You might want to take a look at the American Association of Museums
publication, "Partners in Tourism" for context.  This is a spin-off from
a series of meetings on travel and tourism and was produced in
conjunction with the Travel Industry Association.

"Whether called cultural tourism, heritage tourism or cultural heritage
tourism, the phenomenon of travels seeking exciting and educational
encounters with the people, traditions, history and arts in the United
States is an emerging trend in the travel business.  It is a means to
attract more visitors from other nations, as well as satisfy the growing
demand of domestic travelers to discover their own country's identity.
Moreover, examples from across the nation demonstrate that a system of
cultural tourism in which local communities "buy in" to preserving,
developing and marketing their unique sites and traditions can serve as
part of a sustainable economic development strategy."

The publication gives several case studies (including some peripheral
areas) and recommendations for next steps.


Linda Wilson
Visitor Studies and Evaluation
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, IL
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