Cultural tourism is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry. On average, visitors seeking a cultural travel experience:
- Spend nearly $200 more per trip than other travelers.
- Spend $62 a day more than other travelers.
- Take longer trips.
- Include multiple destinations and stay 1/2 day longer at each place.
- Have higher levels of income.
Cultural tourism is travel directed toward experiencing the arts, heritage, natural resources, and special character of a place. It attracts travelers who are better educated, more affluent, and have higher expectations for experiences that are both enjoyable and educational. For some tourists, cultural experiences are "value added," increasing the likelihood that they will stay longer or return. Authentic experiences of different cultures are an important factor in travel decisions.
Because of the wide range of interests of these travelers, the most successful strategies to attract cultural tourism are regional and thematic. That is, concentrating on a few key stories and interpreting them thoroughly, using a variety of mediums such as interpretive markers, auto tours, the arts, museums and interpretive centers, special guided tours, and outdoor experiences.
Examples of Cultural Tourism Opportunities
- Wine Country
- Wildlife Watching
- Farm Tours
- Fort Worden State Park
- Maritime Attractions
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Timber Heritage
- Folk Art
Visit Washington State Tourism's visitor web site for more examples and information on Washington's cultural tourism attractions.
Washington Cultural Tourism Initiative
Developing a successful strategy requires coordinating the activities of the tourism industry, cultural and conservation organizations, public agencies, and local communities to increase audiences, overnight stays, and tax revenues while protecting local resources and managing growth and development.
In January 1998, a landmark event occurred with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cultural Tourism by ten state and federal agencies which launched the state's Tourism Office effort to position Washington as a cultural tourism destination.
The MOU and Cultural Tourism Initiative has created a solid framework for interagency cooperation in support of cultural tourism and the economic, educational, and recreational benefits it can provide to rural and urban communities alike.
Interagency Committee on Cultural Tourism
To carry out the goals of the Cultural Tourism Initiative, an interagency committee on cultural tourism has been formed. The committee comprises employees and programs of the Washington State Arts Commission, Office of Trade and Economic Development, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Historical Society, Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Transportation, National Park Services-Seattle Support Office, and the Washington Commission for the Humanities.
For more information, please contact George Sharp 360-725-5064 or click on the links below for information about specific tourism development information.
Cultural TOURISM LINKS:
We have attempted to identify key internet sites to assist you with developing your Cultural Tourism product and potential. Below is a sample of a site we have identified.
Partners in Tourism: Culture and Commerce
