Fort Ticonderoga Reports Growth in 2012

Fort Ticonderoga, a not-for-profit educational organization and major tourism destination, reports growth for the 2012 season. End Quote

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY (1888PressRelease) November 28, 2012 - Ticonderoga, NY - Fort Ticonderoga, a not-for-profit educational organization and major tourism destination, reports growth for the 2012 season in both earned income and donations. Paid attendance increased nearly 6% and admissions revenue increased by 18% over 2011. The organization also saw increases in program revenue up by 38% and field trip programs up by 8%. Donations have also risen including a 38% growth in Friends of Fort Ticonderoga memberships and 18% growth in annual giving.

"This has been a remarkable year," said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. "Fort Ticonderoga has been able to redefine what is possible and generate increased income and support to fulfill its mission. We still have a great deal of work to accomplish, but we are very pleased with 2012's successes."

Fort Ticonderoga completed Phase 1 of a 3 part comprehensive plan in March of 2012. The plan, led by PGAV Destinations, a global destination planning firm, identified a number of "Quick Win" strategies that were quickly implemented by Fort Ticonderoga's nimble leadership team. According to Hill, "The Quick Wins are intended to provide immediate sources of revenue to fund operations, planning efforts and the implementation of plan elements. They required very little capital, and provided rich opportunities to experiment with new strategies and tactics that inform the development of a long-term comprehensive plan. They have resulted in an energized team and excited stakeholders who are committed to the success of the organization. Most importantly, the Quick Wins immediately improved the daily guest experience and directly support Fort Ticonderoga's mission.

Fort Ticonderoga's "Quick Wins" included a new site access configuration, competitive pricing structure, specialty tours and new programs that attracted a broader visitor base. In addition the Fort continued to refine its brand focusing on site-specific and authentic historical interpretation on a level that sets it apart from most cultural and historic destinations.

Phase 2 of the comprehensive plan is expected to begin in early 2013 and will include product development and an implementation plan for Fort Ticonderoga's future capital growth.

Beth Hill was hired as Fort Ticonderoga's Executive Director in 2010. She was recently named President and CEO of the not-for-profit organization. In 2011 Fort Ticonderoga trademarked its brand as America's Fort and was named a top destination in the Adirondacks by US News and World Reports Travel.

The Fort Ticonderoga Association serves its mission to ensure that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history. It serves this mission by preserving and enhancing its historic structures, collections, gardens and landscapes; and educating the public as it learns about the history of Fort Ticonderoga. Open to the public since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is the earliest restoration of its kind in the United States. It preserves North America's largest 18th-century artillery collection, 2000 acres of historic landscape on Lake Champlain, and Carillon Battlefield, the largest series of untouched 18th-century earthworks surviving in North America. Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors each year, and annually reaches more than 5,000 people in outreach programs. Fort Ticonderoga is accredited by the American Association of Museums and pursues its vision to be the premier military historic site and museum in North America.

FORT TICONDEROGA
America's Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history. Serving the public since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors annually and is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Fort Ticonderoga's history. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May 17 through October 20, 2013. The 2013 season features the Fort's newest exhibit "It would make a heart of stone melt" Sickness, Injury, and Medicine at Fort Ticonderoga which explores early medical theory, practice, and experience as each relates to the armies that served at Fort Ticonderoga in the 18th century. Visit www.Fort-Ticonderoga.org for a full list of ongoing programs or call 518-585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, New York.

America's Fort is a registered trademark of the Fort Ticonderoga Association.

###

space

Other Related Press Releases