The aim of this book is to analyse the relationship between tourism, culture and the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations. In doing so, this book reviews national/regional experiences and practices of destinations where cultural resources are driving overall attractiveness. It also examines the development of tourism production and distribution processes in relation to cultural resources. From the analysis, the book identifies some key factors and policy interventions which can maximise the attractiveness of destinations as places to visit, live and invest in.

Culture and tourism have a mutually beneficial relationship which can strengthen the attractiveness and competitiveness of regions and countries. Culture is increasingly an important element of the tourism product, which also creates distinctiveness in a crowded global marketplace. At the same time, tourism provides an important means of enhancing culture and creating income which can support and strengthen cultural heritage, cultural production and creativity. Creating a strong relationship between tourism and culture can therefore help destinations to become more attractive and competitive as locations to live, visit, work and invest in. 

Tourism has assumed a vital role in the development of destinations around the world. In most cases, culture is a major asset for tourism development as well as one of the major beneficiaries of this development. Culture is a major factor in the attractiveness of most destinations, not only in terms of tourism, but also in attracting residents and inward investment. In this section of the book, the growing relationship between tourism and culture, and the way in which they have together become major drivers of regional attractiveness and competitiveness, will be examined.

This chapter analyses the policies that central and local governments have developed with respect to culture and tourism, how and why these policies have been implemented and their results. 

This review has indicated the importance of culture and tourism as drivers of attractiveness and competitiveness. It seems that most regions are now actively developing their tangible and intangible cultural assets as a means to develop comparative advantage in an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace, and to create local distinctiveness in the face of globalisation.

The current analysis is largely based on original case study material supplied by selected OECD countries. These and other relevant case studies identify best practice examples of how culture can be used to enhance regional attractiveness. This book also analyses the available ...

This case study presents the characteristics of the Port Arthur Historic Site and its origin, structure and potential in relation to driving attractiveness of the location. 

Theme-based tourist attractions are enjoying increasing popularity, particularly as a means of diversifying the tourist product and adding attractiveness to local territories (Gregs, 1996). A differentiated theme may capture the attention of potential visitors and may become an attraction in its own right if it is presented and interpreted well and is coupled with services that meet visitor requirements. Cultural tourism can be one of theme-based tourist attractions. The development of tourism has been traditionally related to the development of culture. The unique cultural resources of a territory serve as a basis for the cultural supply required by the local community, as well as contributing to increased tourism attractiveness.

Mexico and the State of Michoacán share with most developed countries an appreciation of cultural resources as factors for development. When Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism decided to diversify tourism development, not only by promoting sunny beach resorts, but by supporting the touristic development of sites that have a rich cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, the government of the State of Michoacán was ready to make the best of this opportunity. Michoacán is an entity that has worked to preserve its cultural heritage; and it values the force and worth of its resources as a first order tool to plan its own model within a State policy. 

This case study concerns the tourist attractiveness of the Silesian voivodeship area. It presents the local authorities’ policy and activities undertaken to develop tourism in the region, more specifically, the work of the Silesian Tourist Organisation and Silesian Voivodeship Speaker’s Office to create an attractive image for the Silesian voivodeship.