Visitor Attractions

Understand how visitor attractions are classified

Learning Outcome 1: Indicative Content 

Types of visitor attraction

• Manmade attractions: theme parks, sporting venues, visitor centres, museums, heritage sights, arts

• Natural attractions: National Parks. coastlines, rivers, forest, areas of outstanding national beauty (AONBs)

Free attractions vs admission charges

• Government decisions e.g. the British Museum is government funded
• Ownership e.g. theme park is privately owned whereas coastlines are not
• To attract visitor/public relations e.g. a brewery may offer a visitor centre to attract people to their brewery and shop

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Explain what is meant by the term “visitor attraction”.
  
• 1.2
  Describe the different types of visitor attraction.
  
• 1.3
  Identify different visitor attractions according to category, both within and outside the UK.
• 1.4
  Explain why in the UK some attractions are free and some charge admission.

Understand the appeal of visitor attractions.

Learning Outcome 2: Indicative Content 

Appeal may include:

• location
• prices
• key attractions e.g. rides or exhibits
• extra attractions/services available
• accessibility

Features of attractions may include technology, suitability for specific customer groups e.g. those with specific needs.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Identify visitor attractions in a local area and explain their appeal.
  
• 2.2
  Describe features that attract people to two different types of visitor attractions and why they are popular.

Understand how and why visitors are managed at visitor attractions.

Learning Outcome 3: Indicative Content 

Examples of visitor management at manmade attractions

• Timed tickets – to reduce queues and lessen impact on attractions
• Pre-booking – to manage demand
• Pricing strategy - to reduce demand at peak times
• Queue management e.g. though signage, entertainment – to keep people happy
• Closures e.g. of English heritage houses on specific days – to allow for maintenance

Visitor management at natural attractions

• Stone paths e.g. in national parks – to prevent erosion
• Car parks and coach parks – to reduce damage around the attractions
• Information boards – to provide information and encourage responsible tourism

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Explain the measures taken at manmade attractions to manage visitors and why they are needed
  
• 3.2
  Explain visitor management techniques used within natural attractions and why they are needed.