Texas Heritage Trails Program (THTP)

A Regional Tourism Initiative
The THTP is the THC's award-winning heritage tourism initiative. This economic development initiative encourages communities, heritage regions, and the state to partner and promote Texas' historic and cultural resources. These successful local preservation efforts, combined with statewide marketing of heritage regions as tourism destinations, increase visitation to cultural and historic sites and bring more dollars to Texas communities. This in turn supports the THC's mission to protect and preserve the state's historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education economic benefit, and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Explore an individual region by selecting it on the map

History
The THTP is based around 10 scenic driving trails created in 1968 by Gov. John Connally and the Texas Highway Department (now the Texas Department of Transportation) as a marketing tool. The trails were established in conjunction with the HemisFair, an international exposition that commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio.

In 1997 the State Legislature charged the THC to create a statewide heritage tourism program. The THC responded with a program based on local, regional, and state partnerships, centered on the 10 scenic driving trails. These trails serve as the nucleus of 10 heritage regions, and include heritage tourism attractions and communities both on and off the trail.

The program began with the establishment of the Texas Forts Trail Region in 1998. Other heritage regions made a formal application to the program, demonstrating knowledge of area attractions and broad support from organizations and local government. The suite of heritage regions was completed in 2005 with the additions of the Texas Pecos and Hill Country Trail Regions.

The THTP received national recognition with the Preserve America Presidential Award in 2005. This award was given for exemplary accomplishment in the preservation and sustainable use of America's heritage assets, which has enhanced community life while honoring the nation's history. The following year, the program was awarded a Preserve America grant for developing the Heritage Tourism Guidebook and for providing heritage tourism training across the state.

Our Vision
We envision Texas as a place where:

• The diverse places of the Lone Star State are preserved and promoted for present and future generations.

• Visitors and residents delight in experiencing, firsthand, the real places telling the real stories of our state's heritage and cultures.

• The total visitor experience of Texas ' diverse places stimulates local economies.

• Heritage tourism is a community-based enterprise that contributes to its livability and sense of place.

Resources to Enhance and Promote Your Heritage Assets
The THTP operates as a network of initiatives and activities designed to bring together the best elements of historic preservation and tourism. When Texas communities protect all elements contributing to their unique sense of place, they can offer visitor experiences that contribute to the economic and social vitality of their heritage regions. The THTP's success in achieving its vision relies on effective partnerships and working relationships.

THC Resources
The THC supports each heritage region with technical, marketing, and financial assistance, and broadly markets the THTP and regional designations. THC offers these resources to communities, sites, and attractions.

• Use the Heritage Tourism Guidebook to help guide your community or attraction to successful heritage development. (available at no charge by mail or .pdf)

• Obtain financial assistance for heritage tourism projects by applying for a Texas Heritage Tourism Partnership Grant.

Regional Resources
Each heritage region works to forge local tourism partnerships and support the region's attractions by developing its own unique blend of programs and promotions. Regions offer many opportunities to become involved in the program. Contact your regional office to learn how you can:

• List your sites, attractions, and events on one of the 10 regional websites

• Share your stories at heritage education events developed for regional partners

• Network with other heritage tourism professionals in your region

• Participate as a co-op partner in travel and trade shows across the state

• Participate in co-op advertising in Texas-targeted travel publications

• Volunteer to serve on a project task force or the regional board of directors

Learn which heritage region represents your county.

Resources
Texas Heritage Trails Program Fact Sheet (PDF)
Principles of Heritage Tourism
Four Steps to Heritage Tourism Development
Attract More Heritage Tourists to Your Community
Heritage Tourism Works for Texas (PDF)
Marketing Basics
Heritage Tourism Guidebook (PDF)

Contact Us
Tourism and marketing specialists are available to answer questions regarding the THTPor to consult on heritage tourism issues. For more information, contact the state coordinator or call 512.463.6092.