CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN THE NEWS.... CURRENT NEWS

July 1 - 31, 2009

Abe on the move
7/30/2009

News Enterprise

As a follow up to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, an effort is underway to seek federal approval to designate areas of Kentucky as a National Heritage Area.  Abraham Lincoln sites have also formed a new Kentucky Lincoln Sites Alliance.

National designation could boost tourism in the region

7/29/2009
Northern Neck News, Virginia

The Northern Neck of Virginia, home of the birthplaces of George Washington, James Monroe and Robert E. Lee, will be the focus of a National Park Service study to look at the feasibility of establishing a Northern Neck National Heritage Area.

Research and Markets: Sustainable Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites
7//29/2009
Business Wire (press release)

A report on Sustainable Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites based on presentations from an international conference has been released. 

Projects receive state funding

7/24/2009
So Md News – Waldorf Maryland
The Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium (SMHAC) announced it had received $259,000 in state grants for use towards its own operations and five regional projects that bolster "heritage tourism" and economic development in certified heritage areas.

Groups vow to work together to bring visitors to region

7/22/2009
Quincy Herald Whig - Quincy, Illinois

Local stakeholders in west central Illinois and parts of northeast Missouri are collaborating on a two state heritage tourism effort featuring Abraham Lincoln and other historic places and people from the region.

Arts groups: Give state cultural affairs to SOS

7/17/2009
Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com - Kalamazoo, Michigan

In response to an executive order from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm  to close the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and divide its programs among seven state departments and outside agencies, the heads of a Kalamazoo and a statewide arts organization are supporting transferring all Michigan Department of History, Arts and Library programs to the Michigan Department of State.

Tourism industry learns what Walla Walla has to offer

7/16/2009
TMC Net – Norwalk, Connecticut

Tourism Walla Walla in Washington state arranged a familiarization tour for the local tourism industry to showcase the region’s history, cultural and recreational attractions beyond wineries.

The State of the Arts

7/16/2009
Charleston Post Courier - Charleston, South Carolina

A discussion of how Charleston arts organizations are weathering the current financial drought.

Summer travel and tourism not slowing

7/10/2009
Daily Journal - Seneca, South Carolina

A study by Clemson University and Virginia Tech indicated that 35% of those polled would  curtail vacation travel plans because of the economy.

Cumberland County looks to increase hotel tax, redirect tourism money

7/10/2009
Central Penn Business Journal - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania looks at a proposed increase for the lodging tax as well as a reallocation for how these funds could be spent.

Community Agriculture Alliance: Heritage tourism role expands

7/10/2009
Steamboat Pilot - Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The Community Agricultural Alliance was awarded a grant in the fall of 2008 to assist in developing a cultural heritage tourism program in Northwest Colorado.  The project will include an inventory and assessment of heritage sites as well as a focus on interpretive planning and the development of new marketing products.

County board to eye Glacial Heritage Plan

7/9/2009
Watertown Daily Times - Watertown, Wisconsin

The Jefferson County Board in Wisconsin is considering a county board resolution to say that the proposed Glacial Heritage Area provides a great opportunity to leverage state funds for land preservation, recreational, economic development and tourism.

Waterlife Museum faces challenges as tourism declines

7/5/2009
Daily Comet - Thibodaux, Louisiana
The original goal of the 10-year old Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum was to create a museum that focused on the economic, social and national history of southeast Louisiana.  As attendance and revenues declined in recent years, museum organizers have increasingly been using the site as a venue for community events such as dances, art shows and workshops.  Organizers hope that the new developments will renew interest in the site as a tourism destination.

Cutting parks will cost more than it will save

7/02/2009
Capitol Weekly - Sacramento, California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to close 220 of California’s 279 state parks as a cost saving measure in light of the state’s $24 plus billion budget deficit.  Opponents cite studies that show that for every $1 that it costs to operate a state park, $2.35 is returned to the General Fund through purchases.  Additionally, closures are anticipated to impact California’s travel and tourism industry such as bed and breakfasts, restaurants and other businesses near state parks.  Additionally, opponents note that visitation at state parks is up with demand anticipated to rise as more people seek out affordable vacation options.

Common goal, uncommon effort

7/1/2009
Albany Times Union - Albany, New York

Members of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce in New York have with an interest in the arts have formed a new group that is an offshoot of the Chamber called PerformColumbia.  The 24 members of this group area also members of the Chamber.  They are working together on joing marketing efforts to promote the arts and cultural tourism including a new website at www.performcolumbia.com.

Downtown Colorado, Inc. Announces Launch of Colorado Heritage Tours Website

6/30/2009
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco, California

Downtown Colorado, Inc. has launched a new Colorado heritage tour website featuring heritage attractions in Main Street communities at www.coloradoheritagetravel.org.

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