The Attraction Sector (Grade 10 NSC Matric Tourism): Revision Notes
The Attraction Sector
What are attractions?
An attraction is a place of interest that draws tourists to visit for specific purposes. Attractions are fundamental to tourism because they provide the main motivation for people to travel to a destination.
Key characteristics of attractions include:
- Places of interest: Attractions are sites that tourists want to see or experience
- Multiple purposes: They are visited for amusement, education, or entertainment
- Natural or constructed beauty: Attractions can be naturally occurring features or human-made structures
- Cultural or historical significance: Many attractions have important meaning to local communities or national heritage
- Main reason for tourism: Attractions are often the primary motivation for visiting a destination
- Accessibility: Good attractions should be accessible to tourists of different abilities
The accessibility of attractions is increasingly important in modern tourism planning. Attractions that cater to tourists with different physical abilities, age groups, and needs tend to be more successful and sustainable in the long term.
Attraction sub-sectors
The attraction sector is divided into five main sub-sectors, each offering different experiences to tourists:
Gaming and lotteries
Casinos are the primary business in this sub-sector. They provide games of chance such as slot machines and card games. Beyond gambling, casinos often function as entertainment complexes that include:
- Restaurants and dining facilities
- Hotels and accommodation
- Children's play areas
- Sporting activities
This makes them attractive to a broader range of visitors, not just gamblers.
Modern casinos have evolved into multi-purpose entertainment destinations. This diversification strategy allows them to attract families and non-gamblers, significantly expanding their market reach and reducing dependence on gambling revenue alone.
Leisure
The leisure sub-sector covers a wide range of recreational activities that tourists enjoy during their visits. This includes:
- Resorts: Holiday destinations offering multiple amenities
- Sightseeing, walking, and hiking: Exploring scenic areas on foot
- Shopping: Visiting retail centres and markets
- Movies and entertainment: Cinema and theatre experiences
- Beach activities: Swimming, sunbathing, and water sports
- Theme parks: Entertainment complexes like Ratanga Junction and Marine World
- Whale watching: Observing marine wildlife
- Game viewing: Safari experiences to see wildlife
Leisure attractions provide relaxation and enjoyment for tourists of all ages.
Conservation
Conservation attractions focus on protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage. These attractions serve an important educational purpose whilst allowing tourists to experience nature responsibly. Activities include:
- Wildlife photography: Capturing images of animals in their natural habitats
- Plant study: Learning about indigenous flora
- Picnicking: Enjoying outdoor meals in protected areas
- Archaeology: Exploring historical sites and ancient civilisations
Conservation areas help tourists appreciate the importance of environmental protection whilst generating income for preservation efforts. This creates a sustainable model where tourism directly supports conservation activities, making it mutually beneficial for both the environment and the local economy.
Sport and recreation
This sub-sector caters to tourists who enjoy physical activities and sporting events. Tourists can either watch sports or actively participate. Examples include:
- Comrades Marathon: A famous ultra-marathon race
- Billabong Pro-surfing: Professional surfing competitions
- Motor racing: Car and motorcycle racing events
- Mountain climbing: Challenging ascents for adventure seekers
- Sport photography: Capturing action shots at sporting events
- Exercising: Fitness activities during travel
Sport and recreation attractions appeal to active, adventurous tourists seeking physical challenges.
Events and conferences
This sub-sector focuses on organised gatherings that bring people together. Events and conferences are important because they boost the local economy and create demand for accommodation and services. Examples include:
- Meetings and conferences: Business gatherings like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)
- Exhibitions: Trade shows and displays
- Festivals: Celebrations like the Grahamstown National Arts Festival
- Incentives: Reward trips for employees or clients
Events attract both business and leisure tourists and can significantly increase visitor numbers during specific periods. This creates seasonal peaks in tourism activity that require careful planning and resource management from tourism businesses and destination authorities.
Types of tourist attractions
Tourist attractions fall into two main categories based on how they were created:
Natural attractions
Natural attractions are geographical features that occur naturally without human construction. These attractions showcase the beauty and diversity of our planet. They include:
- Geographical features: Mountains, valleys, and rock formations
- Climatic conditions: Snow, unique weather patterns
- Animals and plants: Wildlife and indigenous vegetation
- Scenic beauty sites: Breathtaking views and landscapes
Natural Attraction Example: Table Mountain
Table Mountain in Cape Town is a famous natural attraction formed over millions of years. Its unique flat top and surrounding scenery attract tourists from around the world. The mountain showcases how natural geological processes can create iconic landmarks that become symbols of a destination.
Constructed attractions
Constructed attractions are human-made sites that have been built or created intentionally. These can be ancient historical sites or modern developments. Examples include:
- Religious buildings: Churches, mosques, and temples
- Museums and monuments: Places preserving history and culture
- Parks: Recreational spaces designed for public enjoyment
- Historic city centres: Old town areas with architectural significance
- Zoos and aquariums: Facilities housing animals for public viewing
- Stadiums: Sports venues hosting major events
Constructed attractions often reflect the cultural identity and historical development of a region. They tell stories about the people who built them and the societies they represent, making them valuable for both education and cultural preservation.
Primary and secondary tourist attractions
Not all attractions hold the same importance for tourists. Understanding the difference between primary and secondary attractions helps tourism planners develop better destinations.
Primary attractions
A primary attraction is the main reason tourists decide to visit a destination. It is the core draw that motivates travel and shapes the destination's identity and reputation.
