Popularity Of Cultural & Heritage Travel Rises

By Marlane Bundock

A 2009 research study by the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that 78 percent of all U.S. travelers participate in cultural and/or heritage activities while traveling, translating to 118.3 million adults each year. With cultural and heritage travelers spending an average of $994 per trip, they contribute more than $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy, the study found.

“We discovered that an impressive number of U.S. travelers seek out cultural and heritage experiences,” said Helen Marano, director of the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries for the U.S. Department of Commerce. “This is a strong market, and travelers are contributing significantly to our communities during these challenging economic times.”

The study found that cultural and heritage travelers are more likely to participate in:

—culinary activities, such as sampling artisan food and wines;
—attending food and wine festivals;
—visiting farmers’ markets;
—shopping for gourmet foods; and
—enjoying unique dining experiences as well as fine dining.

Other cultural and heritage activities identified by travelers include:

—visiting historic sites;
—attending historical re-enactments;
—visiting art museums/galleries;
—attending an art/craft fair or festival;
—attending a professional dance performance;
—visiting state/national parks;
—shopping in museum stores; and
—exploring urban neighborhoods.

In addition, the vast majority of these travelers—65 percent—say that they seek travel experiences where the “destination, its buildings and surroundings have retained their historic character.”

Here are some cities in the Southeast where cultural experiences abound:

New Braunfels, Texas, is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and was founded in 1845 by German settlers. The town is over-flowing with old world heritage and small town charm, according to destination officials. In 1845, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels of German formed New Braunfels. The Sophienburg Museum and Archives preserves the written history of the area through thousands of collections of personal and public documents of Prince Carl.

Lafayette, La., is known as the “Heart of Cajun Country” and the cultural center of Louisiana’s heritage. Visitors can discover the history of French, Spanish and Caribbean ancestors. The history of Lafayette is especially tied to the Acadians, French descendants from Nova Scotia who migrated to Louisiana in the 1760s after being driven from their New World home by the British.

Hilton Head Island, S.C., is part of the state’s Low Country region and home to the annual Gullah Celebration held during the month of February. The event showcases the cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island.

The Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Barbecue offers classic barbecue favorites and cultural entertainment. The Arts, Crafts and Food Expo offers cultural demonstrations such as sweet grass baskets sewing, indigo dyeing and fishnet weaving. Vendors participate in this event selling authentic Gullah and African crafts as well as an offering of all traditional Gullah foods.

Helen, Ga., is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, and is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers.

Festivals and special events include Oktoberfest and Bavarian Nights of Summer. From mid-September through October, Helen hosts the longest Oktoberfest in the South. Alpenfest offers entertainment during the Holiday season from Thanksgiving through December.

Cherokee, N.C., provides a natural escape to the Smoky Mountains or what the Cherokee Indians called “Land of the Blue Smoke.” Cultural activities include the “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama recounting the Cherokees’ tragic Trail of Tears, the Oconaluftee Indian Village with authentic replica items and live demonstrations and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.