resilience
The Community Connection Professional Task Force shaped this project through months of research
and collaboration. Their collective insights reflect the experience and innovation of diverse destination
professionals from around the world.