World Monuments Fund Convenes Strategic Roundtable to Discuss Heritage Tourism and Preservation Along Historic Route 66

Following the dramatic analysis and statistics revealed through the Route 66 Economic Impact Study of 2012, World Monuments Fund (WMF) convened a strategic roundtable to explore the sustainability of the highway as a cultural and recreational venue and an economic engine for the eight states the route passes through. The event, titled “The Road Ahead,” was held on November 20 and 21 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California, close to Cars Land, a Disney venture inspired by Route 66. The event was organized by WMF with the support of American Express, and arranged as a series of panel discussions drawing more than 100 people representing government, business, tourism, and preservation.

Amir Eylon, Vice President of Partnership and Development Services for Brand USA, a public-private organization established to promote international travel to the United States, stated: "As the destination marketing origination for the United States, Brand USA has the opportunity to promote both our country's most recognizable icons and the hidden gems, like Route 66. As visitors explore Route 66, they go beyond the gateways and connect along a unique set of authentic experiences that they can only get here.