The current COVID-19 crisis has elevated the question about how organizations should be funded to market destinations, particularly in the U.S. Typically, destination marketing organizations (DMOs, sometimes called Convention & Visitors Bureaus) are funded through an accommodations or occupancy tax – an amount added to each visitor’s stay at a recognized lodging property (hotel, motel, […]
Virtual and Real Experiences
These are unusual times – difficult for so many organizations and people attempting to survive the COVID-19 crisis. While many of us remain sheltered in place, one great way to experience heritage sites is via virtual tours. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens (in Washington, DC) offers a series of digital offerings into the life of […]
30 and Still Relevant
In 1989 I had the great privilege of working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation on a new initiative to study the relationship between preservation and promotion. That initiative led to a heritage tourism movement that has lasted three decades, in part to five principles guiding asset-based economic development. These five principles continue to […]
Trailing of the Sheep Festival Recognized (2017)
Every year members of the Society of American Travel Writers nominate worthy candidates for the Phoenix Award recognizing “individuals, communities, or organizations that have contributed to a quality travel experience through conservation, preservation, beautification or environmental efforts”.
The Importance of Well-defined Outcomes
Too often plans include lofty goals and compelling visions, yet lack well-defined outcomes. Understanding what success looks like helps bring about consensus, inform the appropriate business/ implementation model and also instruct the best way to measure impact. A session at the 2015 AASLH Annual Conference in Louisville featured the Golden Historical Society and the planning […]
Cultural Heritage Tourism featured in NBC News article
The New York Times Travel Show is a great platform for introducing new products and programs. Certainly one of the most distinctive tours launching at the show this weekend is Breaking Bread Journeys, a collaboration between two women – Palestinian and Jewish – to share cultural, culinary and historic experiences as a way to foster […]
Creative Inspiration in DC
DC’s Heritage Trails, a project of Cultural Tourism DC, recently inspired a local artist. See how images from the Neighborhood Trail guides influenced Dana Ellyn to create a new series of paintings last October. Happy to report that many of the paintings have sold! I had the privilege of working this organization with its strategic […]
Expanding African American Heritage Tourism in the U.S.
Black History month provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about African American heritage and U.S. destinations with important stories to tell. Natchez, Mississippi is one of these places. Recent research conducted by colleague Berkeley Young for the Natchez CVB reports that visitors to Natchez value heritage experiences. Sunday’s article in the Natchez Democrat reflects […]
Recognizing Excellence in Preservation & Conservation
As co-chair of the Society of American Travel Writers’ (SATW) Phoenix Awards, I have the privilege of reviewing and recommending outstanding examples of conservation and preservation each year. With the growth in tourism, the Phoenix Awards demonstrate the importance of history, culture, and natural assets to visitor experiences but also to defining distinctive destinations. Past […]