Comprehensive Domestic and International Destinations - Essay Example

Comprehensive Domestic and International Destinations Introduction Tourist destinations are basically travel places which attract many travellers or visitors. They have to be places unique from the normal settings that people spend their daily lives, and these may include natural wonders, historic buildings, or historical sites. To an extent, a tourist destination can be an activity such as gaming. A tourist destination has to be attractive to the visitors, and it is for this reason that the following report has been developed in evaluating tourist destinations in the United States. Of particular importance are the features that make such places to qualify as being tourist destinations at domestic and international levels. Domestic destination (Santa Fe, New Mexico) Santa Fe is the capital city of Mexico, and doubles up as the oldest capital city in the U.S. it is recognized as a chief tourist destination owing to its climate which supports multiple outdoor activities such as skiing in winter, and hiking in other seasons (“Santa Fe” n.p.). In addition, it hosts many cultural activities, and has an historic downtown which is also a tourist attraction. There are famous names originating from the region such as Antonio Lopez who is famous for playing a big role in Mexico’s gain of independence, Anna Gunn who is a popular actor on screen and stage, and Jeremy Rau Valdez who is famous for his awards and roles in television and film roles. One challenge to the tourist destination is the standoff between Hispanics and whites, who create tension with their rivalry, thus scare away tourists (Caffey, 13). The peak seasons in Santa Fe are during winter, which is around Christmas when there are much skiing and snow-related activities. The low season is experienced in summer, around March when temperatures can attain 55 degrees. The airfare and hotel rates vary similarly with season; with the rates escalating during high seasons, and being moderate during low seasons. Activities supported in Santa Fe include hiking, biking, mountaineering and skiing. There is much to see as well such as the Canyon Road which hosts most of Mexican heritage and historical sites such as the St. Francis of Assisi Basilica and the Plaza. Nightlife in this destination is mostly marked with music and live performances offered in the restaurants, clubs and bars. People convene and socialize in such places. There are numerous festivals held in Santa Fe such as the International Folk Art Market at Museum Hill, the Santa Fe Film festivals in December, and the Pueblo Winter Feast Days and Dances in January. There are hundreds of food palaces offering amongst others Indian, Chinese, Italian and Native American servings. Entertainment is provided via Native American dances, and both playback or live theatre and music performances. Most of Mexican cultures and art are preserved in museums such as the Indian Arts and Culture Museum. Native American arts and artefacts are displayed there. The shopping experience in Mexico varies with seasons, but during peaks, most of the shopping occurs in historic buildings where unique souvenirs ranging from fashion, jewellery, to furniture and antiques are in plenty. The architecture in Santa Fe remains uniquely Mexican, with most building constructed using adobe bricks (sun-dried earth mixed with straw). Even modern constructions mimic the low, earth-coloured nature of constructing buildings. California mission Revival and Victorian styles of architecture are still evident (“Santa Fe Architecture” n.p.). Santa Fe is unique in that its tourist offerings differ with season; with each season having its own attraction. Additionally, it retains its nativity and incorporates it into contemporary contexts such as food and architecture. International destination (Sydney, Australia) Sydney is the capital of the New South Wales state, and doubles as the most popular city in Australia. It lies on the Tasman Sea to the south-east coast of Australia. The destination is popular for tourism especially due to its both ancient and contemporary architecture and infrastructure. The cuisine in Sydney is unique in that it is drawn from fauna and flora termed as “bushfood”. It includes mostly meat. Sydney is popular for having raised celebrities such as Allan Border the cricketer, Nigel Butterley the composer, and John Antill who was a composer as well. Being an international all-year-round destination, many tourists keep away from it because they term it as too expensive to visit (Saurine n.p.). Late December to early February mark Sydney’s high season, and May to august marks the low season. Airfares and hotel rates are highest during peak seasons so that the proprietors make the most out of the numbers, and moderate in low seasons so the industry still survives (“Best Times n.p.). There are world-class attractions here; the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the famous Sydney Opera House. In addition, there are museums, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Luna Park, tens of beaches, and art galleries to visit. Life continues beyond daylight as people thrive into hotels, pubs, clubs and bars to enjoy night refreshments and meals as they listen and dance to music performances. There are also movie theatres where shows run overnight. Sydney is famous for festivals such as the Sydney Winter Festival in July, the Yulefest Blue Mountains Festival, and the Guringai Festival held in July. These festivals are famous globally, and attract international tourists. The food in Sydney is themed on ancient cooking which included meats and largely vegetable ingredients. They put great emphasis on fresh fruits and juices as well. Entertainment is one deal unforgettable with Sydney. It ranges from gigantic concert halls, drama theatres, and Opera theatres which provide live performances to large state-of-the-art movie theatres which show movies including those produced from the many shooting sites in the destination. Some movies produced from here include The Matrix, X-Men Wolverine, Star Wars II, and Mission Impossible 2. Nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and bars extend the fun to suit the entire family setting. Winter marks the best time to enjoy Sydney’s art and culture. Museums and galleries display unique art ranging from aboriginal displays to modern-style art. Paintings, drawings, and other multiples of art items are in plenty to view and buy (Sydney n.p.). Sydney’s architecture has no one particular style it adheres to. Rather, it offers ancient and modern designs, with each construction being unique on its own. Ancient constructions include the 1816 Parliament House, and the Australian Museum. Contemporary buildings include the Sydney Opera House and the One Central Park. Generally, Sydney is unique in that most of its tourist attraction nature is composed of contemporary creations such as architecture, movie theatres, festivals, and modern art. Finally, it is unique in that it somehow manages to be active in tourism throughout the year. Works Cited “Best Times to Visit Sydney”. US News Travel,2013. Web. 6 July, 2014. Caffey, David. Frank Springer and New Mexico: From the Colfax Coucounty War to the Emergence of Modern Santa Fe. College Station, 2007. Print. “Santa Fe”. Santafenm.gov. Web. 6 July, 2014. “Santa Fe Architecture”. Santafe, 2014. Web. 6 July, 2014. Saurine, Angela. “Big Challenges Facing Australian Tourism in ‘Asian Century’”. News.com.au, 2012. Web. 6 July, 2014. Sydney, Vivid. “Arts, Culture and Heritage in Sydney.” Sydney.com, 2012. Web. 6 July, 2014. Read More