This book provides an analysis of the relationship between tourism, culture and the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations. It reviews national or regional experiences and practices of destinations where cultural resources are driving overall attractiveness. It also examines the development of tourism production and distribution processes in relation to cultural resources, identifying the key factors and policy interventions which can maximise the attractiveness of destinations as places to visit, live and invest in.

The analysis of this book is largely based on case studies provided by the following OECD countries: Australia, Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Turkey. The case studies illustrate different aspects of the relationship between tourism, culture and regional attractiveness and the policy interventions which can be taken to enhance this relationship. A selection of case studies is included (Australia, Austria, Korea, Mexico and Poland).  

This publication concludes that culture and tourism have a mutually beneficial relationship which can strengthen the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations, regions and countries. Culture is increasingly an important element of the tourism product, which creates distinctiveness in a crowded global marketplace. At the same time, tourism provides an important means of enhancing culture and creating income which can support and strengthen cultural heritage, cultural production and creativity. Creating a strong relationship between tourism and culture can therefore help destinations to become more attractive as well as more competitive as locations to live, visit, work and invest in. [Foreword]

This book provides an analysis of the relationship between tourism, culture and the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations. It reviews national or regional experiences and practices of destinations where cultural resources are driving overall attractiveness. It also examines the development of tourism production and distribution processes in relation to cultural resources, identifying the key factors and policy interventions which can maximise the attractiveness of destinations as places to visit, live and invest in.