Primary attractions have several important characteristics:
- They give character to the destination
- They develop the destination's image and brand
- They are the deciding factor in choosing where to visit
- They typically receive the most visitor attention and time
Primary Attraction Example: Kruger National Park
The Big Five animals are the primary attraction for tourists visiting Kruger National Park. People travel there specifically to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. These iconic animals are what the park is known for globally, and they are the main motivation for booking a trip to this destination.
Secondary attractions
Secondary attractions are places tourists visit whilst travelling to or from the primary attraction, or during their stay in the area. Although not the main reason for the trip, secondary attractions play a valuable role:
- They improve the overall attractiveness of the destination
- They increase the amount of money tourists spend
- They lengthen the time tourists stay in the area
- They provide variety and additional experiences
Secondary Attraction Example: Blyde River Canyon
A tourist visiting Kruger National Park (primary attraction) might also stop at the Blyde River Canyon (secondary attraction) on their journey, enhancing their overall experience. While the canyon wasn't their main reason for traveling to the area, it adds value to their trip and may encourage them to spend an extra day or two in the region.
The distinction between primary and secondary attractions is crucial for tourism marketing and destination development. Primary attractions draw tourists to the area, whilst secondary attractions keep them there longer and encourage higher spending. A successful destination needs both types to maximize tourism benefits.
Attractions and their appeal for particular types of tourists
Different attractions appeal to different types of tourists based on their interests and preferences. Understanding this helps tourism businesses market effectively:
| Attraction | Appeal | Types of tourist attracted |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula | Scenic beauty, beaches, whale watching, Table Mountain | Leisure, adventure, SIT, backpacking |
| The Winelands | Award-winning wines, scenic beauty, historic towns | Leisure, cultural, education, SIT |
| The Garden Route | Scenic beauty, flora, adventure opportunities like bungee jumping and river rafting | Leisure, adventure, ecotourist, SIT |
| Johannesburg | Shopping, entertainment, township tours | Business, shopping, cultural, SIT |
| Kruger National Park | The Big Five, 4x4 game drives, walking safaris | Adventure, ecotourist, cultural, SIT |
| Durban | Beaches, the sea, surfing, uShaka Marine World | Leisure, adventure, sport, recreation |
| Robben Island | Scenic beauty, political history | Ecotourist, cultural, education, SIT |
| Soweto | Township and cultural tours, historic sites and buildings | Cultural, SIT, backpacking |
| Blyde River Canyon and Nature Reserve | Scenic beauty, nature hikes | Ecotourist, sport and recreational, health |
| The Wild Coast | Beautiful beaches, scenic beauty, Xhosa heritage | Leisure, cultural, ecotourist, adventure |
Key tourist types explained:
- SIT (Special Interest Tourist): Tourists with specific hobbies or interests
- Ecotourist: Environmentally conscious tourists interested in nature
- Cultural tourist: Tourists interested in local traditions and heritage
- Adventure tourist: Tourists seeking exciting and challenging experiences
- Leisure tourist: Tourists wanting relaxation and enjoyment
- Backpacking tourist: Budget travellers exploring multiple destinations
Understanding these tourist types helps tourism businesses tailor their marketing messages and service offerings to attract the right visitors to each attraction.
Activities offered at tourist attractions
Different types of attractions offer various activities that appeal to specific tourist interests:
| Attraction type | Activities available |
|---|---|
| Places of scenic beauty | Hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, photography, rock climbing, abseiling, river rafting, bird watching |
| Beaches | Swimming, surfing, wind surfing, fishing, scuba diving, kite flying, shell collecting, whale watching |
| Tourist routes | Shopping, sightseeing, photography, wine tasting on wine routes, historical tours on historical routes |
| Cultural villages | Guided tours, viewing exhibitions, watching cultural activities like clay pot making or woodcarving, participating in music and dance |
| Theme parks | Rollercoaster rides, games, outdoor picnics |
These activities enhance the tourist experience and provide opportunities for engagement with the attraction. Tourism businesses often combine multiple activities to appeal to diverse visitor interests and increase time spent at the attraction.
The variety of activities offered at an attraction directly impacts visitor satisfaction and length of stay. Attractions that provide multiple activity options tend to attract broader markets and generate higher revenue through extended visitor engagement.
Exam tips
- Learn the five sub-sectors: Make sure you can name and describe all five attraction sub-sectors (Gaming and lotteries, Leisure, Conservation, Sport and recreation, Events and conferences)
- Understand primary vs. secondary: Be clear about the difference and be able to give examples of each
- Know South African examples: Familiarise yourself with the attractions listed in the table and what makes each unique
- Match attractions to tourist types: Practice identifying which types of tourists would be interested in specific attractions
- Link activities to attractions: Be able to suggest appropriate activities for different attraction types
When studying for exams, don't just memorize definitions. Practice applying your knowledge by thinking about real examples and how different concepts connect to each other. This deeper understanding will help you answer both theoretical and application-based questions.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
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Attractions are places of interest that tourists visit for amusement, education, or entertainment. They should be accessible and can have natural, cultural, or historical significance
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Five sub-sectors exist: Gaming and lotteries, Leisure, Conservation, Sport and recreation, and Events and conferences. Each serves different tourist needs
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Primary attractions are the main reason for visiting a destination, whilst secondary attractions are visited along the way and enhance the overall experience
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Different attractions appeal to different tourists: Matching the right attraction to tourist interests is crucial for successful tourism marketing
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South Africa offers diverse attractions: From Table Mountain to Kruger National Park, from cultural townships to scenic wine routes, South Africa's variety makes it an attractive destination for many tourist types