USCHMC had a terrific opportunity recently to join Beard Bros Media Network host Brian Applegarth for an engaging conversation on Travel Tuesday — diving into the evolving intersections of cultural heritage tourism, community storytelling, agriculture, arts & culture, and the future of meaningful travel experiences. Watch the full episode here:Travel Tuesday Podcast Episode with Richard Peterson One of the most meaningful aspects of this conversation was the opportunity to ex

Published: April 26, 2026 April 18th was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together around curiosity, innovation, and purpose. Proud to celebrate the 8th Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair— presented by Quest Science Center. Once more it was an inspiring day filled with discovery, connection, and hands-on exploration across the region. On a very personal note, it’s been an honor to collaborate with the incredible team at Quest for several years - sh

April 20, 2026 It's only been a few weeks...and I continue to reflect upon the Annual Cultural Heritage Tourism Conference presented by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska —and the powerful conversations that continue to resonate well beyond our time together in this gathering place. What stood out most was the shared recognition that cultural heritage tourism is at a pivotal moment. Across global communities, there is both an opportunity and a responsibility to create clear, intent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SAN FRANCISCO, CA (February 6, 2026) — The U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council (USCHMC) is pleased to announce that President & CEO, Richard Peterson , will deliver a Keynote General Session at the 2026 Sitka Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference in Sitka, Alaska. Peterson’s program, “Tourism 3.0: Indigenous Cultural Heritage Tourism and the Global Shifts Reshaping Visitor Expectations,” will spotlight the international shifts influencing how

I’m pleased to share that International Inbound Travel Association’s 2026 Summit will feature an education session I’m presenting alongside two outstanding colleagues: Helen Marano, Founder of Marano Perspectives, and Sally Berry, Tourism Director for GreatLakesUSA and Cruise the Great Lakes. Our session— “Community-Led Experiences: Turning Local Pride into Inbound-Ready Product” —is designed for destinations, inbound operators, and partners who are working to develop experie

USCHMC collaborating with George Washington University to Launch New Learning Pathway for Community-Centered Cultural Tourism SAN FRANCISCO, CA — As destinations face rising demand for authentic cultural experiences—and growing expectations for community benefit, cultural integrity, and sustainability—the U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council (USCHMC) is proud to announce its collaboration with The George Washington University School of Business’ International Institut

Grateful to the entire IGLTA team for an exceptional 2025 Annual Global Convention. Congratulations John Tanzella , LoAnn Halden and the IGLTA entire team! The program, energy, and community spirit was front and center —thank you for the undaunted effort you put into elevating LGBTQIA+ travel, inclusion, and opportunity around the world. And to the IGLTA Foundation , the immense work and efforts are inspiring. I’m especially appreciative that the US Cultural & Heritage

Richard Peterson, CEO of the US Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council has been invited to Palm Springs for the IGLTA 2025 Global...

The time is now. And we all need to stand with our museums. The U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council stands with the free &...

I’m honored to be invited once more as a speaker for the One West Tourism Alliance 2025 Annual Destination Summit / September 9–11 in ...

August 15, 2025 I’m thrilled once more to be joining forces with Visit Sacramento and the Office of Arts & Culture - City of Sacramento...

At this year’s Destinations International Annual Conference , I am proud to join Sonya Bradley, Chief Inclusion & Community Engagement...

This critical funding setback - as reported by Travel Weekly among other industry outlets - clearly indicates we are at a critical...

Cultural Tourism’s Sustained Future Communities large and small - urban and rural are rich in cultural experiences and unique expression...

US Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council joins our industry partners as we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) — a...

For those of you that know me, my passion for the Bay Area’s diverse and exceptional cultural experiences is personal. In 2007, my move...

A Perspective By: Richard Peterson, President US Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council October marks National Arts & Humanities Month —...

September 6, 2024 The city of Eugene, Oregon hosted the One West Education Summit September 4-6, 2024; a much-anticipated event for...

Repost from Patrick Kaler, President: Visit Buffalo Niagara The Buffalo News has published an excellent article today highlighting...

January 23, 2024 By Patrick Kaler, President: Visit Buffalo Niagara: Reposted by US Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council Thank you to...