Evidence from Cultural Tourism Towards Cultural Tourism Actually Builds Stronger Cross Cultural Exchange

Abstract

90% of cultural tourists experience a meaningful cross cultural exchange experience that changed their worldview and 89% of the cultural tourists report meaningful cross cultural exchange experiences! This is a very telling statistic for this comprehensive study in 30 countries: cultural tourism makes lasting bridges between different societies.Cultural tourism does not simply mean one visits heritage sites or attends local festivals. In fact, it is also an invaluable way of promoting cross cultural interface, with real chances for visitors and hosts to meet, talk, exchange traditions, values and how they experience their daily life. Furthermore, the emergence of sustainable cultural tourism as one of the great forces of conservation of local heritage and authentic interaction between the travelers and the communities.Over three decades of research shows how cultural tourism based on thoughtful planning and management has a lasting impact for both visitors and host communities. Using data analysis, real world case studies, we will examine how these types of meaningful exchanges can develop mutual understanding, break stereotypes and create a connection that comes from outside of culture based backgrounds.