WHAT DO TOURISTS WANT?

"What do you do for fun around here?" When visitors come to your town, replies to this question can create a good or a bad impression about your town. If you want visitors to come back again — and say nice things about your town to others who might come, too — you need to have some good answers at the ready.

That means offering things to see and do that are either unique (one of a kind) or extraordinary (other towns might have them, but yours is better). Effective tourism development aims to give visitors an authentic, high-quality experience that they will remember for a long time.

As Hank Todd, a tourist guide says, "If a tourist has gone on a trip, had a great experience there and found it memorable, their feeling about that place stays with them a long time."

Places of natural significance should go on the list of tourist attractions, of course. Count things like lakes, beaches, forests, prairies, and craggy cliffs — as well as outdoor recreational activities that can be done in these natural settings.

"But don't stop there," warns Cynthia Messer, an educator at a tourism centre. "Attractions also include non-physical things, such as friendly service, a safe environment, clean air or a unique history and/or culture. These things are valuable — not just to visitors but to residents, too."

The city of Lindstrom, for example, worked with the Tourism Centre in 2008 to make a list of the town's beauties, especially those related to its Swedish history and culture. Since then, Lindstrom — located 35 miles north of the Twin Cities near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border — has been following the guidelines set by the Tourism Centre to attract more visitors.

The Tourism Centre works with towns and cities which have the potential to become a tourist attraction, but so far has failed to do so for several reasons. The Centre recommends the authorities and residents of such places to change the image of their city or town. Below is a list of some things that will appeal to visitors;

• Beautiful scenes in nature, including geology and wildlife

• Fun things to do outdoors

• Places to get to know local history and culture

• Chances to see and interact with local art and artists

• Festivals and events that celebrate local history, culture, harvest time, foods, music, or celebrities

• Built attractions, such as monuments, amusement parks, zoos, or theme parks

 

• Local businesses and stores where visitors can shop