Cultural attractions and European tourism

Book abstract:

This book is based on the 1997 findings from the European cultural tourism research project, which is managed by the European Association for Tourism and Leisure Education (ATLAS). It follows on from the volume entitled 'Cultural Tourism in Europe' which presented the 1993 results but focuses more on the area of cultural tourism motivations.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part provides an overall analysis of the cultural tourism market in Europe, examining the way in which cultural attractions are being created to meet the needs of the nature of the cultural visitor market.

Part two offers a series of varied case studies of European cultural attractions beginning with the Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht followed by Glasgow's galleries and Clonmacnoise in Ireland. A case study of south east England is then used as an example in a broader examination of the role of heritage sites in the tourism market. A similar approach is adopted in the next chapter which examines both the global and local factors in urban heritage tourism development with specific reference to cultural attractions in the Tilburg, Bilbao and Leicester. The next two chapters focus on cultural tourism in central and eastern Europe, reflecting the greater geographical area of work now covered by ATLAS, with discussions of the Budapest Spring Festival and the Polish approach to cultural tourism. The ultimate case study examines one of the new breeds of popular culture being developed in European cities, namely the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam. Finally, Richards, the book's editor, sums up the current trends and future prospects for European cultural attractions.

Lecturers and students on tourism and heritage related courses, as well as those working in the industry and especially those seeking a European perspective will find this book a valuable resource.