What factors explain the growth and interest in heritage tourism Essay

What factors explain the growth and interest in heritage tourism - Essay Example Accordingly, tourism associations have increased their efforts in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in order to foster natural heritage tourism (Anheier 2010). Conservation efforts have extended to cultural values and improvement of transport and communication infrastructure to historical sites and heritage areas (Staiff, Bushell & Watson 2013). At the same time, governments have increased their promotional and advertising campaigns on heritage tourism through publishing documentaries on heritage sites and historical development of various tourism attraction sites (Bushell & Eagles 2006). Most of the governments have increased conservation efforts of ecosystems such as coastal areas that include marine parks and wilderness areas that include rivers, lakes and forests (Anheier 2010). In addition, tourists have gained interest with tours in rural areas such as countryside retreats and small islands that offer mangroves, coral reefs, and sea grass beds. Technological changes T he recent advancements in technology have led to exploration of several heritage sites and discovery of rare species in the world (Misiura 2012). Accordingly, technological advancements have led to development of modern transportation methods that are suitable for heritage tourism. For instance, super ferries and cruise ships enable tourists to visit small islands in deep seas. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have brought down the travelling costs to the historical and heritage sites thus increasing the tourist volumes. In addition, online booking and computerized reservation systems create convenience for the heritage tourists. Growth in income levels...Accordingly, there is considerable growth in the number of museums, art galleries and theaters that create high demand for heritage tourism. Emergence in heritage tourism partnerships The growth and interest in heritage tourism has been facilitated by growth in partnerships in tourism initiatives that aim at preserving heri tage assets and enabling tourists have a ‘passport package’ that allows them to visit various heritage sites such as museums, art galleries and historical sites. Accordingly, the partnerships have packaged both non-heritage and heritage tourism packages together through enabling tourism access bus tours, sports, resorts and amusement parks and enjoy the cultural heritage tourism in the historical sites and museums. Increase in cultural tourism and heritage education Increase in historical education, cultural heritage awareness and archeological studies have contribute to the growth and interest in tourism education. Colleges and Universities have established courses on heritage tourism and need to understand cultural diversity (Timothy 2011). Accordingly, heritage tourists are highly educated and broadly travelled across the globe thus heritage tourism offers unique tourism experience (Morgan & Pritchard 1998). The increase in the number of aged citizens has led to increase in interest in heritage tourism. The aged populations require more leisure and time to reflect on the historical happenings through visiting the art galleries and museums .