The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area Inc. (AFNHA) has taken a major step in connecting visitors to its 18-county region with the launch of a new digital experience platform designed to strengthen community ties, elevate local storytelling, and boost heritage tourism. This initiative enhances access to cultural and natural resources across the Appalachian region while empowering residents, small businesses, and organizations to engage more directly with visitors.

A New Way to Explore the Appalachian Region

Branded Discover AFNHA, the platform features an interactive events calendar, detailed points of interest, GPS-enabled suggested itineraries, and a dynamic trip planner—all tailored to help visitors uncover authentic Appalachian experiences. Whether it’s a scenic trail or a historic mill town, travelers can now explore the region in a way that is intuitive, inspiring, and rooted in place.

Supporting Local Voices and Regional Identity

“We are thrilled to launch ITI Digital’s platform, branded ‘Discover AFNHA’ for our own purpose, to provide visitors with a dynamic and interactive way to engage with our region,” said Logan Smith, Executive Director of AFNHA. “This cutting-edge technology allows us to highlight our partners’ events, significant sites, and curated itineraries across our 18-county region, making it simple for travelers to create personalized trips that showcase the true spirit of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area.”

Beyond offering trip planning tools, the platform amplifies the voices of local communities by making it easier for regional partners—from museums and farms to small towns and nonprofits—to share their stories, promote their programs, and welcome travelers in an authentic way.

Enhancing AFNHA’s Mission with Smart Tools

The new digital platform plays a vital role in AFNHA’s broader mission to support heritage tourism and community economic development. By promoting local businesses, artisans, historic landmarks, outdoor recreation, and cultural programming, the tool encourages sustainable tourism and deeper visitor engagement, benefiting both travelers and the communities they explore.

“AFNHA’s goal has always been to connect people with the culture, history, and beauty of this region,” Smith added. “This new resource helps us do that more effectively than ever before—while supporting the communities who keep those traditions alive.”

A Collaborative Integration with Local Impact

The platform was developed in partnership with ITI Digital, a tourism technology company specializing in solutions for cultural destinations. Monica Hall, Director of Sales at ITI Digital, and Mitch Knox, Account Executive, collaborated closely with Logan Smith throughout the planning process. Aline Gill, Vice President of Digital Strategy, led the technical integration to ensure a seamless experience tailored to AFNHA’s mission and audiences.

Driving Economic Growth Through Visitor Engagement

AFNHA’s work spans beyond tourism. Through AmeriCorps placements, forest conservation, pollinator initiatives, and educational programs, the organization supports long-term sustainability for both natural ecosystems and the people who call this region home. The new digital tools help amplify these efforts, making it easier to share stories, promote events, connect partners, and inspire exploration across the highlands.

With this launch, AFNHA sets a powerful example of how digital tools can be used to honor local identity, strengthen regional collaboration, and ensure the legacy of Appalachian forest heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.

About Appalachian Forest Heritage Area

The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) conserves, interprets, and promotes forest heritage to enhance landscapes and communities across the highlands of West Virginia and Maryland. AFNHA supports heritage tourism, cultural storytelling, community development, ecological stewardship, and educational outreach. Designated by Congress in 2019, the region is home to thriving downtowns, sustainable forests, creative economies, and vibrant mountain traditions.

About ITI Digital

ITI Digital delivers innovative technology solutions that support National Heritage Areas and cultural organizations in enhancing visitor engagement, streamlining content management, and advancing heritage tourism. Its integrated suite of tools enables seamless website functionality, providing real-time access to events, places, and trip planning features that enrich the traveler experience.

To explore AFNHA’s new visitor platform, visit https://afnha.org. For more information on ITI Digital’s tourism solutions, visit https://iti-digital.com.

Media Contact
Company Name: Appalachian Forest Heritage Area
Contact Person: Aline Gill
Email: Send Email
Phone: 912-250-2689
Country: United States
Website: https://afnha.org