Cultural Heritage Tourism Research, References and Resources

The Five Principles

These principles were developed during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Heritage Tourism Initiative (1990-1993) when I served as the program’s first manager. The principles were later “reordered” when arts and cultural organizations recognized their importance. Now, 35 years later, the principles are as relevant and significant as when created.

Focus on Authenticity & Quality
Preserve and Protect Resources
Make Sites and Programs Come Alive
Find the Fit between Community and Tourism (and Resources)
Collaborate

Cultural Heritage Tourism Research

National Parks/Monuments still the top cultural heritage activity for Overseas Visitors to the U.S.

According to the new Inbound Market Profile of overseas travelers who visited a cultural-heritage site during their trip to the U.S. in 2024, 60.1% visit a national park/monument, 50.3% visit...

Trend for 2025: Artful Stays

Hospitality companies are “collaborating with artists to transform spaces that engage guests on an emotional and sensory level,” according to the annual consumer trends report by VML. The Future 100:...

Passion and Practicality Driving Travelers

According to the 2025 Global Travel Trends Report from American Express, “thoughtful, meaningful trips” are guiding Millennial and Gen Z travelers this year. One revealing trend is the desire for...

Cultural Districts Research

Want to learn more about Cultural Tourism relative to Cultural Districts? Check out the white paper written for Americans for the Arts‘ 2014 National Cultural Districts Exchange.

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...

Cultural Heritage Tourism References

Audiences and Inclusion

The American Alliance of Museums and Wilkening Consulting have created a timely and informative primer for “Cultivating More Inclusive Attitudes Among the Public.” Great insights and valuable instruction for all...

How Residents Feel About Tourism

Great New York Times article (May 19, 2020) on the loss of tourism in 11 of the most heavily visited places on earth, and residents’ reaction to this “bittersweet experience”...

cultural-heritage-toursim-5-steps-to-success-and-sustainability

Cultural Heritage Tourism: Five Steps for Success and Sustainability

Every place has a story to tell, often found in historic sites or cultural traditions of the people who settled or currently live in a community, city, region, or state....

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...

Measuring Fundraising Effectiveness, joint project of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Give.org, BoardSource and GuideStar

This landmark publication and its accompanying conversation guide and toolkit help nonprofits move beyond the “cost of fundraising” as nonprofits’ sole measure of fundraising effectiveness. Drawing on the resources of...

The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: Real Time Strategic Planning in a Rapid-Response World (Second Edition 2018), by David LaPiana (Turner Publishing)

As described by the author, Real Time Strategic Planning “challenged traditional thinking about how social sector organizations form strategy and presented the Real-Time Strategic Planning methodology as one better suited...

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...

Leading With Intent: 2017 National Index of Nonprofit Board Practices

BoardSource compiled information and opinion about board leadership from board chairs and chief executives from more than 1,300 large and small 1,300 nonprofit organizations in the United States. The findings...

Cultural Heritage Tourism Book

Every place has a story to tell, often found in historic sites or cultural traditions of the people who settled or currently live in a community, city, region or state....

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...

The Fall and Rise of Strategic Planning

Strategic planning refers to the choices an organization makes about how best to fulfill its mission and realize its vision. To be successful, an organization must have a powerful mission,...

Cultural Tourism Benefits from Comprehensive Planning

As instructor for the University of British Columbia’s Cultural Tourism Course offered as part of the certificate program in cultural planning, I recognize the importance – and value – of...

Cultural Heritage Tourism Resources

Five Principles

These principles were developed during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Heritage Tourism Initiative (1990-1993) when I served as the program’s first manager. The principles were later “reordered” when arts...

Destination Stewardship Center

The Destination Stewardship Center is an online repository of reports, resources, and reviews that expands the work of National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. Its postings will keep you updated...