Cultural Tourism

   Culture is a way of differentiating one place from another and the Tourism industry has grown in many areas because of their cultural heritage. Cultural tourism can bring additional income, increase employment. Tourism can be one of the elements how to increase rural development.

   Cultural tourism offers opportunities for improving local infrastructure and a better life for local people as well as the tourists who come to the area. Cultural tourism can attract people and make interest, stimulating new ideas and encourage local people to integrate and acknowledge other customs, for example local people can sell local produce for tourists.

   Case studies are used in order for the pupils to relate what they are learning about to a specific area or country. China is a good case study as it is well recognised for its cultural heritage (Fung Mei and Sarah Lei, 2008). Cultural heritage may consist of built heritage, living heritage and natural heritage. Built heritage may include sites such as the Great Wall of China and the Guandi Temple. Living heritage may include art forms and ways of life as well as dance and music. Natural heritage are areas of the land that are of interest or beauty, they may even include areas such as the Wolong Panda Reserve.

Mei, F., Lei, S, 2008, Culture as a Major Determinant in Tourism Development of China, Current Issues of Tourism Research in China. Vol 11, pp. 492-513.