Heritage Tourism Workshop Program 5: Marketing, Promotion, and Public Awareness

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 5: Marketing, Promotion, and Public Awareness

Speaker/Program Moderator: Jason DeAlessi of Fuerza Strategies

Session Description:
Participants will gain skills in marketing historic sites to diverse audiences. The session covers branding, social media, outreach strategies, and leveraging milestones such as America’s 250th anniversary to boost public engagement and visitation.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop marketing strategies tailored to historic sites.
• Utilize digital and traditional media to reach new audiences.
• Increase awareness and public participation through targeted campaigns.

Target Audience: Site Staff, Marketing Professionals, Heritage Tourism Coordinators, Municipal Partners

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust.