Harper is executive director of Cultural Tourism D.C. (culturaltourismdc.org), which connects people through its website and heritage trails with the District’s hidden treasures that can be found in many of the city’s neighborhoods. Why is there a need to promote tourism in D.C. when tourists flock here already?
We are dominated by the federal city and there are a lot of other things out there to see. The purpose really is to tell the D.C. story that involves the culture and heritage, and it allows us to really promote what is real and authentic in D.C.
Who uses your services?
Often it is the tourist who is coming here more than once, who has already seen the Mall and who is looking to see what is beyond it. They are interested in art galleries, theaters and neighborhoods. They want to broaden their experience in the city. And we also serve people who live and work in the city.
What are the heritage trails?
We are launching the 11th heritage trail at the Tenleytown Metro with a walking tour on [Saturday]. The trails are set up so that when you come out of the Metro you can orient yourself. The Heritage Trail includes the Katzen Art Gallery and includes media components like [WRC-TV] Channel 4, because Kermit the Frog and the Muppets started at the station. It also includes Civil War history of Fort Reno.
How did you get involved with tourism?
I’m one of those curious tourists. I love to go someplace and not just see what you see on every postcard. I like to be the person who sits in the street cafe and watches the people go by and have an understanding of the city. Those are the people we want to reach out to.
— Susan Ferrechio
