Tourist

Attractions
According to Pearce(2001), a tourist attraction is
a named site with a specific human or natural
feature, which is the focus of visitor and
management attention. On the other hand,
Swarbrooke(2001) defines attraction as single
unit, individual sites or very small, delimited
geographical units based on a single feature.
Destinations are different from attractions
because destinations are large areas that include
several individual attractions together with the
support services required by the tourists.
Nature and Scope of Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions are major components of the
tourism industry that function a main motivators
for travel. Without attractions that draw tourists
to destinations, there will be little need for other
tourist services such as transportation, lodging,
food distribution and others. The natural
attractions, entertainment attractions, events,
and recreations are included in the extensive list
of attractions that brings the tourist to a
destination area.
 Cultural Natural
Events Recreation Entertainment
Attraction Attractions
• Historical • Landscape • Mega Events • Sight Seeing • Theme Parks
Sites • Seascape • Community • Golf • Amusement
• Architectural • Parks Events • Swimming Parks
Sites • Festivals • Tennis • Casinos
• Architecture • Religious • Hiking • Cinemas
• Cuisine Events • Biking • Shopping
• Monuments • Sports Events • Snow Sports Facilities
• Industrial • Trade Events • Performing
Sites • Corporate Arts Centers
• Museums • Sports
• Ethnic Complexes
• Theater • Concerts
Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Classification of
Attractions
Attractions may be classified according to its features such
as its core product. Attractions can be grouped as:
 Museums and Galleries
 Wildlife Historic houses;
 Attractions;
 Castles;
 Botanical Gardens;
 Steam Railways;
 Visitor center;
 Country parks; and
 Leisure parks
Physical Environment
Attractions may be located in the:
1.NaturalEnvironments such as forests,
mountains, and national parks.
2.Builtenvironments which are not originally,
designed for visitors but are adapted as
attractions due to t increasing popularity
among people such as historic houses, work
places, steam railways and castles; and
3.Builtenvironment and designed for visitor
purposes such as visitor centers and leisure
park.
Evolution of Tourist Attractions
Tourist Attractions are considered
a modern creation. The evolution of
tourism depended on the existence
and development of attractions. As
far back as the Roman Empire,
travelers went to Egypt to see
Pyramids. Later on, The Grand Tour
routes were around major cultural
attractions of Europe.
Selection of the World’s Most Popular Theme Parks
Appox. Visitors in
Year Opened Country
2004(million)
1896 Black Pool Pleasure Beach UK 6.5
1951 De Efteling Netherlands 3.5
1955 Disneyland, Anaheim USA 13
1964 Universal Studios, Hollywood USA 5
1971 Magic Kingdom, Orlando USA 15
1971 Sea World, Gold Coast Australia 1
1977 Ocean Park Hong Kong 3
1982 EPCOT, Orlando USA 9
1983 Disneyland, Tokyo Japan 13
1989 Lotte World, Seoul South Korea 8
1990 Universal Studios, Orlando USA 7
1992 Disneyland, Paris France 10
2001 Universal Studios, Japan Japan 7
Amusement Parks and Theme Parks
Amusement Park and Theme Park are terms for a group of
entertainment attractions and rides and other events in
a specific location for the enjoyment of large members
of people. An amusement park is more elaborate than a
simple city park or playground because it provides
attraction to people of all ages.
Amusement parks evolved in Europe from fairs and
pleasure gardens, which were established for people’s
recreations.
Theme Park is often used as a synonym for amusement
park. A theme park is a distinct type of amusement park,
which promotes specific theme, or exclusive set of
themes.
Main Issues in the Management of Tourist Attractions
Attractions face several threats from
the external and internal environment,
which affect the product quality,
operational capability, and visitor
experience. Thus, it is important for
managers of attractions to develop a
strategy that recognizes threats and
focuses on managing potential impacts
to attain long-term capabilities.