To look at cultural tourism in society, of course, is to come back to the macro level of global issues, of which cultural tourism is certainly now one. A common approach is needed as the existence of the various world organizations testifies. As has been indicated, within this, we need to look at the needs of the visitor, the presenter and the item of heritage. When we know what they are, we can seek to satisfy them in an appropriate manner. A phenomenon, apparently particular of our times, which Gilbert Adair has highlighted in the title essay to his collection The Post-Modernist Always Rings Twice, is that of our current strong disposition to be satisfied with a secondhand cultural experience. This is armchair travel. As I shall suggest, the syndrome has considerable implications in regard to the appropriate management of cultural tourism. After all, there are few of us who are denied access to an armchair and sitting reading about, or looking at pictures of, a subject; and in doing this there is little harm we could do to that subject. Another phenomenon is now emerging. Cultural tourism, by virtue of ascending to such a mighty position in society, is in many quarters of the world being foisted with agenda other than those of its own discipline. The importance of tourism to so many has been noticed. In Egypt, which in 1992 expected over 2 million visitors, a ‘campaign of terror’, set in motion with ‘explosions at Karnak Temple’,19 has been begun by religious fundamentalists against tourists visiting sites along the Nile. Their chilling message was reportedly that ‘The security of tourism is tied to our security in spreading the message of Islam.’ Already there has been death and injury (Source: Quality Cultural Tourism).
Cultural Tourism and Ancient Inspiration for Modern Achievements
