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'Tourists are becoming culture vultures'

(14 Feb 2007)

Going on holiday? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

Tourists are increasingly interested in culture hotspots while on holiday, a new study reports.

According to Euromonitor International, cultural destinations across the world have witnessed a 51 per cent rise in sales between 2005 and 2000, reports Travel Mole.

Meanwhile, areas without any significant cultural attractions are reported to be creating events such as music, film and art festivals to help broaden their appeal.

Global travel and tourism manager for Euromonitor, Caroline Bremner, said: "Tourism has become one of the world's biggest and fastest growing industries, with global visitor numbers growing by 16 per cent over 2004 and 2005 to reach 118.6 million.

"As a result, towns, cities and regions have started to aggressively market their natural and historical attributes in order to encourage visitors."

Sporting events are also reported to be an increasingly attractive destination for British holidaymakers, with major world events such as this year's Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing set to draw thousands of tourists.

Euromonitor International aims to research tourism trends across the world and analyse the socio-economic factors impacting the travel industry.

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