Preserving the Past, Engaging the Future - Learn Tourism Talks Webinar

Preserving the Past, Engaging the Future Technology, Storytelling & the Evolution of Heritage Tourism with Sarah Benoit and special guest Heidi Schlag History and heritage tourism are entering a new era. Today’s visitors, especially younger travelers, are looking for experiences that feel immersive, authentic, connected, and easy to engage with both online and in person. At the same time, destinations, museums, scenic byways, Main Streets, and cultural organizations are being challenged to preserve local identity while adapting to changing technology, visitor expectations, and attention spans. Join heritage tourism expert Heidi Schlag, founder of Heritage Tourism Studio, and our lead instructor, Sarah Benoit, for a practical and inspiring conversation about how communities can use storytelling, collaboration, interpretation, and digital tools to strengthen heritage tourism and deepen visitor connection. Drawing from decades of experience helping destinations and cultural organizations align around shared stories and experiences, Heidi will explore how heritage tourism can become more engaging, more visible, and more economically impactful without losing authenticity or sense of place. Whether you manage a historic site, lead a destination organization, support a heritage program, or help preserve your community’s culture and story, this webinar will offer actionable ideas to evolve your approach while staying rooted in what makes your destination meaningful. Why Watch? 1. Learn how technology and storytelling are reshaping visitor expectations in heritage and cultural tourism 2. Explore practical ways to connect historical assets, local stories, and regional experiences into a stronger visitor journey 3. Discover how thoughtful interpretation and digital engagement can support community stewardship, visibility, and long-term tourism growth Learn more at https://learntourism.org