The workshop, a program of the 10-year-old collaborative Miss/Lou Rural Tourism Education Initiative, will look at technology trends and how to create virtual tours, along with other interactive sessions and activities.

The program begins with a preconference workshop at noon on Jan. 12 at the Leesville Comfort Suites. Registration is required, and there is a $50 registration fee. To register, go to http://bit.ly/1MdrGG1.

The workshop is ideally suited to tourism professionals, high school and community college educators, and others interested in promoting rural tourism.

Highlights include sessions on developing a tri-parish driving tour, creating a virtual tour, and strategies for showcasing communities. There will also be a panel discussion on the 200-mile Myths and Legends Byway. Rachael Carter, community development specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Government and Community Development, said the workshop itself will highlight local attractions to show attendees how to put ideas into action.

“We will celebrate the area’s strong connection to Fort Polk with a 1940s era dinner and dance featuring big band music,” Carter said. “In addition to being a fun activity, the dance is an example of the creative ways to showcase a community’s attractions.”

The MSU Extension Service is partnering to present the workshop with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Louisiana Byways; the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission; and other area tourism commissions.

For more information, go the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission’s website at https://www.vernonparish.org or call Carter at 662-325-8329.