Heritage Tourism Workshop Program 3: Visitor Experience and Site Readiness

This seven-part professional development series equips historic site stewards, preservation professionals, municipal leaders, and community advocates with practical tools to strengthen heritage tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and promote sustainable preservation. Through expert-led workshops, participants will explore topics including heritage tourism planning, inclusive storytelling, emerging technologies, site readiness, regional collaboration, marketing strategies, and sustainable operations.

Designed to support New Jersey’s historic sites and cultural resources, the series highlights innovative approaches to interpretation, public engagement, and community-based tourism while preparing organizations to leverage opportunities associated with America’s 250th commemoration and beyond. Participants will gain actionable strategies to increase visitation, foster economic development, build community partnerships, and ensure the long-term stewardship of historic places.

By bringing together leaders from across the preservation, tourism, and cultural sectors, this program creates a collaborative learning environment that strengthens connections between historic sites, local communities, and visitors while advancing the preservation of New Jersey’s rich and diverse heritage.

Program 3: Visitor Experience and Site Readiness
Speaker/Program Moderator: Hargrove International

Session Description:
This session teaches participants how to assess and improve the on-site visitor experience. Topics include signage, accessibility, wayfinding, and interactive programming, ensuring historic sites are welcoming, educational, and engaging. Emphasis is placed on aligning visitor experience improvements with preservation priorities.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate visitor readiness and experience at historic sites.
• Implement improvements to signage, accessibility, and interpretive materials.
• Increase visitor satisfaction, participation, and repeat visitation.