Tourism is a major force on the planet. This thoroughly researched and timely book will help communities maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing the burdens. Cheryl Hargrove is one of the nation’s leading experts in heritage tourism. She has written a comprehensive guide to developing, marketing and managing cultural and heritage assets for both economic and environmental gain. This is essential reading for anyone interested in using heritage tourism as a tool for sustainable economic development.

Ed McMahon, Senior Resident Fellow, The Urban Land Institute

This is a masterwork on cultural heritage tourism planning and management in the U.S. It is wise, comprehensive and solidly researched, brimming with inspirational examples from individual sites to rural and urban areas across the country. Ms. Hargrove puts place, distinctiveness and vision at the center of creating a holistic system for successful cultural heritage tourism.

Miriam Trementozzi, Former Co-Chair, Albany Heritage Tourism Advisory Council

Cheryl Hargrove’s new introductory guide to cultural heritage tourism is an excellent and practical introduction to the field, and a great starting point for building a local tourism strategy to connect historic places and cultural traditions with potential visitors who want to enjoy and learn from them. The well-worn cliché from the movie Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come,” is not necessarily so, and Hargrove shows what success can look like through a broad array of examples and case studies. Sustainable programs that emphasize significant and varied parts of the American story and showcase memorable visitor experiences are key. The book is helpfully pitched to local governments, community planners, heritage and tourism organizations, businesses, and others who want to develop the special tourism potential of their towns or regions. However, I would also recommend the book to government officials at all levels who need to know more about cultural heritage tourism as an excellent strategy for blending economic development and public education with preservation of America’s diverse cultural heritage.

Ronald D. Anzalone, Director, Office of Preservation Initiatives and Director, Preserve America Program, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Cheryl has produced a comprehensive guide to Cultural Heritage Tourism. This book covers the complete process of creating and delivering great cultural experiences. The many case studies included provide rich insight into creating high quality heritage experiences. Cultural Heritage Tourism will be a valuable tool for community leaders, tourism industry members and anyone interested in nurturing cultural tourism in their destination. It is also a great resource for students of tourism seeking to understand the unique role of culture and heritage in driving sustainable tourism development.

Dr. Jonathan Day, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue Tourism and Hospitality Research Center

Cheryl Hargrove has compiled a comprehensive practical manual on cultural heritage tourism that will be on the desks of tourism officials, cultural institutions and preservation groups in every city and every state in the country. As the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Director of Heritage Tourism from 1989 until 1995, Cheryl essentially invented heritage tourism as we know it today.

Barbara Pahl, Senior Vice President for the Western Field Services, National Trust at National Trust for Historic Preservation