Exploring Heritage Through Roots Tourism: Connecting With Ancestral Origins

As DNA ancestry kits like Ancestry and 23andMe become more affordable and accessible, “heritage tourism” is experiencing a surge in popularity. This unique form of travel allows people to reconnect with their ancestral roots, often through visiting the regions where their DNA suggests their family might have originated. Roots tourism is gaining recognition as a sustainable travel alternative, particularly in Europe, which faces challenges of overtourism. By encouraging visits to smaller villages and less-explored regions, heritage tourism not only helps travelers uncover their personal histories but also boosts local economies. In response, travel agencies specializing in ancestry-based journeys are flourishing. For instance, in 2021, Kensington Tours collaborated with Ancestry.com to offer heritage trips to destinations like Italy, Germany, Japan, and Ghana, supported by professional genealogists. These trips gained significant traction post-pandemic as families sought meaningful ways to reconnect after prolonged separation.

Italy: The Year of Italian Roots

Italy, with nearly 80 million people worldwide claiming Italian ancestry, is leading the way in heritage tourism. The Italian Ministry of Tourism has declared 2024 as the “Year of Italian Roots in the World,” launching the Italea website to guide visitors through the country’s 20 regions. Travel agencies like Experience BellaVita have seen impressive growth in heritage travel. Founder Marino Cardelli notes that more than 95% of his business involves assisting clients in uncovering their Italian family histories. Although challenges arise from lost records due to emigration and wars, Italy’s extensive civil and parish archives, dating back to the 1400s, often yield fascinating discoveries, sometimes even connecting travelers with living relatives.

Ghana: A Journey to the Past

Ghana has become a focal point for the African diaspora, offering profound opportunities to reconnect with ancestral heritage. Landmark events like the 2019 “Year of the Return” and earlier initiatives such as “The Joseph Project” have positioned the country as a key destination for roots tourism. Sites like Elmina Castle, a significant location during the transatlantic slave trade, hold deep historical importance. Tours such as Kensington’s “Door of No Return Ancestral Journey” guide visitors through these sites while connecting them with cultural experts who share the migration stories, customs, and traditions of their ancestral groups.

Scotland: Reconnecting With Clans

With over 40 million people globally claiming Scottish ancestry, Scotland has long been a popular destination for heritage travel. History and culture are major draws, particularly for long-haul visitors from places like the US and Australia. Popular media, such as the show Outlander, has further fueled interest. Government initiatives like Scotland’s People provide searchable ancestral records, while clan-specific resources offer insights into mottos, tartans, and ancestral lands. Historic Environment Scotland’s Explorer Pass allows visitors to explore notable family sites, including Campbell Castle and prehistoric settlements.

India: Diaspora Connections on the Rails

As the world’s largest diaspora, with 18 million people living abroad, India has launched innovative efforts like the Pravasi Bharatiya Express. This exclusive tourist train for those of Indian origin offers a three-week journey to significant cultural and religious sites, starting in January 2025. The initiative highlights India’s focus on heritage tourism, which has already driven significant post-pandemic travel growth.

United States: Honoring Indigenous Roots

In the US, heritage tourism has taken steps to reconnect Indigenous people with their ancestral lands. Macon, Georgia, once home to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, has partnered with tribal leaders to preserve and honor its history through efforts like the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Recent initiatives, including bilingual signage and tribal co-management, aim to deepen connections between the Muscogee Nation and their ancestral lands, blending tourism with meaningful cultural preservation. Roots tourism continues to thrive as a meaningful way for individuals to explore their past, reconnect with their heritage, and foster sustainable travel practices that celebrate global diversity.