The union between culture and tourism is a natural one. No tourist place does not have history, traditions, local food and drinks, stories, or even authentic clothing. After all, what makes a place or a tourist experience better? The place itself, or the story behind the place? I invite you to discover together what cultural tourism is.
The World Tourism Organization (WTO in 1985) broadly defines cultural tourism as the movements of people that satisfy the human need for diversity, tending to raise the cultural level of the individual and giving rise to new knowledge, experiences, and encounters. Cultural tourism is commonly associated with education in this way, with some describing it more narrowly as educational cultural tourism (eg Bualis and Costa, 2006; Harner and Swarbrooke, 2007; Richards, 2005).
Diversity is something we all strive for. We want to experience different sensations. Traveling to other lands and understanding another culture, way of thinking, way of living, and taste of local food and drink helps us evolve and expand our horizons.
What effects does cultural tourism have on the visited community? On the positive side is the economic growth due to many tourists. Another positive thing is passing down the culture, keeping alive the traditions, mystical stories, and history of the place.
“Sustainable cultural tourism is the integrated management of cultural heritage and tourism activities in collaboration with the local community, creating environmental and economic benefits for all stakeholders in order to achieve tangible and intangible cultural heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.” (EU-Sustainable Cultural Tourism)
So we can agree that the direct involvement of the local community is vital, both for the well-being of the community and for the protection of culture; cultural objects, archaeological sites, museums, etc.
At Sewa Experiences, we want to apply this sustainable cultural tourism. In which we can experience one cultural piece at a time, involving the local community.
If you want to read more about cultural tourism:
