
Briana Konecke - Rural Tourism Network
Growing up in rural Pennsylvania gave Briana a deep connection to small-town America, one that only strengthened through years of international experience. As a college tour guide across three continents and later as a Peace Corps volunteer in Indonesia, she witnessed how strategic tourism development could drive economic vitality while preserving local character.
After teaching in rural North Carolina during the pandemic, Briana recognized the urgent need to bring those international success models home. She pursued a Master's in Tourism and Travel Management from NYU and founded Rural Tourism Network to help rural communities access the collaborative tools and expertise that transform tourism from isolated efforts into thriving regional ecosystems.
Most tourism platforms are built for big-budget DMOs with large teams. Rural Tourism Network (RTN) partners with Tourismo to deliver solutions designed specifically for small towns and rural communities.
RTN equips communities with the tools and expertise to build sustainable tourism economies, transforming fragmented regional efforts into cohesive ecosystems that drive economic development while preserving local character. Spanning marketing, relationship management, and data analysis, all tailored to the unique needs of rural destinations.
RTN is also building a vibrant community of rural tourism providers who can connect, learn, and grow together. For too long, rural DMOs have worked in isolation, each solving similar challenges independently. RTN is breaking down those silos, creating networks where tourism professionals can share strategies, celebrate wins, and access the collective wisdom that drives innovation and resilience.
Areas of Specialization
Rural Tourism Strategy
Cross-DMO Collaboration
Themed Trail Development
AI Optimization
Core Outputs
Strategic Planning
Digital Trails, Guides, Passports, and Itineraries
Regional Collaboration