Importance of visitor attractions: An Attractions main purpose is to grab the customer’s attention so they come to a certain place and explore the different attractions on holiday. There are 4 different types of attractions in the travel and tourism industry. These are purpose built attractions, natural attractions, events and heritage attractions. In the travel and tourism sector, attractions are an important part as this is what bring in tourist from all over the world.
Visitor attractions are important to UK tourism's for a number of reasons:
1.) Attract visitors from overseas
2.) Stimulating domestic tourism
3.) Supporting the regeneration of areas
4.) Contributing to the local and national economy
5.) Promoting cultural change
6.) Conservation
Purpose built attractions are attractions that have been built purposely to attract tourists into that area. Tourist attractions make people automatically think about purpose built attractions as they are fun, enjoyable and designed for many different reasons. In the UK there are many purpose built attractions such as leisure and theme parks such asAlton Towers, Historic properties, Buckingham Palace and wildlife attractions.
A Natural attraction is an attraction that has been created by nature. Many of these areas have been given a status to protect their environment and provide facilities so that people who visit are able to enjoy the sites. Natural attractions are also known as areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). They often provide the sites for activity based attractions such as Climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, mountaineering and potholing. Some examples are Lake District andRivington Pike.
Events are attractions that often bring a lot of tourist into the area and are often staged to increase the appeal of attractions. These are attractions such as small events like the Blackpool illuminations, Glastonbury Festival and huge events like the Olympics. Events play an important part in the tourist attractions and also bring in a lot of income which creates jobs and wealth in the area.
Heritage attractions:
Heritage attractions are attractions that are old and have been in place for many years. In the UK, a lot of the attractions are heritage attractions. These are attractions such as canals, places of worship, Historic properties and visitor heritage Centres. These attractions are in place so that people can gain an appreciation of the past. Some example are The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, Smithills Hall and The East Lancashire Railway.
