Potomac American Heritage River Draft Potomac Regional Tourism Initiative—June 25, 1999

Potomac American Heritage River

Draft Potomac Regional Tourism Initiative—June 25, 1999

Background:  The Potomac River basin, which includes four States and the District of Columbia is the home to nearly five million people.  The Potomac is also the destination of millions of travelers from the U.S. and around the world.  Residents and visitors increasing are visiting  existing natural and cultural attractions and seeking out new sites and places to experience the region’s heritage.   

As States and localities explore options for future economic activity, local leaders frequently see tourism a way to increase economic development while maintaining, protecting or restoring the quality of life in the basin.  Although the Potomac, largely because of the Nation’s Capital, has had a long tradition of tourism, there appears to be an increase in the number and type of local, regional and watershed-wide heritage tourism efforts.  These efforts, some of which are listed below, present an opportunity for Potomac leaders to look at ways to support these initiatives and benefit from the regional potential and impact of these individual efforts.

A sample of the types of heritage tourism efforts underway in the Potomac basin include:

Southern MD Heritage Partnership

DC Heritage Tourism Coalition

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA Trail

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area

Underground Railroad—Re-enactment of the Pearl

MD Civil War Heritage

Canal Place--Cumberland, MD Heritage Area

African American Heritage River Link

Shennanndoah, VA Heritage Area

Appalachian National Scenic & Recreational Trail

DC Navy Yard Maritime Museum

Northern VA Planning District Commission Tourism Project

Chesapeake Gateways & Water Trails effort

National Road

War of 1812/ Star Spangled Banner effort

Western MD Heritage Tourism Projects

International Countryside Stewardship Exchange Projects in MD, PA and VA

Proposal:  The Friends of the Potomac (FOP), a private non-profit membership organization of governments and private groups, and the Potomac Heritage Partnership (PHP), an unincorporated organization comprised of individuals and organizations committed to preservation protection and promotion of the Potomac River basin, have initiated a Potomac Regional Tourism Initiative.  The purpose of the Initiative, which is part of the Potomac American Heritage River effort, is to help local, State and Federal governments and private organizations to share information and expertise to “promote appreciation and development of heritage and recreational assets” within the Potomac River watershed.  The effort is being lead initially by the National Park Service, Washington DC Heritage Tourism Coalition, Historical Society of Washington, the Chesapeake & Potomac Regional Alliance, and the State of Maryland,  

Tasks:  The Potomac Regional Tourism Initiative proposes to work with existing State, local and private natural and cultural tourism efforts to:

1. Identify existing heritage tourism projects, activities and local leaders within the

14,670 square mile Potomac basin.

1. Develop a database of already identified heritage resources within the watershed.
2. Develop heritage tourism strategies for each State, and the basin, and  determine how

 to best work with each State’s Tourism Office.

1. Determine the most effective way for a public and private coalition to work together

sharing information and expertise.

1. Provide targeted technical, financial and information assistance to support

Locally driven heritage tourism projects and activities.

1. Convene a Potomac Regional Tourism Forum in 2000 to bring public and private

leaders together to share information and discuss ways to support local and regional heritage tourism efforts.

7.   Examine ways to link heritage resources and communities to increase the amount of time visitor’s stay and diversify their experience within the Potomac basin.

Needs:    Public and private support is being sought for:

• Recognition of  “Potomac Heritage Tourism Resources”.  A partnership which recognizes and promotes tourism businesses participating in this effort needs to be established.  Information signs and brochures will be needed to carry out this effort.
• A database of heritage resources, accessible by computer, needs to be completed.
• Research and a strategy to survey visitor interests and Potomac basin marketing needs to be developed.
• Support for the Potomac Regional Tourism Summit is needed.
• An awards program which recognizes the most innovative approaches to heritage tourism in the Potomac basin needs to be sponsored.
• Place-specific demonstration projects need support.
• A Potomac Regional Tourism guide and Web Page needs to be developed and made available.

For Information Contact: Harry Belin, Potomac Heritage Partnership, 1623 28^th St., NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202) 338-1118; or Karen Zachary, Friends of the Potomac, 1032 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22201-4608 (703) 522-8783