Recently all the talk is about documenting the current tough economic times and forecasting when they will get better. The tourism industry has definitely not been immune to these discussions nor the effects of the current economy. But tough times call for tough measures; tough measures that involve innovative, broad-based, efficient solutions. Enter the Fifth International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference: a conference designed as a catalyst for creating viable tourism products with a focus on culture and heritage and the ultimate prize of positive economic and community development for sites throughout the African Diaspora. It is heritage tourism, also known as tourism with a purpose.

We are faced with circumstances that force people to make smart choices when spending their tourism dollar. They are looking for more than pretty places to go, they are looking for an experience, and its up to all of us to present them with authentic cultural experiences wrapped in a pretty package - the nicest hotels, venues, and visitor sites in a thriving community. If you have it, this conference will help you refine it; if not, this conference will help you create it.

Since the development of the ADHT Conference in 2002, it has never taken place on the continent of Africa - until now. The United Republic of Tanzania will be the host country for the conference, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in conjunction with the people of Tanzania, are creating a program that will focus on the origin of the African Diaspora and the rich culture and heritage of this majestic homeland.

International heavyweights in the world of tourism, authentic cultural revival, history, restoration, and economic development will convene to dialogue, discuss, and exchange ideas and best practices on site development, partnership and resource creation, historical accuracy, marketing for global attraction, and international tourism initiatives. Social activist and actor, Danny Glover has served as Conference Chair since 2005. Past conference speakers have included former President Jerry J. Rawlings of Ghana, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson of Jamaica, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka of Nigeria, and Ambassador Andrew Young among others.

An impressive speaker cadre headlines the conference, and the ADHT Conference is known for its diverse participant assembly representative of all aspects of cultural and heritage tourism development. Since its' inception more than 30 countries, 50 professions, and 100 institutions have been represented, and the interactive nature of the conference ensures a forum for superior professional development and unparalleled networking.

While soaking up knowledge attendees will be immersed in the culture and beauty of Tanzania; from the heart-wrenching tours along the "Ivory and Slave Route" to the majestic beaches of Zanzibar, the conference provides a first-hand experience of heritage tourism at its finest.

For more information on this once-in-a-lifetime experience and to take advantage of conference hotel rates and airfares, contact the ADHT Conference management office at Henderson Travel / Henderson Associates, Inc., (301) 650-5700 ext 507, diaspora@hend.com or visit the ADHT website at www.adht.net. We look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania.