Creating local experiences of cultural tourism through sustainable festivals

Abstract

Events have the potential to generate a vast amount of tourism when they cater to visitors from other generating zones plus the potential for grants, or sponsorships (Getz, 1997), either by direct or indirect intent. The events in turn are seen as an important tool for attracting visitors and building the image within different communities. This paper reports on research related to festivals’ contribution in the development of cultural tourism. Festivals attract culture tourists to local community events to promote enriching exchanges between tourists and resident. The case studies within this research demonstrate how the Leeds West Indian Carnival and in the last decade has developed to become a centre piece events for the local community each year by attracting local, regional and international visitors.