Heritage Attraction - Research Paper Example

Heritage Attraction Introduction In the present scenario, travellers and tourists on a global context are inclined to visit destinations that include cultural along with historic sites. The tourists are witnessed to visit certain places having authentic locations. Additionally, the tourists also visit the places that host special cultural and world events. In this regard, the tourism industry is perceived to include the term ‘heritage tourism’. Tourists travelling to various destinations with the aim of having better experiences in relation to places, activities along with artifacts that significantly devote past as well as present stories of people and culture is often referred to as ‘heritage tourism’ (Hargrove, 2002). In this regard, the perceptions, the psychological attitudes and the behaviors of travellers have changed significantly towards two important aspects that include historic places and destination contents. Moreover, the tourists are more attracted towards features of destinations that include historic contents, artifacts and recreational events (Poria et al., 2003). Respectively, the perceptions and the attitudes of travellers have changed towards safe destinations, authentic experiences, quality as well as unique products and/or services (Whyte et al., 2012). With this concern, the research paper emphasizes the demand and supply of three tourist destinations that include FES (Morocco), Berlin (Germany) and Beijing (China). Fes is the capital city of Morocco and it is identified to blend old culture and new traditions in an appropriate manner. The city is identified as car-free zone as the alleyways of the city are narrow (IDRC, n.d.). Berlin is the capital city of Germany. Additionally, the city possesses various cultural opportunities that include galleries, museums, operas, theatres, restaurants and trendy clubs (ABC-Global GmbH, 2008). Beijing is the capital city of China, which is regarded as the major center of conducting effective cultural, political along with financial activities. The city also possesses different cultural as well as prehistoric sites and monuments (Lew et al., 2003). In this respect, the above three destinations have been selected due to their unique characteristics as well as cultural and historic destination contents. 2. Demand and Supply Analysis Presently, people involved with performing cultural along with historic research activities are identified to travel more frequently and spend a longer period at authenticated destinations as compared to other travelers. Contextually, heritage tourism is determined to be the fastest developing tourism market segments for the tourism industry. Subsequently, the growth as well as the development of destinations is typically based on the supply as well as the demand of tourism attractions. A tourist destination providing quality cultural along with historic attractions are seemed to meet the present demands as per the perceptions and the attitudes of the travellers. In this context, the supply as well as demand in relation to tourism attraction is based on historical monuments, natural resources and cultural attractions (DLA, n.d.). 2.1. Analysis of the Tourism Demand The tourism industry is identified as an important factor accountable for the economic growth of a country. In the present day context, perceptions, behaviors along with attitudes of tourists have changed towards certain heritage destinations that depict culture, history, involvement with local cultural events and archeology. In this regard, historic sites are identified to be the most preferred destinations for global travellers (Huh, 2002). Morocco is culturally rich country having influences from various cultures that include France, Judaism, Spain, the Middle East and Berber. In Morocco, the people regarded honor along with integrity as core values. The Moroccan cuisine is also a merge of different cultural aspects (Walroth, 2007). Presently, the travelers visit Fes, the capital city of Morocco in order to acquire a better and comprehensive understanding of the traditional culture and Islamic civilization. It is identified as the old preserved city representing Islamic civilization and Arab World. In this context, the tourists select Fes as a preferable destination with the aim of witnessing the cultural traditions and the history of the Arabian countries. Additionally, the city is considered as a car-free zone due to narrow alleyways and in this regard, the transportation operations are executed with the assistance of mules, handcrafts, foots and donkeys. Respectively, the travelers currently attracted towards cultural traditions visit the capital city in order to experience the cultural values and the traditions of the Islamic civilization as retained from ancient times. Moreover, the tourists are also attracted towards the city to experience its unique facets such as depicting the blend of old traditional culture and latest outlook of innovation (IDRC, n.d.). The cultural along with the spiritual life of the city as demanded by the tourists is preserved. In this regard, the tourism demand as identified in the present tourism industry is preserved and the city represents authentic along with unique culture in its medina (Moroccan National Tourist Office, n.d.). The cultural heritage of Germany is seemed to be based on traditional values and cultural infrastructures. The cultural infrastructures of the country assist in protecting the environment as well as maintaining efficiencies of the resources. The regional development of the country aids in promoting its culture. In this regard, adequate funds are invested with the intention of developing the cultural heritage of the country (Dumcke, 2012). Subsequently, the development in cultural heritage assists in developing a better awareness of its culture along with historical background. The country i.e. Germany takes into concern certain adequate measures in retaining local cultures through making greater developments in conducting events, museums and libraries among others (Belanger, 1999). Berlin is the capital city of Germany and it is identified as a safe