The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage
tourism as the act of, “traveling to experience the places and
activities that authentically represent the stories and people
of the past and present.” Heritage-based tourism contains two
benefits: Heritage Tourism Plans Heritage tourism plans are
useful to the development, management, and promotion for
historic communities. Planning for heritage tourism is a service
the Center for HIstoric Preservation offers to communities
throughout the Midwest and is an important tool in utilizing
historic resources to promote community pride and
sustainability. A good heritage tourism plan serves both the
residents of the community as well as the tourist the community
is trying to attract. Benefits of heritage tourism plans are
positive local economic impacts, diversification of economies,
job creation and new businesses. Successful preservation efforts
also evolve from heritage tourism development as communities
begin to realize their historic value and impor