Components of Tourism » Attractions and Activities

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

Different types of tourist attractions and their characteristics
How to classify attractions (natural vs built, purpose-built vs non-purpose-built)
The range of visitor activities at different attractions
How attractions appeal to different market segments
The economic, social and environmental impacts of attractions
Case studies of successful tourist attractions

Introduction to Tourist Attractions and Activities

Attractions are at the heart of tourism - they're the main reason people travel to different destinations. Without attractions, there would be very little tourism! In this session, we'll explore what makes a successful attraction and the different types of activities that visitors can enjoy.

Key Definitions:

Tourist Attraction: A place of interest that tourists visit, typically for its cultural value, historical significance, natural beauty, or entertainment opportunities.
Visitor Activities: Things that tourists can do or experience at an attraction or destination.
Purpose-built Attraction: An attraction specifically created for tourists (like theme parks).
Non-purpose-built Attraction: An attraction that wasn't originally created for tourism (like cathedrals or natural landscapes).

Types of Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions can be classified in several different ways. Understanding these classifications helps tourism professionals develop and market attractions effectively.

🏞 Natural Attractions

These are features of the natural environment that draw tourists. They weren't created specifically for tourism but have become attractions because of their beauty, uniqueness or scientific importance.

Examples: Mountains, beaches, lakes, forests, waterfalls, caves, islands, wildlife.

UK Example: The Lake District attracts over 15 million visitors annually who come to enjoy its stunning landscapes, lakes and mountains.

🏛 Built Attractions

These are man-made structures or facilities that attract tourists. They can be purpose-built for tourism or have another original purpose.

Examples: Theme parks, museums, historic buildings, religious sites, sports stadiums.

UK Example: The British Museum in London attracts approximately 6 million visitors per year, making it one of the UK's most popular attractions.

Purpose-built vs Non-purpose-built Attractions

Another important way to classify attractions is whether they were specifically created for tourists or not.

🎡 Purpose-built Attractions

These attractions were specifically designed and built to attract tourists and visitors.

Examples:

Theme parks (Alton Towers, Thorpe Park)
Water parks
Leisure centres
Visitor centres
Modern museums and galleries

These attractions often have clear commercial goals and are designed with visitor needs in mind from the start.

🏖 Non-purpose-built Attractions

These are places that weren't originally created for tourism but have become attractions over time.

Examples:

Historic buildings (Buckingham Palace, Tower of London)
Religious sites (Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral)
Natural landscapes (Giant's Causeway, Cheddar Gorge)
Traditional industries (mines, farms, factories)

These attractions often need to balance tourism with their original purpose or conservation needs.

Visitor Activities at Attractions

The activities available at attractions are crucial to the visitor experience. Different types of attractions offer different activities and the most successful attractions often provide a range of things to do.

🏃 Active Recreation

Physical activities that require effort and participation.

Hiking and walking trails
Water sports
Adventure activities (zip lines, climbing)
Cycling
Golf

🎭 Passive Recreation

Activities that involve watching or less physical participation.

Sightseeing
Guided tours
Wildlife watching
Attending performances
Photography

💡 Educational Activities

Activities focused on learning and understanding.

Museum exhibits
Historical re-enactments
Workshops and demonstrations
Interactive displays
Educational talks

Appealing to Different Market Segments

Successful attractions understand their target markets and develop experiences that appeal to specific visitor groups. Different market segments have different needs, expectations and preferences.

👪 Family Market

Families with children are a major market segment for many attractions.

What they look for:

Safe, child-friendly environments
Activities for different age groups
Play areas and interactive exhibits
Family facilities (changing rooms, child menus)
Value for money (family tickets)

👱 Educational Groups

School groups and educational visits are important for many attractions.

What they look for:

Links to the curriculum
Educational resources and worksheets
Group booking facilities
Learning experiences and workshops
Indoor spaces for bad weather

Impacts of Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions can have significant impacts on local areas - both positive and negative. Understanding these impacts is important for sustainable tourism development.

💰 Economic Impacts

Positive:

Job creation
Income for local businesses
Tax revenue
Infrastructure development

Negative:

Seasonal employment
Leakage of profits
Rising property prices

🏠 Social Impacts

Positive:

Cultural exchange
Preservation of traditions
Improved facilities for locals
Community pride

Negative:

Overcrowding
Traffic congestion
Changes to local culture

🌲 Environmental Impacts

Positive:

Conservation funding
Environmental education
Protection of natural areas

Negative:

Pollution
Habitat destruction
Resource consumption
Wildlife disturbance

Case Study Focus: The Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project is an excellent example of a successful purpose-built attraction that combines entertainment, education and sustainability.

Key Facts:

Opened in 2001 in a former china clay pit
Features enormous biomes housing plants from around the world
Attracts around 1 million visitors annually
Contributes approximately £2 billion to the local economy
Created over 2,000 jobs (directly and indirectly)

Success Factors:

Unique concept and striking visual appeal
Strong educational message about environmental sustainability
Regular events and changing exhibits to encourage repeat visits
Appeals to multiple market segments (families, schools, adults)
Excellent visitor facilities and accessibility
Strong community engagement and local partnerships

The Eden Project demonstrates how attractions can regenerate former industrial sites, create significant economic benefits and promote important environmental messages.

Managing Visitor Experiences at Attractions

Creating a positive visitor experience is essential for attraction success. This involves careful planning and management of all aspects of the visitor journey.

Key Elements of Visitor Experience Management

Pre-visit information: Websites, brochures, social media that set visitor expectations
Arrival experience: Car parks, entrance areas, ticketing, first impressions
Orientation: Maps, signage, staff assistance to help visitors navigate
Interpretation: How information is presented to visitors (signs, guides, technology)
Facilities: Toilets, refreshments, seating, accessibility provisions
Staff interactions: Customer service, knowledge, helpfulness
Departure experience: Gift shops, exit routes, feedback opportunities

The most successful attractions pay attention to all these elements to create a seamless, enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Future Trends in Attractions and Activities

The attractions sector is constantly evolving to meet changing visitor expectations and technological developments.

🔮 Technology Integration

Technology is transforming how visitors experience attractions:

Virtual and augmented reality experiences
Mobile apps for navigation and information
Interactive digital displays
Social media integration
Online booking and ticketing

🌱 Sustainability Focus

Attractions are increasingly prioritising sustainability:

Energy-efficient buildings and operations
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives
Local sourcing for cafes and restaurants
Educational messages about conservation
Carbon offset programmes

Summary

Attractions and activities are fundamental components of tourism. They provide the main motivation for travel and shape the visitor experience at destinations. Understanding the different types of attractions, their appeal to various market segments and their impacts is essential for tourism professionals.

The most successful attractions:

Offer a range of activities to appeal to different visitors
Provide excellent visitor facilities and customer service
Create memorable, unique experiences
Manage their economic, social and environmental impacts
Adapt to changing visitor expectations and technologies

Whether natural or built, purpose-built or not, attractions play a vital role in the tourism industry and contribute significantly to local economies and communities.