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 […]

Guest Lecture at University of Mary Washington

What a pleasure and honor to be selected by students of the Historic Preservation Department for their annual guest lecture. A great chance to meet talented young preservationists and share information on cultural heritage tourism last Thursday, April 19. Dinner with faculty and students afterwards was delightful! (Photo left to right: Amy Bonnevier, Carolyn Currin, […]

Bellingham and Whatcom County (Washington) Cultural Heritage Tourism Plan

This destination in northwest Washington state boasts an abundance of natural assets and recreational activities. With attractive and vibrant downtowns as well as a variety of historic sites, local leaders wanted a tool to bring the communities together and build a sustainable, year-round tourism plan focusing specifically on their cultural heritage. The Lummi and Nooksack […]

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. When these stories and places are shared with visitors, this activity becomes what is known as cultural heritage tourism. Success and sustainability in this growing […]

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 […]

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 comprehensive place-based planning. Not only does a holistic approach cast a wide net to the definition of culture, where the community can decide its parameters […]