What People Have Said
"The National Trust's Heritage Tourism Program was the first national effort to focus on developing the potential of heritage and culture as tourism attractions. The Tennessee Overhill was fortunate to be part of the original pilot program. Today, we know with certainty that the Trust's program was the key to our success as a cultural tourism destination." Linda Caldwell, Executive Director, Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, Etowah, Tennessee "We owe many thanks to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for first introducing us to the concept of heritage tourism. And more importantly, we greatly appreciated the Trust's professional guidance and technical support that ultimately guaranteed the overall success of our program here in Lancaster County."
Scott W. Standish
Director for Heritage Planning, Lancaster County Planning Commission, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
"As an original participant of the National Trust's Heritage Tourism Initiative, I continue to marvel at the impact this program has had on the travel industry. Not only was Columbus one of the demonstration projects, but I served as a consultant for the program. The Trust created this market segment, positioned it, and set the standards for providing an authentic visitor experience. Communities that felt they could not be a part of the travel industry because they didn't have traditional "tourist" attractions began to realize that they could draw upon their history and culture to bring visitors, and their economic impact, into their community. This initiative has been a true success story for communities and the Trust must take pride in another area where they have been a leader."
Rene Campbell
Executive Director, Columbus Visitors Center, Columbus, Indiana
"The National Trust's Heritage Tourism Program was the first to articulate the who, what, how and where of Heritage Tourism. Many of us were nurtured on their step-by-step guide, 'Getting Started: How to Succeed in Heritage Tourism,' published more than a decade ago. No longer an infant, attempting to distinguish itself from the general Travel & Tourism Industry, Heritage Tourism is a national force today, crossing cultural and geographical borders with tangible, lasting results."
Mitch Bowman Executive Director, Virginia Civil War Trails, Inc.,
Richmond, Virginia
"The National Trust's Heritage Tourism Program has literally written the book on heritage tourism. Their five guiding principles and four steps are the definitive parameters for successful programs."
Ed McMahon
Vice President, The Conservation Fund, Arlington, Virginia
"Working with the National Trust's Heritage Tourism Program allowed my communities to take advantage of expertise they could not find, nor afford anywhere else. Working together, the Trust, the state Tourism office, and our communities, we were able to provide the most effective and expert assistance that met all our needs. Besides, Amy Webb is the bes!! And Carolyn too!"
Marianna Weinzapfel
former Director, Indiana Division of Tourism, Indianapolis, Indiana
"Carolyn Brackett and Amy Webb really helped us develop The Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area concept. Their Share Your Heritage Workshop was a stimulating and fact filled program that really moved our efforts forward. They have subsequently provided encouragement and helped link our local grass roots group to national organizations and advisors. They have an excellent program, and I highly recommend that anyone interested in heritage tourism contact them."
Luther Brown
Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi
"We were able to bring together 30 participants across a 4-state region to concentrate on the specific organizational and marketing challenges for HandMade in the Northern Forest. The expert guidance provided during our "Share Your Heritage" workshop allowed us to benefit from the experiences of HandMade in America and other heritage tourism programs while examining our unique local attractions and markets."
Anna Downes Handmade in the Northern
Forest, Montpelier, Vermont
