How Tourism Inspired by Culture and Heritage Grows the Economy Beyond Just Visitors

Tourism related to culture and heritage is a rapidly expanding and lucrative industry.
Additionally, statistics show that history and culture tourism is still expanding quickly, particularly in the OECD and APEC countries. We project that the Asia Pacific region contributes about $327 million to the direct worldwide value of cultural and heritage tourism, which is well over $1 billion.

In APEC countries, it is already directly in charge of almost 50 million jobs. Furthermore, it is estimated that the indirect economic effects of cultural and heritage tourism generate $1 billion or more in revenue and support an additional 75 million jobs throughout the region.

It is an undeniable reality that high-yield travelers are typically drawn to cultural and heritage tourism destinations. Although worldwide statistics can be difficult to come by, there is a consistent trend to all of the data on tourism that is currently accessible in different individual markets, such as the UK, New Zealand, Australia, India, etc.

Tourists drawn by culture and heritage typically spend far more money overall and stay longer than other types of travelers. According to a survey, visitors who were interested in culture and heritage actually spent up to 38% more per day and stayed 22% longer overall than other types of travelers.

Heritage and Culture Tourism perception Picture of the Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, a Symbol of India

Tourism data on Americans who travel for culture and heritage shows that this category of travelers has a higher rate of return visits than regular tourists, despite the statistical evidence not supporting this claim.

It increases involvement.

Traditions and culture Typically, tourists visit cultural heritage sites and structures; archeological sites; state, municipal, or national parks; art galleries or museums; plays, musicals, or concerts; ethnic or ecological heritage sites; and other similar attractions. Because they get to learn something new, many travelers claim that their excursions are more memorable than traditional vacations. Trendwatching has highlighted this emphasis on acquiring new skills and enriching one’s life as a fundamental global trend in travel (which also connects to more general macro trends in consumer wants).

Because of a heritage activity, culture and heritage tourists report that they frequently prolong their stay. Most of these travelers spend the night at campgrounds, motels, hotels, or bed & breakfasts in the area. In addition, compared to other types of tourists, culture and heritage travelers tend to spend more money each trip. Culture and Heritage Tourism cycle graph graphic. But there are other reasons why heritage tourism might be beneficial to the society besides these financial ones.

The economic system amplifies the advantages of culture and heritage tourism, so their influence extends far beyond levels of direct spending. Heritage tourism has advantages beyond only the financial, as English Heritage’s Simon Thurley demonstrates in his book Heritage Cycle.

What advantages does historic tourism offer?

The advantages of legacy tourism can be broadly classified into three categories: social, environmental, and economic. We have prioritized the economic gains because they are typically the area of greatest interest for travel destinations and policymakers.

The financial advantages of heritage and cultural tourism

increases the amount of money in the economy, which benefits businesses and tax receipts.
produces new enterprises, events, attractions, and jobs, therefore aiding in the diversification of the local economy
helps small businesses grow and provides them with support
encourages the proactive maintenance and defense of significant regional resources
creates important connections between and within local communities
encourages the creation and upkeep of new and existing community facilities
The social capital that is built through cultural and heritage tourism is one of its benefits.
encourages the preservation of regional customs, traditions, and cultures. Intangible cultural heritage is now acknowledged by UNESCO as being as significant to buildings. Maintaining these skills and traditions financially is made possible by a market for heritage tourism experiences, such as Machu Picchu imageries and traditional projects, which also encourages virtuous behavior.
enhances the pride and reputation of the community
encourages the beautifying of communities
creates chances for beneficial and wholesome community alliances and relationships
gives students access to research, instruction, and internship possibilities
provides pleasurable experiences for anyone who are drawn to the cultural arts, history, and preservation, whether they are locals or visitors.
increases community funding for historic buildings and services that serve the tourism industry
Research suggests that supporting the upkeep of historically significant structures and heritage tourism can also boost precinct innovation and business diversification. Small companies housed in spectacular buildings are usually trailblazers and the backbone of larger companies.

Cultural and Heritage Benefits for the Environment Travel promotes a culture of preservation.

Increase awareness of the importance of the tourism destination, attraction, or area
encourages locals and visitors to consider how their actions affect the built and natural environments
When managed appropriately, this kind of tourism can provide as justification for making improvements to local sewage and water systems, despite the possibility that it will cause a location to become “loved to death” (think of the Taj Mahal or the Sistine Chapel).

For this reason, we believe that cultural and heritage tourism is essential to the tourism industry and that destinations should work to take full advantage of the potential it presents. We will delve deeper into real-world opportunities to accomplish that in upcoming posts. (If you have membership in MTR, you can also view more in-depth information through the Members Only HomePage.)

Are you looking for more travel information about Culture and Heritage?

You can read our blog post regarding opportunities for cultural tourism as well as how to define cultural and heritage tourism.