CULTURAL FACTORS WITH TOURIST APPEAL

Culture is a set of beliefs, attitudes, habits and forms of behavior that are
shared by a society and are transmitted from generation to generation. Cultural
patterns are changed by both internal and external forces. Cultural tourism
covers all aspects of travel in which people learned about each other’s way of
life. Tourism is a significant means of promoting cultural relations and
international cooperation.
Within a country, there are cultural factors that appeal greatly to tourists.
These are GOVERNNMET, RELIGION, FOOD AND DRINK and HISTORY.
Including also ART, MUSIC AND DANCE, HANDICRAFT, INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS,
AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE and SCIENCE.

GOVERNMENT
Counties differ in their system of government, Visits the centers of
government such as capitals are very motivating to individuals interested
in political science and government.
Lawmakers often visit another country to observe the lawmaking
process. Hearings on different proposed regulations or statues are usually
open to visitors.
EXAMPLE:
- Washington D.C.

RELIGION
The religious pilgrimage is another motivation for travel. The most
popular among the Muslim is the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Many people go to the different headquarters of their religious literature.
EXAMPLE OF RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGES:
- Vatican in Rome - Jerusalem in Israel
- Lourdes in France - Medjugojre in Yugoslavia
- Fatima in Portugal
Also visiting famous churches act as incentive for travel.
FAMOUS CHURCHES:
- St. Peter’s in Rome
- St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
- San Agustin Church in Manila
- Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
- Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino in Cebu
FOOD AND DRINK
The food and drink of a country is an important part of the culture of a
country. Tourists usually enjoy native foods especially those which are
local or ethnic in nature.
Restaurants and hotels can make a good impression in the visitors if they
serve local dishes and explain the menu. The type of restaurants where
the atmosphere is conducive to the type of food being served is
particularly appealing to visitors.
EXAMPLE OF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT:
- Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California
- Kamayan Restaurant and Barrio Fiesta Restaurant in Philippines

HISTORY
The historical resources of country reveal its cultural heritage. The
preservation of history, quality and management of museum are very
important for the success of tourism. To be familiar with the history and
archeology of an area is a very important travel motivation. Though one
of the weakness observed in historical museum is that the explanation of
the exhibits are given in only one language.
As much as possible, tourist should be provided with literature which
describes the points of interest, admission, fees, hours of operation, special
events and other information they need to visit historical attractions.
EXAMPLE OF MUSEUM:
- British Museum in London
- National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City
- Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C
- Ayala Museum and,
- San Agustin Museum in the Philippines

REFERENCES:
Principles of Tourism Part1 2006 Ed by Zenaida Cruz

Prepared By: Group 1