Tourism and culture

Tourism and Culture

Tourism across the world is getting an impetus because there is so much that people want to see and experience. In fact, visiting another country is one of the best ways to learn about the culture and language of that country. It's what called cultural tourism.

Cultural tourism is a type of tourism that allows the tourist to participate in local cultural activities, like festivals and rituals. As a result, the tourist can enjoy a genuine cultural exchange with the locals. Proponents of cultural tourism say that it gives the local population the opportunity to benefit financially from their cultural heritage and thus to appreciate and preserve it, while giving visitors the opportunity to broaden their personal horizons.

The most comprehensive view of cultural tourism comes from the World Trade Organization. Based on 2012 global survey, they identified six categories:

1. Handicrafts and visual arts

2. Gastronomy and culinary

3. Social practices, rituals, and festive events

4. Music and performing arts

5. Oral traditions and expressions

6. Knowledge and practices concerning nature

Tourism and culture have a close relationship and benefit from each other. The different forms in which culture is expressed, act as tourist attractions. Culture, therefore, is a resource for tourism. Culture provides entertainment and is a source of attraction for tourism and tourism adds value to culture.

The tourism sector is recognized for its leading role as a catalyst for economic growth and cross-cultural exchange; therefore nations, governments, and policy makers should be mindful of the political, environmental, social, and cultural aspects of tourism development. It is important to realize in tourism programming and planning that the bearings of tourism shouldn’t be assessed only by tangible economic gains, but also by intangible implications that affect society and culture. Among the most prominent negative effects of tourism are exploitation of cultural resources, environmental degradation, and considerable socio-cultural related impacts. Oftentimes tourism experiences are altered to conform to tourists’ expectations and desires, resulting in loss of authenticity and commercialization of local experiences and products, which threatens local cultural identity.

In conclusion, the convergence between tourism and culture, and the increasing interest of visitors in cultural experiences, bring unique opportunities but also complex challenges for the tourism sector.