Lexington Tourism Grant Caters To Chinese Tourists

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington's historic roots draw tourists from all over the world and the town is taking steps to nurture the industry, specifically by catering to the growing Chinese tourists who come each year. The town received a $2,500 grant from the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area to help translate tours into Mandarin.

The town partnered with the Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL) to obtain the grant and decided to use the funds for The Languages of Liberty: translation of tour services in Lexington, a project that will create materials and set a framework to implement Liberty Ride Trolley Tours and Guided Battle Green Walking Tours in Mandarin.

Visitors from China to the Boston area have increased significantly in recent years. According to Massport data, international flights to Boston were up 5.3 percent in 2018. Additionally, the Asian American population in Lexington has increased 154 percent from 2000 to 2016. Currently, tourist attractions in Lexington do not offer translation services. The grant will help address this underserved population of residents and tourists by providing the opportunity to learn about Lexington, and the region’s, rich history in their native language.

Moving forward, the goal will be to periodically offer both the Liberty Ride Trolley Tour and Battle Green walking tours in Mandarin throughout the year. The tours will be targeted for times of the year that typically see an increase in Asian travel, such as in January and February when international travelers visit for extended time surrounding the Chinese New Year. Self-guided Battle Green walking tour materials will become a permanent part of our programming and will be available throughout the year.