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Predicting residents’ perceptions of cultural tourism attractiveness
Variables in the Equation
Variable B Beta t Sig. VIF
(Constant) 2.285 99.919 .000
Factor 2 .32 .386 14.327 .000 1.000
Factor 3 .252 .295 10.975 .000 1.000
Factor 4 .179 .211 7.843 .000 1.000
Factor 1 .170 .200 7.413 .000 1.000
Dependent Variable: Indianapolis’ attractiveness as a cultural tourism destination
The regression model further indicates that the most important factor in contributing to
Indianapolis’ overall attractiveness in terms of its city service items is “Leisure Services”
(Beta=.386), then followed by “Hospitality Services” (Beta=.295), “Transportation Related”
(Beta=.211), and “Overall Urban Landscape” (Beta=.200).
Before this survey, a similar survey was conducted two years ago with a goal of predicting
the dependent variable which is “Indianapolis has the potential to succeed as a cultural tourism
destination” with a similar survey instrument. Interestingly, “Leisure services” turned out to
be the most important dimension in the equation model, followed by “Landscape/architectural
Services”, and “Hospitality Services.” Both tests show that “Leisure services” plays the most
important role in determining Indianapolis’ potential or overall attractiveness as a successfully
cultural tourism destination.
CONCLUSIONS
The economic benefits of cultural tourism are easily recognized. Its direct and indirect effects
can be quite substantial, and cultural tourism can add significant diversity to a city’s economy.
Cultural tourists, as a demographic group, tend to have higher incomes and are more educated
than other tourists, which translates into more money spent per visit and longer stays. However,
these benefits are contingent on a city’s ability to sustain the level of city services its residents
and visitors are accustomed to.
Decision-makers in cities of all sizes are beginning to understand the impact of a growing
cultural tourism business on their city services. A careful assessment of the situation is a way
to foster urban revivals, as well as to improve the quality of the city environment and the lives
of local people.
Indianapolis already has diversified its tourism product. Conventions and special events are
becoming more popular. Sports tourism is already well established. The emphasis is now
on developing cultural tourism. Such type of tourism can have negative attributes for
conservation of the city’s cultural identity and economic development. Indianapolis city and
Tourism Today - Fall 2007 - Full Paper
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