A unique sector of the tourism industry, heritage tourism, has gained popularity in recent years and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and experience the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of a destination. From ancient ruins to preserved historical buildings, heritage tourism provides a bridge between the present and the past, enabling travelers to develop a deeper understanding of their roots and ancestry.

By exploring historical landmarks, visitors can gain insight into the lives, traditions, and values of past civilizations. It provides a tangible link to our collective history. This connection to the past can foster a sense of identity and appreciation for cultural diversity. Heritage tourism also offers a wealth of educational opportunities for travelers of all ages.

Buzz around heritage tourism in Ohio is at an all-time high, due to the recent World Heritage inscription of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — the first World Heritage Site in Ohio, and only the 25th site in the United States. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is comprised of eight earthworks mounds across southern Ohio: Fort Ancient in Warren County, Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ross County, and Newark Earthworks in Licking County.

World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas with cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance, as recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. World Heritage sites are of outstanding universal value to humanity and are protected to ensure their preservation for future generations.

The recent Ohio World Heritage Site designation is expected to accelerate growth in many local economies. Historically, sites that have been inscribed on the World Heritage list have experienced substantial growth in visitation as well as infrastructure investments in their neighboring communities to help handle the increased tourism. Projections for Ohio tourism show an additional $51 million in spending annually by foreign and overnight visitors, a $6 million increase in spending by day-trippers and a total increase of $80 million in direct, indirect, and induced tourism spending within the first three years after the World Heritage designation. They are anticipating visitor numbers to triple within that time.

World Heritage tourists are “bucket list” travelers, from all over the world. Studies show that cultural heritage tourists are different — they spend more, and they stay longer. Overnight visitors generate three times the economic impact of daytrippers. And heritage tourists bring more disposable income in pursuit of an authentic visitor experience than an average overnight visitor.

So how will this impact Belmont County? Well, due to our proximity of Interstate 70, we will likely see an increase in tourists traveling through the area. Many of these international tourists will either fly into Pittsburgh or Columbus and drive to multiple World Heritage Site locations during their stay. The next closest site to Ohio is Falling Water in Pennsylvania, meaning if they fly into Columbus, it is likely they will travel across I-70 into Pennsylvania, right through Belmont County. In fact, we have already seen an increase in international visitors guide requests through our website.

So, my job is to identity, target, and market to these tourists, and show why they should detour through our county. Aside from our location, Belmont County also has many historic landmarks, museums, and heritage that we can promote to this audience. Our historic landmarks — like the Great Stone Viaduct — tell a story of our past and the importance industry had in building our county. Our local museums — like the Underground Railroad Museum — are not merely a collection of artifacts, they are a living entity, a cultural heartbeat that thrives on the collective energy of the people who pass through its doors. Belmont County has a story to tell and a heritage to share!

Just this past week, Gov. Mike Dewine announced funding awards from the Ohio Department of Development through the Appalachian Community Grant program, and $3.9 million was awarded to Belmont County for heritage tourism. Through this funding, the Black Horse Inn, located in Historic Downtown Morristown and built in 1807, will be renovated to become the future home of the Underground Railroad Museum. The Black Horse Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and located on the original Historic National Road with convenient access to I-70. The Black Horse Inn has been vacant for years but is a cornerstone of history for Belmont County.

The Underground Railroad Museum will retain its current collection and, through this funding, be curated and repurposed into new immersive exhibits that will tell the story of Belmont County’s important role in helping enslaved people cross into freedom in Ohio. The exhibits will offer visitors the authentic experience that heritage tourists seek out. The late Dr. John S. Mattox and his wife Rosalind founded the Underground Railroad Museum in 1993 to preserve the past for future generations, and by expanding into this new location it will ensure the Underground Railroad Museum will stay in Belmont County for many years to come!

I believe this project will be transformational and make a significant impact in Belmont County. By preserving and promoting our history, we not only safeguard our collective memory but also will increase our contribution to the local economy. Collaborations like this have so much potential for Belmont County to play an even bigger role in heritage tourism not only for our county but also for our region and state.