Heritage
The impact of the arts on tourism By Courtney Klumper/Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board
The impact of the arts on tourism is both tangible and intangible. We can measure tickets sold, museum admissions, the number of seats filled at a concert. But it is those intangible aspects, the ones that defy strict measurements, like feelings and memories, that offer a clue as to why we travel in the first place.
Arts and culture could be a primary focus or secondary to another travel purpose, but when combined with other experiences, it is imprinted even more deeply into our memory. Whether your preferences are inclined towards outdoor adventure, culinary experiences or arts and culture, there are a few things all travel pursuits share. First, there is the novelty of being somewhere new, exploring parts that were previously unknown to us. It is invigorating to navigate a new place, learning new street names as you make your way to your next destination, passing unfamiliar faces and landmarks. Second, they feed our appetite -- whether literally or figuratively -- for new experiences. Art and cultural experiences draw people in: they are both personal and emotional. Two people can be at the same show and experience it differently, each leaving with unique memories. Umbrella, Fall / Winter, 2020 - 30
