SCENIC BYWAYS PLANNING

Travel and tourism are the fastest growing industries in the United St ates. Studies show that 30 percent of all vehicle-miles driven is for vacation and recreational purposes. Many of these trips are taken on s cenic byways, which are an economic and cultural boost to localities. However, very little is known about the users of scenic byways, their travel patterns, and their preferences toward recreational services an d facilities. This study examines the demographic characteristics, tri p purposes, and attitudes toward services of visitors to scenic byways facilities in Nevada. Scenic byways are important economic assets to states, and the majority of visitors are willing to pay for improved s ervices and facilities along these byways. Policies and strategies sho uld be developed to improve the viability of scenic byways while consi dering the sensitivity of their environmental and historic resources.