OBJECTIVES:1.Understand the scope and importance of visitor attractions2.Identify the classifications of visitor attractions

It is a named site with a specific human or natural feature which is the focus of visitor and management attention. Pearce, 1991

Visitor Attractions

Attractions are generally single units, individual sites or very small, easily delimited geographical areas based on a single key feature.

Destinations are larger areas that include a number of individual attractions together with the support services required by tourists.

Swarbrooke, 2002

Visitor Attractions A permanent established excursion

destination A primary purpose of which is to allow

access for entertainment, interest or education

It must be open to the public, without prior booking, for published periods each year.

It should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents

It must be a single business, under a single management, so that it is capable of answering the economic questions on revenue, employment

- Definition of NTO, UK

Classifications of attractions TYPEHistoric houses, Museums and

galleries, Wildlife attractions, Castles, Gardens, Leisure parks

Classifications of attractions PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTNatural (forest, mountains) Built Environment (leisure park,

historic houses)

Classifications of attractions OWNERSHIPManaged by wide range of

organizations, trusts and individuals working in the public, private and not for profit sectors.

Classifications of attractions PERCEPTIONDark TourismMemorial Day Commemoration

ADMISSION POLICYAdmission fees, Open freely to the public,Operated by membership, Voluntary donations

Classifications of attractions

APPEALGeographic levelMarket segments

SIZE AND CAPACITYVary in land

coverage, designed for mass coverage, range of services and facilities

Classifications of attractions COMPOSITIONLocated around a specific

point or featureMay occur at a variety of

locations

DEGREE OF PERMANENCE Event are short duration

expected in temporary sites

Classifications of attractions

VOLUME OF VISITORSVisitor numbers received over a given

period of time

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPLEXITY AND RISKDegree of organization needed to

coordinate Unpredictable nature of visitor markets

and individuals

Influences in determining the success of visitor attractions

Professional management skills and the operator’s available resources

The type of attraction or ‘product offering’Market demand for the productEase of access from major routes and

centers of tourist and resident populations

Influences in determining the success of visitor attractions

Appropriate hours of openingProvision and quality of on-site

amenities (parking, visitor centre, signs and labels, shops, guides, refreshments, toilets etc.)

Proximity to and quality of near site amenities (sign posts, local accommodation, local services)

Influences in determining the success of visitor attractions

Quality of service (staff appearance, attitude, behavior, local services)

The mood, expectation, behavior and attitude of visitors

Value for money