Motivated by a desire to experience the authentic natural, historic and cultural resources of a community or region, heritage tourism has evolved into one of the fastest growing segments of the travel market and has become the impetus behind economic development efforts for rural and metropolitan areas statewide.
The Heritage Tourism and Community Development Program guides sustainable tourism development by cooperating with strategic partners to protect, preserve and promote the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources.
To meet their goals, the program leverages the efforts of 12 Development Officers located across the state, guided by a Heritage Tourism and Community Development Director that works collaboratively with local, state and national organizations.
Heritage Tourism Development Officers
Programs
- Product evaluation and technical assistance services are offered to organizations statewide that are attempting to enhance or develop their heritage tourism resources. The program director reviews all proposals and determines the Division's involvement based upon the current availability of staff and resources.
- The Tourism Matching Funds grant program aids local communities and non-profit tourism organizations with local and regional tourism marketing and development projects. Visit the grants page for more information.
- The Civil War Trails project is funded through a $1.1 million federal
Transportation Enhancements grant. The monies are being used to develop and install historical markers to interpret campaign sites and corridors of the Civil War. The Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development is partnering with the N.C .Department of Transportation and the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources to implement the trails.
- Local communities are providing $275,000 in local funds to match the federal dollars (4 to 1 match). Each marker will cost $5,500; communities will pay $1,100 per sign matched by $4400 provided through the grant. The Division expects to install around 200 markers using these funds. For complete program details view the online presentation listed in the resources below.
Resources