There is no one, all-encompassing definition of cultural tourism; it is synonymous with phrases such as heritage tourism, arts tourism, indigenous tourism, festival events tourism, etc. According to the Indianapolis Culture Development Commission, cultural tourism is experiencing the diverse mosaic of places, traditions, arts, celebrations and experiences that the Indianapolis area offers to residents and visitors. It is an important component of an overall tourism plan that emphasizes the total Indianapolis Experience.
In its broadest sense, cultural tourism is travel directed toward experiencing the arts, heritage, and special character of unique places. It includes arts (galleries, studios, performing and visual arts), cultural activities (festivals, celebrations, rituals, events), and physical heritage (buildings and environments). R. A. Stebbins (1997)* defined cultural tourism as a genre of special interest tourism based on the search for and participation in new and deep cultural experiences, whether aesthetic, intellectual, emotional, or psychological.
**footnote: Identity and Cultural Tourism, Annals of Tourism Research, Volume 24, Number 2, 1997 , pp. 450-452(3).
Other definitions of cultural tourism:
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines cultural heritage tourism as traveling to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes historic, cultural and natural attractions.
- The National Assembly of State Art Agencies defines cultural tourism as tourism based on the mosaic of places, traditions, art forms, celebrations and experiences that portray this nation and its people, reflecting the diversity and character of the United States.
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