Heritage Tourism and the Cultural Heritage Center of SWFL

As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming a record 116.5 million visitors in 2017. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors spent $112 billion and supported 1.4 million Florida jobs. According to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, $2.15 in tax revenue is generated.

The travel writer Pico Iyer says: “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves.”

Transformational travel is defined as experiences that enable visitors to make meaningful lasting changes in their lives and promote personal well-being. It is travel motivated and defined by a shift in perspective and a deeper communion with nature and culture. 54 percent of travelers say they want a transformative experience and more are placing value on this type of travel. Florida has stories to tell and experiences to share that will help travelers change the way they see the world.

Being that transformational travel accounts for why more than 50% of travelers come to Florida, Heritage Tourism is one of our most important tourism sectors. We began discussions with the leadership of VISIT FLORIDA for their support at the last Florida Association of Museums Conference in Naples. We had an in-depth discussion on its beginnings as the as the expansion of the Blanchard House Museum in partnership with the Punta Gorda - Englewood Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau and Florida Gulf Coast University to the organization that it has evolved into.

The purpose of the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida is to celebrate the SWFL's indigenous and pioneer beginnings and the culturally diverse community that it has now become. Recognizing the extreme need for youth programming in our area, the mission was expanded to become a Youth Museum and Cultural Heritage Center.

The CHC's mission is to celebrate the human diversity of the region. The ethnic and religious diversity of Southwest Florida makes it a rich and exciting place to live and visit. Groups from Charlotte, Lee, Desoto, Sarasota, Manatee, and Collier counties have come together to create the Youth Museum & Cultural Heritage Center to celebrate all cultural contributions to the development and economy of the region. The Youth Museum aims to be a place to learn and teach; and celebrate and embrace all cultures. Programs include, but are not limited to: Inclusionary multi-faceted, rotating culture, art, and educational exhibits; an annual International Cultural Festival at Fisherman’s Village; an annual A Day of Celtic Music (Celtic Music Festival) at Fishermen’s Village; cultural immersion classes for homeschool and pre-school students; “mini-culture fairs” at Cooper St. Recreation Center; trips and excursions; cooking classes; language classes; cultural/language immersion classes; language/culture camps for children and teens; intergenerational cultural activities between elders and youth; cultural lending library; partnership with Rotary Exchange Programs; and Ethnic Food Festivals.