Cultural tourism

These attractions and products relate to the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries as well as the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions.

[1] Cultural tourism experiences include, but are not limited to, architectural and archaeological treasures, culinary activities, festivals or events, historic or heritage, sites, monuments and landmarks, museums and exhibitions, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and religious venues.

In the twenty-first-century United States, national parks and a limited number of Native American councils continue to promote "tribal tourism."

The U.S. National Park Service has publicly endorsed this strain of cultural tourism, despite lingering concerns over exploitation and the potential hazards of ecotourism in Native America.

This network aims to highlight cities around the world that are putting creativity at the heart of their sustainable urban development plan.

Certain major urban cities with cultural offerings are listed in UNESCO's world heritage site and have been lauded for their promotion of cross-cultural exchange.

"[10] Popular cultural tourism involves any kind of tourist attractions that are modern and mainstream, such as amusement parks or sporting events.

This runs a risk for important cultural landscapes to be exposed to significant damage from human-caused wear and tear--"Tourists are in a peculiar position, because they do not live with the consequences of the pollution they help create or the shortages they help cause.

Floods and rising water levels can also be a direct threat to archaeological sites, historic buildings that hold cultural values, and heritage gardens.

[12] Tourism can bring communities economic growth from both job creation and tax revenue from ticket sales to festivals, museums, ancient ruins, religious sites and historic hotels.

It promotes sustainable development and community revitalization,[13] contributing to both local economies and global cultural enrichment through the preservation and celebration of diverse traditions.

Cultural tourism in Egypt in the 19th century.
Tourists at Hearst Castle , California.
Tourists taking pictures at the khmer Pre Rup temple ruins, an example of cultural tourism.
A decorated water well in Zalipie, Poland
Tourists at the cultural historical Old Town of Porvoo
As Climates change and water levels rise, tourism will have to continue to adapt. Seen here with raised platforms to help tourist and locals get around a flooded Venice, Italy.