Cultural Tourism Explained

Summary

Tourist attractions are commonly classified as natural or cultural. Cultural attractions are those whose main resources are man-made. Destinations can use the following six categories to understand and develop their tourism offerings:

1. Prehistorical attractions Sites or museums featuring evidence of human civilization from before written records. Examples include archaeological sites, cave paintings, Stonehenge, and Altamira Cave. These attractions appeal to visitors interested in early human origins and ancient remains.

2. Historical attractions Sites or museums connected to significant events or periods in human history, such as historic buildings, battlefields, and monuments. Examples include the Acropolis, the Colosseum, and the Alhambra. They help visitors explore the past and its influence on modern society.

3. Contemporary culture Current cultural practices and expressions, including music, art, theatre, and dance. Examples include Broadway shows, modern art museums such as Tate Modern, and the Tokyo National Museum. These attractions let visitors experience a region’s present-day culture.

4. Economic attractions Places that showcase a region’s economic activities, such as factories and farms. Examples include Napa Valley wineries, Colombian coffee plantations, and Belgian chocolate factories. Visitors can learn how local goods are produced and sample them.

5. Recreational attractions Purpose-built facilities offering leisure and entertainment. Examples include Disneyland, water parks such as Atlantis The Palm, and ski resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb. These attractions focus on fun, excitement, and adventure.

6. Retail attractions Shopping facilities such as malls, markets, and specialty stores. Examples include Dubai Mall, GUM department store in Moscow, and Harrods in London. Visitors may shop for local products and souvenirs, or be drawn by a store’s prices, reputation, quality, or size.

Main takeaway

A thorough understanding of a destination’s attractions can help the tourism industry create engaging experiences, remain competitive, adopt sustainable practices, support visitor safety and the local economy, and deliver good service. Knowing the six categories can also help tourism organizations improve their products and the information they provide to visitors.

Speakers and sources featured

• Presenter/narrator: One narrator speaks throughout; the subtitles do not name the speaker. The video metadata credits Dr. Øyvind Grønflaten.
• Other speakers: None featured.