Tourism is one of the most productive economic activities that earn several countries all over the world foreign and domestic income. There are many types of tourism. The type of tourism is determined by the kind of issues focused on and the expected outcomes out of the tourism activities. There are 6 major types of tourism; adventure, luxury, independent, organized or group and eco tourism. These forms of tourism have different benefits to the host country. Therefore, a country chooses to practice a type of tourism that would best suit its objectives and bring maximum benefits. There are two best examples of countries that practice a certain kind of tourism to their advantage. The first is Australia where cultural tourism has thrived over the years and Hawaii where eco tourism is practiced to good effect.
Cultural tourism is a brilliant way of celebrating, promoting and preserving a country’s unique heritage. It also provides artists with appropriate opportunities to participate in public arts, which also promotes economic development. Basically, cultural tourism is about the people in a country and their way of life. People from other parts of the world and come over to learn experience, appreciate and understand the character, culture and history of the people in the tourist destination. Most countries that practice cultural tourism have historical information, and the people in the country have a unique culture that could be of interest to people elsewhere.
Western Australia is a successful country in terms of practicing cultural tourism. The country has a law called the arts policy that requires all kinds of art and cultural organizations to be included in tourism through three ways. These are presentations of promotions, events and trade delegations, generating cultural packages for visitors and expression of the Western Australia identity. The government’s policy has been designed to emphasize on presenting the Aboriginal culture and artists in the country to promote tourism. To distinguish the country’s original culture, the government is keen to include the history of Aborigines in its diversity of culture to make it unique. The objective is to make Western Australia a distinct character that distinguishes it from other tourist destinations.
Through cultural tourism, visitors can expect to experience archaeological and historical sites, cultural diversity, meet people and feel their lifestyle and landscapes. Tourists can also expect to learn or see architectural and art designs unique to that destination, and economic, social and political structures. Also important, are the types of food and drinks produced in that locality. For instance, Western Australia is known for quality wine. The relevant authorities ensure there are adequate activities, information and experiences that would make tourists want to visit the country again. The government aims at creating a rapport between host communities and tourists, which is very important in cultural tourism. Therefore, concepts such as integrity, sustainability, education and authenticity are given a lot of emphasis in such countries’ tourism sectors. This is to satisfy tourists’ expectations.
Cultural tourism is distinguished from other types of tourism through various characteristics. It is entirely marketed and based on a country’s cultural strengths. Authenticity and quality of the tourists’ experiences is highly emphasized. The understandings and meanings of every context are given rather than just descriptions. Personal contact with specialists is required to satisfy the knowledge demand of the visitors. This kind of tourism also relays the diversity of the tourist destination by involving both host communities and tourists.
In cultural tourism, visitors are attracted by quality products. Visitors could also have a customer service attitude which influences tourists to go to places they know they get value for their money. The uniqueness and sustainability of the destination also influences the level of attraction. Furthermore, if authorities are capable and committed, and the community is supportive and involved, the destination will remain attractive to tourists.
Ecotourism is responsible tourism to natural environments where environmental conservation and enhancement of local inhabitants’ welfare is emphasized. This form of tourism is practiced in many countries because of its benefits to the environment and local people. However, one of the standout nations that have successfully implemented eco tourism is Hawaii. In Hawaii, eco tourism is called culture and nature based tourism that is sustained by the ecology. The Hawaiian authorities have ensured that each of its tourist destinations in the country embrace eco tourism. Eco tourism is characterized by natural attractions such as landscapes, wildlife and beach vacations.
Hawaii, especially the Big Island, has geologic attractions. There are active volcanoes where tourists can have a close look in the Hawaii Volcano National park. There are also attractive waterfalls such as the rainbow falls. In another destination, Kauai, visitors can experience massive canyons. There are also underwater parks where tourists get a chance to watch marine flora and fauna such as sharks. All these activities are done without interfering with the ecosystem. Another interesting activity is whale watching, which occurs during the breeding season. The humpback whales come to Hawaii to calve and mate. This is a long period, from December to May. The whales can be seen from any of Hawaii’s islands. There are also botanical sites which give tourists a chance to see flora in its natural settings. Finally, there are lodgings which are eco friendly. For instance, there are lodgings that run animal orphanages, some use clean solar energy while others use bio-fuels to conserve the environment.
Generally, eco tourism advocates for sustainable practices of tourism where tourism activities are conducted using available resources and conserving the environment. Environmental awareness is given top priority because natural resources can be depleted if misused. Most importantly, every stake holder in the eco tourism sector has a positive experience or gain. The environment is conserved, the local people and the government benefit in the form of revenue while tourists have wonderful experiences. The financial gains from environmental conservation are availed to organizations to conduct research, educational projects or further conservation.
Ecotourism is practiced in many other countries because of the various benefits. More so, it is a cheap form of tourism which can be self sustained. For instance, the money received from tourists helps to conserve the environment and the surplus are used to enhance the standards of living of local people.
Despite the differences between cultural and eco tourism, they are both tourism approaches aimed at achieving one objective. Western Australia and Hawaii practice their respective forms of tourism to earn foreign exchange and to enhance their economies. The approaches are different because of the tourist attractions. In Australia, the main attraction is historical and cultural. In Hawaii, the attractions are natural resources. Therefore, types of tourism depend on the tourist attractions, objective of the government and the geographical location. Western Australia and Hawaii are both prominent tourist attractions but for different types of tourism, which help both countries achieve a common objective.
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