​Learning Objectives

​By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Describe built and natural attractions and their appeal. Explain how culture and behaviour influence tourism. Understand how sustainability affects long-term destination appeal.

​Types of Attractions

​Tourists are attracted by two main categories: Natural attractions: created by nature (landscapes, wildlife, climate). Built attractions: created by humans (museums, theme parks, monuments, resorts). Most destinations offer a mix of both.

​Natural Attractions

​Examples include: National parks (Yellowstone, USA) Beaches and coral reefs (Maldives, Great Barrier Reef) Mountains and lakes (Alps, Lake District) Wildlife reserves (Masai Mara, Kenya) Appeal: adventure, relaxation, scenery, and photography.

​Built Attractions

​Created by humans to entertain or educate visitors: Historical: Pyramids of Giza, the Colosseum. Modern: Dubai Mall, London Eye. Cultural: temples, museums, galleries. Purpose-built leisure: Disneyland Paris, Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

​Case Study: Paris (Built & Cultural Appeal)

​Iconic monuments: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame. Compact city with excellent transport. Renowned for art, fashion, and cuisine. Tourist types: cultural, educational, romantic city-break travellers. Model answer: Paris attracts cultural tourists who want history, art, and lifestyle experiences rather than nature-based holidays.

​Case Study: Kenya

​Home to world-famous national parks (Masai Mara, Amboseli). Offers safari drives, birdwatching, and eco-lodges. Combines beach resorts at Mombasa with inland adventure. Tourist types: eco-tourists, adventure travellers, nature lovers.

​Cultural Features of Destinations

​Culture includes a destination’s: Language and traditions Arts, music, and festivals Cuisine and crafts Religion and dress These features provide authentic experiences and create a sense of identity.

​Example: Japan’s Cultural Appeal

​Mix of modern and traditional: temples, tea ceremonies, anime, technology. Seasonal attractions like cherry blossom. Respectful customs and politeness add to experience. Appeal: culture seekers, educational tourists, repeat visitors.

​Example: Dubai’s Cultural Blend

​Arabic traditions combined with modern luxury. Tourists can visit souks, mosques, desert camps, and global malls. Local customs influence behaviour — modest dress and alcohol rules. Appeal: luxury travellers, business tourists, cultural explorers.

​Expected Behaviour

​Tourists must respect local laws, customs, and religious rules. Examples: Covering shoulders and knees in religious sites. Removing shoes in temples. Avoiding alcohol or loud behaviour during Ramadan.

​Consequences of Disrespect

​If tourists ignore local customs: Offence and tension between locals and visitors. Damage to cultural sites. Negative media coverage reducing appeal. Example: Venice enforcing fines for littering and swimwear in public areas.

​Tourism Organisations and Providers

​Organisations help promote and manage destinations:
National tourism boards: Visit Britain, Tourism Malaysia.
Tour operators and travel agents: create holiday packages.
Local providers: hotels, restaurants, guides, transport.

All work together to maintain the destination’s image and service quality.

​Example: Tourism Australia

​Campaign: “There’s Nothing Like Australia” Promotes natural beauty, adventure, and indigenous culture.

Works with airlines and hotels to market the country globally.

​Sustainable Tourism

​Sustainable tourism aims to: Protect natural and cultural environments. Support local communities. Ensure long-term economic viability. It balances environmental, social, and economic goals.

​Why Sustainability Matters

​Unsustainable tourism leads to: Environmental damage. Cultural erosion. Overcrowding and pollution. Example: Overtourism in Barcelona caused local protests and rising rents. Sustainability helps destinations remain attractive for future generations.

​Sustainable Practice Example: Costa Rica

​25 % of land protected as national parks. Eco-lodges use renewable energy and employ local people. Tourists pay park fees that fund conservation. Result: Reputation as world leader in eco-tourism. Appeal: Eco-tourists, students, adventure travellers.

​Sustainable Practice Example: The Maldives

​Resorts use solar power and desalination. Coral-reef conservation programmes. Plastic-free initiatives in hotels. Model answer: The Maldives combines luxury tourism with environmental care, attracting wealthy eco-conscious visitors.

​Model Example: Responsible Holiday – Thailand

​Day 1: Visit local floating market, stay in eco-lodge.

Day 2: Take cycling tour of historic temples.


Day 3: Volunteer at elephant rescue centre.

Why sustainable: supports local people, reduces animal exploitation, low emissions.

​Balancing Development and Protection

​Building new hotels increases income and jobs, but can harm ecosystems.

​Learning Objectives

​By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Describe built and natural attractions and their appeal. Explain how culture and behaviour influence tourism. Understand how sustainability affects long-term destination appeal.