In 1992, the Vermont Tourism Research Center began as a partnership between ¶¶Òõ̽̽ 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 , the , 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.

If you have questions, comments, or need more information, please contact the Vermont Tourism Research Center at tourismresearch@uvm.edu.

Meet Our Faculty and Staff

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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽ 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. 

David Kaufman

Dave is a senior lecturer in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism program in ¶¶Òõ̽̽'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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽ and has instructed courses at the University for over 15 years.

Jane Kolodinsky

Since 1987, Jane has been a faculty member in Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ 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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽. 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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽ 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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Rubenstein School. Her scholarly interests include: outdoor recreation behavior, parks, community tourism development, and sense of place. Learn more about Patricia >>

Mountain, ski trails, fall foliage

For the Media

For additional information on recent tourism research, please contact the .