Tourism Destination Attributes and Attractions

Every tourists destination is unique due to existence of attributes and attractions. The potential of an area identified for development to a large extent is to be determined by its attractions and attributes. Many destinations have multiple attractions which can appeal to a broad segment of tourists. Penang Island, a famous tourists destination in Malaysia as well as the world has it's own attractions and attributes that continues to draw tourists from all over the world.

What are attributes and attraction of tourists destination? An attribute is a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something, while an attraction is a quality or feature of something or someone that evokes interest, liking, or desire.

Based on the given definition, attributes of a tourist destination can be summerized as cultures, events, human activities (livelihood of people), religion practices, festivals, man-made structures (heritage buildings, monuments, bridges, towers etc.), natural resources (climate, beaches and mountains), infrastructures (includes roads, transportation terminals, power supply, sewage system, water system, etc.), superstructures (hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities, shopping etc.), recreational facilities (theme park, botanical garden, marina, ski slopes etc.) and psychological appeals (remoteness, tranquility, romance etc.), pricing of service, goods and entertainment are attractions, features that evokes interest, liking or desire for tourists to visit. However, for a tourist destination, despite the fact that all its attributes can be deemed as its attractions, not all its attractions are necessarily its attributes.
In some studies in tourism literature, the word ‘attribute’ and ‘attraction’ were used interchangeably.

Tourism attraction can be deemed as a place, venue or concentration of activities and conducts the following actions.

1. Specially set out to attract visitors or tourists
2. Have fun and pleasurable experience
3. Developed to realize the fun and pleasurable experience
4. Managed as an attraction to provide satisfaction to its customers
5. Provides appropriate facilities and may or may not charge an admission fee

Tourism sites or activities are important motivators for tourists to visit a certain destination.