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What Is a Tourist Destination?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

A tourist destination is basically a travel destination that attracts large numbers of travelers, or tourists. Travelers may visit these destinations to see historical sites, natural wonders, or buildings. Some tourist attractions also have activities, such as rides or games, or unusual novelties. Souvenirs are often sold at these destinations, and many of these areas rely on the income generated by the travelers that visit.

Historical sites are often considered tourist destination. Generally, something of some sort of historical significance happened in these areas. Monuments and battlegrounds can be considered historical tourist attractions. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a good example of a historical tourist destination. This town was the site of a pivotal battle during the American Civil War in 1863, and it is also the site of President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address.

A roller coaster in an amusement park.
A roller coaster in an amusement park.

Areas with beautiful or unusual natural creations can also be considered tourist destinations. Visitors to these areas are usually able to see amazing natural wonders, such as a waterfalls or canyons. For example, each year millions of tourists from all over the world visit Niagara Falls, a tourist destination located on the border of the United States and Canada. These magnificent waterfalls are considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Many tourists visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, each year.
Many tourists visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, each year.

Some buildings may also attract tourists. A building that is unusually high or oddly shaped might be considered a tourist attraction. The Empire State Building in New York City is a good example of a building that is also a popular tourist destination. Built in 1931, this 102-story building was once the tallest in the world. Today, visitors can purchase tickets to see New York City from the top of the Empire State Building.

An amusement park is also often a tourist destination, especially if it is very large. Cedar Point, for example, is a very popular amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. It features many rides, games, and other attractions that draw tourists.

The United States is known for its many beautiful, undisturbed natural areas, one of which is the striking Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Arizona-Utah border.
The United States is known for its many beautiful, undisturbed natural areas, one of which is the striking Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Arizona-Utah border.

Novelty tourist attractions are tourist attractions that usually feature small but unusual items of interest. These types of attractions are not usually primary destinations, and they are sometimes referred to as road-side attractions. The World's Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin, Minnesota could be considered a novelty tourist attraction.

Discussion Comments

Lodeseba

While many first time tourists have a desire to do what the locals do, it may be wise to stick with the designated tourist traps on your first go-round.

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    • A roller coaster in an amusement park.
      A roller coaster in an amusement park.
    • Many tourists visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, each year.
      By: alexxich
      Many tourists visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, each year.
    • The United States is known for its many beautiful, undisturbed natural areas, one of which is the striking Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Arizona-Utah border.
      By: dade72
      The United States is known for its many beautiful, undisturbed natural areas, one of which is the striking Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Arizona-Utah border.
    • Tourists from all over the world visit Niagara Falls every year.
      By: karlsson_photo
      Tourists from all over the world visit Niagara Falls every year.
    • Many tourists visit the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina.
      By: AStargirl
      Many tourists visit the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina.
    • The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in France.
      By: marcofinelli
      The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in France.
    • The Empire State Building was once the tallest building in the world.
      By: rabbit75_fot
      The Empire State Building was once the tallest building in the world.
    • Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a good example of a historical tourist destination.
      By: Refocus Photography
      Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a good example of a historical tourist destination.