The Importance of Cultural Heritage Tourism
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“Cultural tourism is backed by a desire to discover, learn about and enjoy the tangible and intangible cultural assets offered in a tourism destination, ranging from heritage, performing arts, handicrafts, rituals and gastronomy.” -UNESCO
Global Tourism
Global cultural tourism is forecast to increase by 15% in the coming years
Cultural tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry, accounting for an estimated 40% of all tourism worldwide.
U.S Travelers
American cultural heritage travelers have an economic impact of $123.6 billion.
30% of adults state that specific arts or a cultural or heritage event influenced their choice of destination on their last trip.
Cultural Tourism Spending
Rural arts organizations attract more outside visitors than urban arts organizations ( 31% vs 14% ). These visitors spend money on admissions, parking, dining, etc., contributing directly to local economies.
49% of cultural travelers will pay more for lodging that has a distinctive cultural or heritage component (historic building, local art or decor, architecture, etc.)
Types of Cultural Heritage Tourism
- Culinary tourism, food sovereignty
- National & regional parks, eco-tourism, wildlife tourism
- Sports, games & other athletic events
- Museums. libraries & cultural centers
- Annual festivals, powwows, major events
- Historic sites & commemorations
- Rivers, trails & conservation areas
- Hogans, earth lodges, longhouses, clan houses
- Agritourism
- Performing arts & storytelling
Economic Benefits of Cultural Heritage Tourism
- Injects new money into the economy, boosting businesses and tax revenues
- Creates new jobs
- Funds new businesses, events and attractions, helping diversify the local economy
- Supports small businesses, including artists, local guides, educators
- Helps increase a customer base for local businesses
- Promotes the active preservation and protection of important local resources
- Allows tribes and indigenous communities to define and tell their own stories
MyTravel Resources.com The Goss Agency Inc. UNESCO Mandala Research NEA: Rural Arts, Design & Innovation in America Study
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Economic Benefits of Cultural Heritage Tourism. Injects new money into the economy, boosting businesses and tax revenues. Creates new jobs. Funds new businesses, events and attractions, helping diversify the local economy. Supports small businesses, including artists, local guides, educators. Helps increase a customer base for local businesses.