Currently the nation's third largest industry, tourism is growing every year. This trend is reflected soundly in Missouri, where tourism is already the state's second largest industry. Industrial prominence translates into economic impact, and the figures on the national economic impact of tourism are impressive. Heritage tourism is an important contributor to the industry. Studies show that historic places are major destinations for a growing number of travelers, both domestic and foreign.
Heritage tourism is part of a larger trend known as cultural tourism.
One of the hottest trends in the travel industry, cultural tourism is travel that encompasses America's culture, history and environment. It is based on the idea that America is a rich tapestry of distinct regions, ethnic backgrounds, cultural traditions and landscapes. This diverse history and unique social fabric can be experienced through such activities as visiting historic buildings, attending heritage festivals, listening to local music, touring archaeological sites, sampling ethnic cuisine, watching local crafts demonstrations, viewing arts performances or driving down a scenic highway. The tourists who are searching for this type of unique, authentic experience are dubbed cultural tourists. Typically cultural tourists have a higher income level and a higher level of education.