along with calm place due to low crime rate. In this regard, the travelers demanding safe and comfortable destinations are attracted towards the city. Additionally, tourists demand for certain specific culture as well as events. In this regard, the tourists visiting Berlin might experience a vast range of cultural and sport events that include opera along with classical music, theatre, Internationale Tourismus- Borse (ITB) and museums (In Your Pocket Ltd, 2014). Identifiably, the Chinese culture is grounded on stereotyped family structure and the people practicing traditional cultural values and attitudes. The Chinese people are usually regarded as cold-hearted along with self-centered individuals. In China, different cultural as well as traditional events are organized based on ‘Chinese Lunar Calendar’ (Diversicare, 2006). The Chinese culture is based on the traditional values and contextually, respect along with obedience is practiced in the country (Kung, 2007; University of Michigan Health Systems, 2002). Beijing is a preferable place of visit for travellers on a global context as the place provides cultural as well as historic elements as demanded by them. The metropolitan life of the people has changed in a rapid manner. Additionally, the city possesses important historic sites and cultural traditions of the Chinese people largely (Jian-Tong & Wen-Yi, 2011). 2.2. Analysis of the Tourism Supply Currently, the tourists are much attracted towards visiting the destinations that provide cultural along with historic aspects by a considerable extent. In this respect, the destinations having adequate supply in relation to historic monuments, natural resources along with cultural attractions are deemed to attract immense number of tourists (DLA, n.d.). Fes is a preferable destination owing to historic and prehistoric monuments as well as sites that include the Mederas, the Karaouiyine mosque, Wooden Arts and Crafts Museum and gastronomic among others. Contextually, the tourists offered with immense number of traditional handicrafts, food culture, monuments and buildings are attracted towards the city (Moroccan National Tourist Office, 2014). Subsequently, the tourists having interest and positive perceptions in understanding Islamic civilization and Arabian cultures are attracted towards the city, so that they could have an adequate experience as well as understanding of Middle-East countries’ traditions. Fes is the important city of Morocco due to preservation of cultural traditions and history of the Islamic civilization (Moroccan National Tourist Office, 2014). In order to develop the tourism sector, the country has developed infrastructures, accommodation services and transportation facilities (Chaabani, n.d.). Berlin possesses both traditional elements as well as innovation in every sector attracting tourists and business personnel in attending annual international scientific events along with symposiums that are organized in the city. There are various cultural attractions including Brandenburg Gate, Goethe monument, museums, Siegessaule, ‘House of cultures of the world’ and television tower among others that attracts global tourists at large (ECIS, 2011). In this similar context, the city possessing a huge number of cultural attractions and traditional monuments as well as buildings attract global travelers to acquire immense knowledge about the German culture. The communication, transportation and accommodation services in the city can also be viewed to get developed in an immense manner (ECIS, 2011). In China, Beijing is recognized as the most preferable destination for tourists as they are provided with different cultural along with historic attractions. The city is filled with cultural sites and buildings that include Forbidden City, Temple of heaven, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall and Summer Palace among others. The city is also identified to possess innovative sites including Olympic sites among others. The city presents the cultural traditions of Chinese civilization through its sports events, foods and artifacts among others. Respectively, the tourists visiting the city will have an immense experience of the Chinese culture. Adequate investments and developments are made in the area of hotel facilities and transportation as well as communication services (Jian-Tong & Wen-Yi, 2011). 2.3. Synthesize It can be comprehended that in the present tourism sector, tourists are more attracted towards cultural heritage. Heritage culture plays an imperative role in attracting tourists due to changing demand of travellers towards cultural attractions that include historic monuments, artifacts and sites. In this respect, the three capital cities including Fes, Berlin and Beijing possess different cultural monuments, food traditions, cultural values and sites that attract immense number of visitors from a global context. Moreover, different innovational aspects are largely used with the intention of developing, promoting and organizing special traditional events for sustainable growth of the tourism industry of the aforesaid countries and cities. In this respect, the tourism industry meeting the demand of the tourists through adequate supply of cultural attractions has assisted in developing the tourism sector and the economic conditions of the respective nations at large. 