Tourism trends come and go. What was once deemed as a necessity in travel and tourism may not be a necessity today. So what is cultural tourism and why is it important? Let’s dive in!
How is Culture Defined?
In order to understand cultural tourism, we must first understand what constitutes culture.
Culture is rooted in many complexities and many inner workings. On the surface level, culture can be defined through symbols, words, gestures, people, rituals and more.
However, the core of culture is in its values.
The way a culture perceives itself or stays preserved is through a set of shared values.
Maybe its an ode to ancestry and tradition or a new breadth of
In order to understand cultural tourism, we must first understand what constitutes culture.
Culture is rooted in many complexities and many inner workings. On the surface level, culture can be defined through symbols, words, gestures, people, rituals and more.
However, the core of culture is in its values.
The way a culture perceives itself or stays preserved is through a set of shared values.
Whether it’s an ode to ancestry or creating a new set of values as time evolves, it can be also be held true to the
Whether it’s an ode to ancestry or creating a new set of values as time evolves, cultural tourism is uprooted in holding and preserving cultures through traditions and heritage. [1]
What is Cultural Tourism?
Adopted by the UNWTO General Assembly in 2017, Cultural Tourism is defined as the following: “A type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination.”
The main aim of cultural tourism is to improve the quality and livelihood of the local people who are committed to preserving cultural heritage and traditions.
This can be through the purchase of locally made goods, initiatives through local food and the learning of recipes,
This can be through the purchase of locally made goods, initiatives to learn how to cook local recipes and supporting local inbound operators who have a good knowledge of the cities they are operating in.
This can be done through the following six aspects:
- Handcrafted Goods and Visual Art
- Gastronomy
- Social Practices
- Rituals and Festive Events
- Nature
- Oral Traditions
Imagine visiting one of our destinations: Jordan, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan or Tanzania.
Imagine being able to experience all six of these aspects of cultural tourism all created in one package.
Where Can You Practice Cultural Tourism?
Jordan
From the North to the South, Jordan’s landscapes and its people are ready to welcome you to each and every experience.
In the North, experience the gastronomy of locally preserved recipes and take your hand at being able to learn how to cook yourself.
Take your hand at handcrafted goods like making baskets out of wheat straws or learn the art of traditional weaving in Madaba.
In the South, practice in rituals in the desert by learning about the infamous Bedouin tea, take some words and practices that are so pertinent to those in the South.
See our packages in Jordan
Tunisia
Underground colonies, history and a rich culture are just waiting for you to learn about.
Visit an artist in Gabes who has taken traditional methods of papermaking and carried it to the present today by honoring raw and organic materials pertinent to the atmosphere of Tunisia’s landscape.
Then have an opportunity to stay in local accommodation in underground colonies which stay cool during the summer and warm in the winter.
You can also experience Amazigh history and the different languages present in Tunisia today that trace back to civilizations many years ago.
See our packages in Tunisia
Uzbekistan
One of Central Asia’s unknown wonders
Uzbekistan is located on the Silk Road and holds centuries of history that trace back to the Islamic Golden Age. It holds a unique architectural background and since it holds history between the Persian Empire and the Soviet Union, you can see a contradiction between both styles, all in one place.
See our packages in Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Where nature is a non-negotiable
With its beautiful nature, with over 2,000 lakes, Kyrgyzstan is another Central Asian wonder that holds beautiful fairytale naturescapes and semi-nomadic living.
Kyrygz people still adhere to ancient civilizations and honor their ancestors by living in Yurts and sharing natural practices such as horseback riding and traditional old games, like Kok Boro and eagle hunting.
See our packages in Kyrgyzstan
Tanzania
Everything is “pole pole” in Tanzania
From visiting indigeneous tribes to participating in rituals to mother nature, Tanzanian people practice the “pole pole” lifestyle, which means slowly slowly in Swahili.
With an intersection of different cultures and practiced rituals, Tanzania has become such a hub for many people to get together and enjoy the lifestyle and indigenous cultures.
See our packages in Tanzania
Why is Cultural Tourism Important?
Cultural tourism is a travel and tourism trend that is here to stay. With more and more accessibility to the world and the people in it, there is peak interest in being able to immersively travel.
- Peaks an interest to immerse yourself in a particular culture
- Creates meanings, stories and understanding between host and guest
- Share cultural practices and be part of the preservation of cultural heritage
- Gain a full understanding a culture without commodification
What better way to honor a destination than by practicing in allowing something to be immortal.
Also, if you’re interested in learning more about experiential tourism, check out this article.
What are some cultural touristic experiences you are looking forward to trying?
