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St. Thomas Cultural Tourism. Katie Dymond Monique Davis Tyra Grant. Cultural Tourism - Definition. T ourism that focuses on the culture and cultural environments of a given destination
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St. ThomasCultural Tourism Katie Dymond Monique Davis Tyra Grant
Cultural Tourism - Definition • Tourism that focuses on the culture and cultural environments of a given destination • Includes witnessing values and lifestyles, heritage, visual and performing arts, industries, traditions and leisure pursuits of the host community. • Encompasses all experiences absorbed by the visitor to a place that is beyond their own living environment. (ICOMOS, ICTC, 2002)
Why we chose St. Thomas? • Many people know St. Thomas for its beaches and duty-free shopping • Want to shine a light on the rich history that has enable St. Thomas to the popular destination that it is and the attractions that celebrate that history
Quick Facts • Population: 51,181 • Size: 31 square miles or twice the size of Washington, D.C. • Climate: Subtropical, Low Humidity, Little temperature variation, several hurricanes per year • Languages: English, Spanish, French • Unincorporated territory of the United States • No passport required for U.S. citizens CIA World Factbook
History • Discovered by Columbus in 1493 • Occupied by Danish West India Company in 17th century • Lead to economic boom with a focus on trade • 1800’s became a shipping and distribution center in the Caribbean • Abolished slavery in 1848 • 1900’s end of prosperity and natural disasters forced St. Thomas to rebuild • 1917: Danish West Indies sells St. Thomas to the U.S. for $25 million • 1950’s: Tourism grew because of increased air and sea travel Vinow.com
Tourism in St. Thomas • Primary economic activity • 80% of GDP and employment • St. Thomas is the most popular destination in the Caribbean • Capital Charlotte Amalie is the most popular cruise ship port of call • History plays a big part in attracting tourists to stay longer • Allows them to see more of the island Vinow.com; USVI.net
Many offerings and attractions: • Beaches • National Parks • Shopping • Kayaking, • Hiking, Sailing, and other outdoor activities • Tours • Dining and Nightlife • Ethnically diverse but West Indian culture still has a strong influence USVI.net; Lonely Planet
Attractions • Government Hill • Government House: center of government since 1800’s; features artwork by native Camille Pissarro • Seven Arches Museum:restored home with historical artifacts • Crown House • Fort Christian: Virgin Islands Museum with memorabilia, artifacts, pottery, and old maps • Emancipation Garden: where Governor Scholten emancipated slaves in 1848 • 99 Steps: Many walking tours provided around Charlotte Amalie are taken over the steps • Churches and Synagogues: Including the 2nd oldest synagogue in use in the western hemisphere • Castles