Cultural Attractions And European Tourism

This book presents the findings of field research undertaken in 1997 under the European Cultural Tourism Research Project managed by the European Association for Tourism and Leisure Education. It looks at the relationship between tourists and specific cultural attractions in the Netherlands. In part I, the development of cultural tourism and cultural attractions is discussed. In part II, case studies of European cultural attractions are presented. The book contains 13 chapters and a subject index.

Because few comparative data existed on European cultural tourism, when the European commission designated cultural tourism as a key area of tourism development in Europe, the European association for tourism and leisure education undertook a transnational study of European cultural tourism. The first five chapters address general themes (the scope and significance, the social context, the economic context and the political context of cultural tourism). The are followed by eleven chapters on individual countries from the European Union. Re-issued in 2005 in electronic format by ATLAS, the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education.

This book reviews the cultural tourism market in Europe from a survey carried out in 1997. It analyzes the way in which cultural attractions are produced for, and used by, cultural tourists and how such cultural attractions as museums, art galleries, monuments and heritage attractions are marketed.

This study, commissioned by the World Tourism Organization and the European Travel Commission, focuses on city and city-based cultural tourism which has become increasingly important for national city tourism organizations and institutions in Europe. The study itself, aims to increase knowledge on cultural city trips for the members of the ETC, (representing National Tourist Organizations in 33 European countries), city tourist offices, and WTO members. The study offers a conceptual framework that can be used for marketing, communication and product development purposes.

Cultural tourism is not only a major industry but also a support for national identity and a means for preserving heritage. Interdisciplinary explorations of cultural tourism, with essays about tourism between globalization and authenticity, township tourism in Soweto, South Africa, tourism in the culturally regenerated city, the new tourism areas in London, cultural routes, in the footsteps of Goethe, Humbert and Ulysses, tourism in inland Spain, indicators and qualitative observatories of heritage tourism, ecotourism and religious tourism in the North of Portugal, the festivalization of society, the consequences of the European Capitals of Culture, the economic impact of festivals, the future of cultural tourism: grounds for pessimism or optimism? Review in: Journal of cultural economics. 32(2008)3(.231-236).

Tourism in European Cities explores the relationship between tourist activity and the architecture and built environment within which it takes place. This is the first book to consider urban tourism with a particular focus on European cities. Tourism in European Cities considers the tourist experience and the various elements that shape it. In many cities, the historic core plays a crucial role in tourism either as the location of the more important attractions, or as an attraction in its own right. The book dedicates a chapter to urban heritage and its relationship to tourism, including urban conservation and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Another chapter considers contemporary architecture and debates some cities’ efforts to use iconic architecture, in particular, to enhance their attractiveness in the context of increased competition between cities. In the context of competition, many cities are resorting to events as a strategy to reposition and differentiate themselves from other cities. Major events are accompanied by major investment in event venues and in urban infrastructure. The city often serves as a backdrop to the urban festival as activities and performances are staged in the city’s urban spaces. This book is essential reading for students of tourism and urban geography. It is also of interest to students of urban planning and architecture, and anyone keen to learn more about tourism and European cities.

International Cultural Tourism: management, implications and cases provides a comprehensive exploration of the management, operations and marketing of cultural tourism attractions and resources in a global context. Topics explored include: * For the first time, an evaluation of the use and transformational impact of global media and new ICT in the management and marketing of cultural tourism attractions and resources. * The changing nature of the global cultural tourism marketplace (including demand, supply, product development and political changes). * Consumer behaviour, profiles and motivations of cultural tourists. * Environmental performance, management and wider issues of social and cultural sustainability. Written by a team of contributors from Australia, Hong Kong, UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Finland, this text provides a thoroughly global insight into the issues and techniques involved in the successful management and marketing of cultural attractions. * An overview of the way in which cultural tourism resources and attractions are managed and marketed in a global context. * Analysis of the demand, profiles and motivation of tourists * An investigation of the transformational and dynamic impacts of new technologies on cultural resources and products * International contributor team provide case studies from first-hand experience and research