3. SWOT Analysis Fes (Morocco) Berlin (Germany) Beijing (China) Strengths Fes is an appropriate tourist destination as wider cultural and traditional aspects are revealed to the visitors. The city also possesses attractive museums and historical places among others in accordance with the changing needs of the tourists can be complied. The city is developed culturally as well as innovatively. Additionally, the city possesses different historic monuments and buildings. The development in the technological sector also aids in organizing scientific events, attracting the tourists to visit the city extensively. Beijing is one of the most preferred destinations in China due to the existence of different historical attractions. The city is renowned for cultural monuments, buildings and structures. Innovation is also used in developing the innovative structures and organizing cultural events in this city. Weaknesses The city seemed to lack development in the technological sector. Moreover, the communication system of the city is underdeveloped due to inadequate adoption of innovation. The tourism sector also lacks the employment of competent employees. The development of the city is identified to be fragmented, which is accountable for weak connectivity in terms of communication. The people residing in the city belong to diverse cultures and in this regard, the weakness is language barrier. Opportunities The tourism sector of the city has developed largely and accordingly the city is able to attract huge visitors from a global context. Subsequently, immense development can be made in the transportation system, communication system, accommodation services and infrastructure. The technological development is huge and accordingly the city has the opportunity of diversifying its development to all its areas as well as operational segments The advancement of tourism related services in the city will aid in developing the self-development aspect of the people immensely. Additionally, the development will aid in diversifying its development to all its operational sectors. Threats The economic condition of the city is poor. The tourism industry is also developing in a sluggish manner due to lack of development in the market conditions. Moreover, lack of innovation is accountable for weak promotional and marketing operations. There is a lack of adequate governmental support and public funds that are accountable for the underdevelopment of the tourism industry. Additionally, the underdevelopment factor of all the areas of the city might act as a hindrance towards the development of the industry in an effective manner. Language barrier is the major hindrance towards the development of the tourism sector. Additionally, the sector lacked competent employees and accordingly is unable to meet the demands of the tourists appropriately. Moreover, the tourism sector is unable to compete with other tourism enterprises. From the above SWOT analysis, it can be apparently observed that the tourism sector of the three cities have both positive along with negative aspects. In this regard, it can be affirmed that the tourism industry of Fes is equipped with traditional values and practices that attract the global visitors at large. Additionally, the city possesses adequate historic along with cultural attractions that have the potential to gain maximum level of tourist attractiveness that may be of local, national or international. However, there are certain factors that include inadequate economic development, underdeveloped technological advancement and uncompetitive market segments, which eventually hinder the development of the city as an appropriate destination relating to heritage tourism. The city has attracted an immense number of tourists in the present day context. Accordingly, the tourism industry possesses the opportunity of developing in a rapid manner. The main hindrance in this similar context can be apparently observed as ineffective technological development and lack of competent employees towards managing the operations of the industry. Thus, it can be affirmed that the industry has been unable to meet the current demand of the international tourists by a certain degree (Ibanez, 2013). Berlin possesses attractive cultural monuments, sites and structures. Accordingly, the city has attracted a large pool of visitors from a global context. The tourism industry of the nation wherein the city belongs is seemed to be focused towards innovation and technological development in an immense manner. In this regard, the tourism industry is seemed to be less inclined towards the promotion of cultural along with traditions, values and beliefs. Subsequently, in the changing tourism demand of heritage attraction, the tourism segment might hinder the growth as well as the development of the city at large. Moreover, inadequate technological development throughout the city might hinder the growth of its tourism segment. In this respect, the tourism industry of Berlin might lack competiveness to attract international visitors seeking heritage attractions (Dumcke, 2012). Contextually, it can be comprehended that the city might not be able to meet the demands of the international visitors at large. Beijing is a leading tourist destination of China. The city possesses adequate traditionally structures, monument and artifacts that attract huge visitors. Additionally, the tourism industry has made substantial investments in developing cultural heritages and organizing special traditional events that are accountable for the growth of the industry effectively. However, lack of competent employees in the tourism industry might affect in promoting the events and cultural programs organized in the city, resulting in leading towards inefficiency. The problem of language barrier also hinders the development of the industry by a certain degree. Beijing is a heritage location providing attractive destination facets such as cultural as well as traditional events and monuments. The innovation aspect has also aided the city in developing its communication as well as transportation network at large (Hongzhe & Jin, 2010). In this regard, it can be comprehended that the tourism industry has met the needs of heritage attraction in an adequate manner. 4. References ABC-Global GmbH. (2008). Welcome to Berlin. Retrieved from http://www.berlin.de/imperia/md/content/lb-integration-migration/publikationen/willkommen/welcome_englisch_08.pdf?start&ts=1222177141&file=welcome_englisch_08.pdf Belanger, P. (1999). Museums, libraries and cultural heritage: democratising culture, creating knowledge, building bridges between cultures. 7b Cultural Heritage, 1-16. Chaabani, A. (n.d.). Tourism in Morocco. Retrieved from http://zawaya.magharebia.com/old_zawaya/en_GB/zawaya/opinion/154.html Diversicare. (2006). Chinese culture profile. Retrieved from http://diversicare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Chinese.pdf DLA. (n.d.). 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