'Heritage Tourism' Focus Of Meeting

Communities in northern Pennsylvania have a lot to gain by joining forces to take advantage of the forecasted increase in tourism throughout the region.

That was a message of a c o m m u n i t y development expert last Wednesday night during a seminar on " H e r i t a g e Communities."

The Potter County boroughs of Austin, Coudersport and Galeton are the most recent additions to the Heritage Communities roster. Smethport came aboard several months ago.

Ed McMahon, author and d e v e l o p m e n t specialist, told local leaders at last week's meeting that p u b l i c / p r i v a t e partnerships can make their communities more appealing to tourists. The economic return on those investments can be considerable, he added, since Baby Boomers and the succeeding generation (Echo Boomers) are at the peak of their spending ability.

Visitors seek activities, experiences, gathering places, easy access and directions. Historical attractions that tell stories, rather than merely displaying artifacts, are especially effective, McMahon said.

Effective Internet components and coordinated networking of local businesses and attractions are also key, he added.

McMahon's appearance was sponsored by the Pa. Rt. 6 Heritage Corp. and the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources.