Cultural Tourism

When you travel, where do you spend your time and what do you remember?

For many, the experience of traveling involves a cultural element, whether attending performing arts attractions and festivals, visiting theatres, museums and art galleries or browsing historic architecture and outdoor murals.

Culture is the expression of a society – its values, attitudes, beliefs and customs. What better way is there to learn about a people than through their art, history and lifestyle?

The concept of cultural tourism is not new, but it is becoming a more popular motivator. People have been traveling for cultural reasons since ancient times but perhaps have never been recognized as a discrete tourist sub-group until relatively recently. In the past twenty years, tourism researchers realized that some people travel to learn more about a destination and society.

Today, it is argued that cultural tourism has surpassed recreational tourism as a trend. More and more, visitors choose their holiday destinations based on the variety of cultural activities available. With the increasing popularity of ‘stay-cations’ and short getaway trips, visitors are staying closer to home while seeking meaningful and entertaining educational experiences. Enrichment is overtaking escapism.

Cultural tourism plays an important role in regional economic development. Cultural tourists spend substantially more than other tourists do.

Since every community expresses its distinctiveness and civic pride in unique ways, cultural tourism can be experienced in a nearby village. You don’t have to travel half-way around the world, and the experience does not have to cost a fortune. It can be easily scheduled on a day trip, in conjunction with a conference, or in between business meetings.

Collingwood is an ideal cultural destination. In the broadest sense, it satisfies a wide range of interests with its landscapes, seascapes, natural beauty. Nestled at the base of the Niagara Escarpment and situated on the south shore of freshwater Georgian Bay, it is a designated UNESCO world biosphere reserve.

Collingwood boasts many cultural assets and ‘products’. The town’s historic architecture dates back to the late 19th century, richly preserved through the establishment of the downtown Heritage District. There are nine exquisite outdoor murals which tell a story of the Town’s evolution. In addition to the galleries, dozens of visual artists and craftspeople with private studios are located throughout the region. Three Museums offer an overview of the community’s railway and shipbuilding heritage. In the performing arts, there are many Festivals ranging from Elvis to Jazz to Classical music.

Collingwood is also a ‘play-ground’, home to Theatre Collingwood, a professional summer theatre company which has blossomed in the past thirteen years under Artistic Director, Steven Thomas. Of artistic note, the company has developed and produced world premieres of five new Canadian plays in the past decade, which has put Collingwood on the theatrical map for posterity.

In 2010, Theatre Collingwood offers cultural travelers a journey to the imaginary worlds of Fantasy, Fame and Deadly Games. Experience the challenges of finding the perfect male-female match in THE LOVE LIST, the joys and sorrows of fame in LEISA WAY starring in SWEET DREAMS, A Tribute to Patsy Cline and the dangerous reality of game-playing in SLEUTH.

The exquisite Georgian Bay Theatre Escape accommodation getaway and the Scenery, Spa and Showtime action-relaxation package complement an unforgettable cultural experience!

For more information, contact Theatre Collingwood (705) 445-2200, toll free 1 (866) 382-2200 or online: www.theatrecollingwood.com. -30-