Cultural Tourism is Best Experienced in
the Company of Local Friends and Experts
Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world
economy; right up there with real estate, automobiles and financial services.
It is also highly segmented: business travel, conventions and meetings, cruises,
family vacations, food and wine travel, responsible, sustainable, ethical, and
more.
Cultural Tourism assumes uniquely local dimensions wherever you go; the activities that
you, the local or global visitor, select and, irrespective of the length of
your stay, are unique of the community you are visiting and rooted into the
local economy, culture and traditions.
How to Travel Culturally! is a very much function
of the destination you choose. Your visit to a country, region or town is
personalized as a function of your interests and preferences:
When in Rome…. To engage in cultural tourism means doing
and going where the locals go. Many
destinations are known for the negative effects travel has on the local culture
and environment, especially during certain periods of the year.
Best Planned and Managed by
Those with Knowledge of the Locations You Visit
Avoid Places and activities that cater only to tourists
and outdoor markets that sell souvenirs that you can find anywhere as opposed
to local traditional crafts;
Experience Typical Local cuisine, wine and
brews;
Go to Local Museums
and other attractions that are more likely to tell you the unique history and
traditions of the places you are visiting.
Cultural Districts are geographic areas that focus on the arts, individual artists and
arts-based businesses. They are mixed-use developments with other facilities
such as office complexes, restaurants, retail spaces, and occasionally
residential areas. They are a most representative of a community’s vision,
planning, and commitment and to the preservation of its heritage and social
values.