Tourism By Numbers Part I: Three Kinds of Attractions

So, what makes a good attraction? What will visitors want to see?

The ability for an area to serve as a tourism destination is always based on natural, cultural or invented circumstances. In most successful cases, it is based on a combination of two or more of these elements.

Natural attractions exist due to a geographic locale such as the community or area’s proximity to an ocean, lake or scenic mountain. Or, it may be based on a natural phenomenon such as a geyser or a flock of birds that migrate at a certain time every year. Or, it can simply be a wonderful combination of climate, landscape and natural wildlife.

Cultural Tourism can be defined as 'the movement of persons, away from their normal place of residence, with the intention to gather new information and experiences related to another country or region's background, specifically the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of the peoples, their food, art, architecture, religion(s), beliefs, traditions, and other elements that helped shape their way of life. In urban areas, Cultural tourists are likely drawn to museums and theatres, while in rural areas tourists are more likely to discover the traditions of indigenous cultural communities (i.e. festivals, rituals), and their values and lifestyle.

Invented attractions are anything that was created by man, usually as a way to make money. Amusement parks, casinos, sports complexes and golf courses are good examples. Although most of these man-made attractions were, by no means, culturally correct at the time they were built, many have become part of the “culture” associated with the area where they are located. Can you imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower? Chicago without Wrigley Field? Sydney without the Opera House? Over time, each of these attractions have become part of the landscape of their respective communities and, in exchange, the communities are recognized by the iconic image of the attractions.

It's entirely possible that you have a little of all three of these elements. And, I'm certain you have, at the very least, a local flavor that can be considered "culture". Figure out what it is.

If all else fails, invent something.