Ybor City, Florida: Preserving the Past as a Benefit for the Future

	Speakers:
	Gloria Sanders Ph.D. Student, Center for Tourism Research and Development, Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Tourism University of Florida		Brijesh Thapa Assistant Professor (Ph.D.)
	Description: Learning Objectives: To present a case study of the issues and challenges surrounding the use of heritage tourism as a means of economic development. The audience will learn strategies to understand how tourism can be used to sustain economic interests while respecting cultural resources. Communities throughout the country have utilized their cultural and heritage assets as tourism products to attract visitors. When communities resort to heritage tourism as means of economic development, associated issues and challenges emerge in designing agendas that call for sustainable frameworks that encompass community's economic interests, while maintaining and respecting the cultural and heritage integrity of the resources. Local governments and community organizations have the opportunity to work together toward developing a successful marriage between tourism as an economic channel, and as an opportunity to preserve the historical significance of an area. Since 1885, Ybor City's residents have played a key role in defining the role of the district within the history of Florida. From its beginnings as the "Cigar Capital of the World" to today's revitalization through heritage tourism, residents and government officials have embraced the historical significance of the community, and have worked toward connecting the past to create a bright future. In order to maintain responsibility to its rich cultural assets, organizations such as the Barrio Latino Commission comprised of various community stakeholders were established to oversee and maintain the cultural integrity of the district. Additionally, by involving 4th and 5th generation community residents, Ybor City balances the past with the growth of the present prosperity. Ybor City offers a rich case study in how effective community involvement and preservation of cultural assets can lead toward sustainable heritage tourism efforts. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the strategies used in the revitalization of Ybor City through heritage tourism via community involvement and cultural preservation. Delivery Methods: Methods will include slide show of the district. Presentation of the history of the district. Presentation of the revitalization efforts through cultural and architectural preservation. Presentation of community organizations directing the preservation efforts. Discussion with the group focusing on methods used in the case study, specifically community involvement strategies.