ATHOL, Idaho (AP) -- The image of Idaho as spud heaven may sputter when it comes to attracting wilderness-seeking vacationers.

That's one of the messages tourism professionals got from John Webster, general manager of Best Western Burley Inn, who spoke at the recent North Idaho Tourism Summit at the Silverwood Theme Park in Athol.

Webster says luring travelers' dollars means being proactive in changing the image of the state from America's biggest producer of french fries to an outdoor wonderland with ski areas, stunning vistas and sparking lakes.

Of course, not everybody sees Idaho's taters as a complete liability.

Mike Morrisette, president of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce in Yakima, Wash., says his vision of Idaho is a place without the urban rush and hostility of larger metropolitan areas.

And, Morrisette added, "I think of potatoes."