If you have questions, comments, or need more information, please contact the Vermont Tourism Research Center at tourismresearch@uvm.edu.
In 1992, the Vermont Tourism Research Center began as a partnership between the University of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Today, the Center collaborates with educational institutions, government agencies, local communities, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses across the country. A collaboration among UVM Extension, the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Center for Rural Studies, the VTRC has the expertise and networks you need to succeed. Our staff include professors, research specialists, business owners and managers, and graduate students.
Lisa Chase
Lisa Chase became the Center Director in 2004. She is a Natural Resources Specialist with University of Vermont Extension, where she has focused on recreation and tourism enterprises since 2002. She also holds a secondary appointment in the UVM Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. Prior to working in Vermont, Lisa conducted research and outreach in New York, Colorado, Costa Rica and Ecuador, among other places. Learn more about Lisa >>
David Kaufman
Dave is a senior lecturer in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism program in UVM's Rubenstein School. His long-term experience as a professional in Vermont's travel and recreation industry has enabled him to bring the "real world" into the classroom. His role as teacher and advisor helps students to understand the relationship between their education and recreation and tourism as functioning businesses in a constantly evolving environment. Learn more about Dave >>
David Kestenbaum
Dave is a specialist within the field of sustainable development and has worked for and with the Vermont Tourism Research Center since 2005. He is currently the Director of Certification for Sustainable Transportation at UVM and has instructed courses at the University for over 15 years. Learn more about Dave >>
Jane Kolodinsky
Since 1987, Jane has been a faculty member in Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) at the University of Vermont and is now Professor in and Chair of CDAE and Director of the Center for Rural Studies. Jane specializes in applied economics and the application of the concepts of demand, consumer behavior, and marketing principles to improve consumer wellbeing. Learn more about Jane >>
Walter Kuentzel
Walt is a professor and chair of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism program in the Rubenstein School at the University of Vermont. His research and teaching expertise includes environmental sociology, recreation and leisure behavior, social psychology, tourism and rural development, and human dimensions of wildlife. Learn more about Walt >>
Robert Manning
Bob serves as an advisor to the Vermont Tourism Research Center. A professor emeritus of the UVM Rubenstein School, Bob's expertise and research interests include parks and protected areas, outdoor recreation, carrying capacity, and environmental history and philosophy. Learn more about Bob >>
Patricia Stokowski
Patricia is a professor in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism program in the UVM Rubenstein School. Her scholarly interests include: outdoor recreation behavior, parks, community tourism development, and sense of place. Learn more about Patricia >>
