Cultural Heritage Tourism Handbook - LinkBC

2.4 Benefits: Community Health and WellnessSummary of Benefits“A good place to live is a good place to visit.”– Dr. Brian White 10Here are many ways cultural/heritage tourism can benefit communities 11 :Summary of Cultural Tourism BenefitsEconomic Social EnvironmentalOver more than three decades as a tourismeducator and consultant in Canada and abroad, Dr. Brian Whiteoften found himself in the position of trying to explain the “why” ofcultural/heritage tourism. Why should communities and their citizensbe interested? Why should people put their time and energy intomaking their home towns more welcoming, attractive and full ofinteresting activities for visitors?“You’re not doing this just for the tourists,” Brian told one meetingof municipal, First Nations, business, and community leaders in PortAlberni, a forestry-dependant Vancouver Island town. “You’re doingthis to improve the quality of life for your own residents. The tourismpay-off is that if you make your community the sort of place wherepeople want to live, then it will also be the sort of place tourists willwant to visit.”Cultural/heritage tourism can generate both tangible and intangiblesocial benefits to a destination, in addition to economic gains. Itprovides opportunities for visitors (and residents, including youth) tolearn about the dynamic heritage of the local region. It can also bringtogether residents for a common purpose. In this way, communityimprovements collectively made in the name of cultural/heritagetourism enhance the quality of life for residents, and contribute toincreased pride.• Diversifies the local economy by creatingnew jobs, businesses, attractionsand events. 12• Brings in new money and generates13 14tax revenues.• Supports existing small businesses andprovides options for expansion.• Promotes the preservation and protectionof significant local resources.• Builds relationships among and withincommunities.• Helps develop and maintain new/existing community amenities.15 16 17• Enhances the community’s image and pride.• Encourages community beautification.• Creates opportunities for healthy community relationshipsand partnerships.18 19• Creates experiences for visitors attracted to history,preservation, and the cultural arts, which can thenalso be enjoyed by residents.• Preserves local traditions, customs and culture.• Provides education, research and work-placementopportunities for students.• Generates increased local investment in heritageresources and supporting tourism services.• Contributes to a culture ofpreservation.• Encourages residents andvisitors to consider theirimpact on the natural andbuilt environment.• Increases awareness ofthe site, attraction or area’ssignificance.14 15