Description
Guidelines for successful cultural tourism programs: Cultural tourism and heritage development initiatives are being developed or are underway in hundreds of communities throughout the country. While the programs and the communities may be different, successful initiatives pursue sustainable development. The following 10 considerations will help to guide successful cultural tourism programs.

1. Visitor experiences and attractions provide genuine entertainment and educational value.
2. Sites and attractions have been developed to preserve their authenticity.
3. Visitor safety, convenience and value are paramount concerns.
4. Visitation is viewed as an important part of the local and regional economy.
5. Business and employment opportunities accrue in the communities where cultural tourism development occurs.
6. Visitors travel a "circuit," spreading the number of visitors among attractions so that less visited sites still get their share of visitors, and more popular places are not adversely affected by over-visitation.
7. A regional pride and identity exists among residents which is interpreted in its many facets at area attractions.
8. An understanding exists that tourism requires both accomplished hosts and visitors and the community's hospitality is genuine.
9. The best promotion is that provided by the recommendations of the region's residents.
10. Where participation in cultural and civic life is cherished and considered by residents, businesses and public officials as vital to not only advance economic development, but to enhance the quality of life in communities.

Source
Louise Glickman (1997) "Cultural Tourism: Bridging America
Through Partnerships in Arts, Tourism and Economic Development"
Americans for the Arts Monograph, Volume 1, Number 1.