Historic La Posada Hotel, the masterpiece of Southwest architect Mary Colter, is located along Historic Route 66 in Winslow, Arizona. More than just a place to stay, the hotel has gardens, art galleries, shops featuring the work of Native craftsmen, and a fine restaurant featuring foods from the region. Attractions like La Posada are a draw for heritage tourists and local residents alike. The large square kiva at Casa Malpais in Springerville, Arizona is one feature that distinguishes this site from other Ancestral Puebloan sites in the region. The American Southwest's extensive archaeological resources attract millions of visitors every year. Research and meaningful interpretation of these resources enhances visitor experiences and educates the local community.

National Heritage Areas function much like a business enterprise zone. Federal funds, in the form of matching grants, are available for a wide variety of locally-initiated projects and act as a catalyst to garner funds from other sources. Over the life of the program (begun in 1984), National Heritage Area federal dollars have leveraged funding from other sources at a ratio of 1:8 (source: Alliance of National Heritage Areas).

National Heritage Areas promote and attract heritage tourism, a fast-growing segment of the total tourism market. A 2004 Michigan State University study estimates that an additional 25,000 daytrips per year by heritage tourists from outside the region would bring in $850,000 and create 22 jobs. If those tourists stay overnight, their impact grows to $5.2 million and 138 jobs.

• Festivals, musical and dance performances, and new plays about the region
• Radio programs and television series
• Small business development
• Recreational trail development or maintenance
• Historic architecture re-use study
• Student and professional murals
• Brochures, signage, maps, and other materials to aid tourists (and residents!) in discovering and enjoying the region
• Natural areas clean-up and restoration
• Website development for local agencies
• New books about the region's historical figures or role in major historical events
• Museum, library, traveling, and other public exhibits
• Student oral history projects
• Teacher training workshops
• Historic site renovation or stabilization
• Public art exhibit and subsequent auction to raise money for local non-profits

Based on the performances of other National Heritage Areas, we can expect that designation will strengthen the regional economy through increased tourism, job creation, and stimulation of public and private partnerships for new investment opportunities. With adequate planning and management, increased heritage and nature tourism will in turn help preserve the region's unique character. Success of a National Heritage Area is based on partnerships and a balance between preservation and promotion. National Heritage Areas recognize the different, but equally important, roles private landowners and public land managers have in supporting a region's resources and economic viability.