Cultural heritage tourism is traveling to experience the places,
artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and
people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historic and
natural resources.
Kentucky’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Strategic
Plan was created to coordinate the efforts of state and local
entities and provide a blueprint to guide the efforts of the cultural
heritage tourism program in the Kentucky Department of Travel.
The
strategic plan identifies specific ways for Kentucky to utilize the
Commonwealth's rich heritage and culture to capture a greater share of
the cultural heritage tourism market. National studies show that a third
of all tourists include a historic site or cultural attraction in their
travel plans.
In addition to the economic benefits of cultural
heritage tourism, a well-managed program also improves the quality of
life for residents and builds community pride. Cultural heritage tourism
can galvanize local support for important historic preservation
projects and encourage the preservation of traditional crafts or local
ways of life that might be otherwise lost forever.
For program
information contact Kimberly Clay,
Director of Cultural Heritage Tourism.