Cultural Tourism Definition

DISSERTATION STRUCTUR

1.1 Introduction:

Cultural tourism is one of the oldest of “new” tourism phenomena. However, humankind has always had the desire to travel, to visit exotic places and to encounter different cultures for what we now call cultural tourism reasons since the days of the Romans; it is just that they were never recognised as being a discrete group of travellers before (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996). Visiting historic sites, cultural landmark, attending special events and festivals, or visiting museums have always been a part of the total tourism experience (Richards 2007). Today, cultural tourism seems to be omnipresent, and in the eyes of many it also seems to have become omnipotent. It is the holy grail of quality tourism that

Cultural tourism is constantly growing as more and more tourists seek to interact with other cultures and broaden their knowledge and personal experience base. Every culture is different and people curiosity about our world and its many different peoples is a strong motivation for travel (Lubbe 2003). Richards has shown that cultural tourism began to be recognized as a distinct product category in the late 1970s, when tourism market and tourism researchers realized that some people travelled specifically to gain a deeper understanding of the culture or heritage of a destination (Richards 2007).

Cultural tourism has potential to restore art, revitalise skills, foster creativity and allow communities to present themselves positively. Lubbe has shown that the world Tourism Organization, cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism, (it is estimated to be growing at approximately 10-15% per annum). It is also predicted that 37% of all global trips have a cultural element and this percentage is increasing (Lubbe 2003).

In this research study the researcher examines culture as tourists seek more and more in-depth, personal experience of foreign culture, it is vital for the tourism industry to be able to meet this demand by making, genuine cultural encounters available to tourists. The paper will also examine the types of tourists possibly visit South African cultural

• To recommend possible visitor improvement techniques to enhance tourists experience of this are while at the same time improve the chance of Lesedi cultural village being listed as a one of South African cultural village.

1.4

Research question:

The study will focus on Lesedi cultural village. The research process will include literature survey and empirical study. The purpose of this literature survey is to determine the importance of cultural motives in decision to visit and also investigate the typology of tourists visiting site. Using the above objectives the following research:

• Is there enough information provided at the site?

• Are tourists satisfied with their visit at the cultural site?

• What attractions do they visited in this area?

• Is there any improvements tourists regard important to enhance their experience at the site?

1.4 Scope of the research:

The scope of this study is categorised into ten main areas. The following are the areas that will be covered in this study: 1.4.1 Literature Review:

The literature review will focus on the theoretical understanding of the following elements:

• Cultural heritage tourism

• Cultural heritage