What factors explain the growth and interest in heritage tourism - Essay Example

? Factors that explain the growth and interest in heritage tourism Factors that explain the growth and interest in heritage tourism Introduction Various factors have contributed to the growth and interest in heritage tourism. Heritage tourism entails tourist attractions that include monumental areas and natural landscapes that offer unique cultural and natural interest (Anheier 2010).The growth in cultural diversity and heritage has been occasioned by discovery of more heritage sites, increase in cultural education, growth in the number of cultural exhibitions and festivals (Lyon & Wells 2012). Accordingly, there is considerable growth in the number of museums, art galleries and theaters that create high demand for heritage tourism (Morgan & Pritchard 1998). Emergence in heritage tourism partnerships The growth and interest in heritage tourism has been facilitated by growth in partnerships in tourism initiatives that aim at preserving heritage assets and enabling tourists have a ‘passport package’ that allows them to visit various heritage sites such as museums, art galleries and historical sites (Anheier 2010). Accordingly, the partnerships have packaged both non-heritage and heritage tourism packages together through enabling tourism access bus tours, sports, resorts and amusement parks and enjoy the cultural heritage tourism in the historical sites and museums (Herbert 1995). Increase in cultural tourism and heritage education Increase in historical education, cultural heritage awareness and archeological studies have contribute to the growth and interest in tourism education. Colleges and Universities have established courses on heritage tourism and need to understand cultural diversity (Timothy 2011). Accordingly, heritage tourists are highly educated and broadly travelled across the globe thus heritage tourism offers unique tourism experience (Morgan & Pritchard 1998). In addition, heritage tourism allows individuals to understand different cultures, languages, art and lifestyles of the global population thus enabling one to interact comfortably with individuals from different cultural heritage backgrounds. Increase in protection of natural and cultural heritage areas The growth and interest in heritage tourism has been facilitated by the increased protection of ecological sites and watersheds (Bushell & Eagles 2006). Accordingly, tourism associations have increased their efforts in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in order to foster natural heritage tourism (Anheier 2010). Conservation efforts have extended to cultural values and improvement of transport and communication infrastructure to historical sites and heritage areas (Staiff, Bushell & Watson 2013). At the same time, governments have increased their promotional and advertising campaigns on heritage tourism through publishing documentaries on heritage sites and historical development of various tourism attraction sites (Bushell & Eagles 2006). Most of the governments have increased conservation efforts of ecosystems such as coastal areas that include marine parks and wilderness areas that include rivers, lakes and forests (Anheier 2010). In addition, tourists have gained interest with tours in rural areas such as countryside retreats and small islands that offer mangroves, coral reefs, and sea grass beds. Technological changes The recent advancements in technology have led to exploration of several heritage sites and discovery of rare species in the world (Misiura 2012). Accordingly, technological advancements have led to development of modern transportation methods that are suitable for heritage tourism. For instance, super ferries and cruise ships enable tourists to visit small islands in deep seas. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have brought down the travelling costs to the historical and heritage sites thus increasing the tourist volumes. In addition, online booking and computerized reservation systems create convenience for the heritage tourists. Growth in income levels and work demands The growth in global consumer incomes has created demand for leisure and recreation. The middle-income individuals have sufficient income to spend on heritage tourism (Timothy 2011). Accordingly, the increase in the daily work routines and job pressures has led to the need for relaxation and visits to heritage sites. In this case, the tourists desire to appreciate the beautiful scenery and have an opportunity of self-reflection (Anheier 2010). At the same time, other tourists visit the heritage sites such as temples, mosques and ancient churches due to interest in early religion. Increase in the understanding of foreign languages and migration The increase in global population migration due to search for job opportunities, work opportunities and business travel have led to significant growth in heritage tourism (Ivanovic 2008). Most of the citizens understand different international languages thus are interested in learning the cultural heritage of different races and communities in the society (Misiura 2012). Accordingly, migrations have forced individuals to visit the heritage sites in order to familiarize themselves with the unique heritage and historical traditions of the ancient tribes (Staiff, Bushell & Watson 2013). Changes in population demography and ageing The increase in the number of aged citizens has led to increase in interest in heritage tourism. The aged populations require more leisure and time to reflect on the historical happenings through visiting the art galleries and museums (Bushell & Eagles 2006). For instance, the aged citizens visit museums in order to learn more about previous wars such as the Second World War (Ivanovic 2008). Accordingly, the increase in industrialization has led to increase in urban population thus creating more interest in rural tourism (Anheier 2010). The urban populations visit the heritage sites in order to learn more about their cultural background, traditions, and values (Misiura 2012). Accordingly, international human rights laws have led to the preservation of unique cultures through creating of several international bodies that aim at fostering the cultural expression of all races and ethnic groups across the globe (Richards 2001). Conclusion The growth and interest in heritage tourism has resulted from formation of more heritage tourism partnerships with hotels, airlines and tour promotion companies. Accordingly, the increase in heritage education has led to awareness on the need to have a real experience of the cultural heritage by visiting the heritage sites, art galleries and museums. The national governments and tourism regulatory authorities have taken strict measures that aim at protecting the rare species, heritage sites and promotion of heritage tourism through documentaries on the mass media. Technological changes have allowed for tourism convenience in terms of travelling, online booking and reservation of airlines thus contributing to more tourist volumes. Job pressures and busy schedules have led to demand for self-reflection and relaxation through visiting of beautiful sceneries and heritage sites that offer unique tourism experience. In addition, demographic changes have led to increase in the number of aged individuals thus resulting to more demand for leisure activities like heritage tourism. Reference list: Anheier, H.K. 2010. Heritage, memory and identity. Los Angeles: Sage. Bushell, R & Eagles, P.J. 2006. Tourism and protected areas: benefits beyond boundaries. Cambridge: Cambridge Publications. Herbert, D. 1995. Heritage, tourism and society. New York: Routledge. Ivanovic, M. 2008. Cultural tourism. Cape Town: Juta. Lyon, S & Wells, C.E. 2012. Global tourism: cultural heritage and economic encounters. Lanham: AltaMira Press. Misiura, S. 2012. Heritage marketing. New York: Routledge. Morgan, N & Pritchard, A. 1998. Tourism promotion and power: creating images, creating identities. New York: John Wiley. Richards, G. 2001. Cultural attractions and European tourism. Wallingford: CABI Publications. Staiff, R., Bushell, R & Watson, S. 2013. Heritage. London: Routledge. Timothy, D.J. 2011. Cultural heritage and tourism: an introduction. New York: Channel View Publicaations. Read More