Key Difference – Destination vs Attraction
An attraction is a place which draws visitors by providing something of interest or pleasure. A destination is a place to which one is journeying. The two terms tourist destination and tourist attraction are commonly used in tourism. The key difference between destination and attraction in tourism is that destination is an area which has some attractions and earns money from tourism whereas an attraction is a place which attracts tourism. For example, Eiffel tower is a tourist attraction whereas Paris is a tourist destination. As seen by this example, tourist attractions are inevitably linked to tourist destinations.
What is a Destination?
A destination is a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent. This word is usually used in travel and tourism. A tourist destination is an area that mostly depends on the revenues accruing from tourism. Bierman (2003) defines a destination as “a country, state, region, city or town which is marketed or markets itself as a place for tourists to visit.”
All popular tourist destinations in the world are characterized by three main features: attractions, amenities, and accessibility. A tourist destination often has more than one attractions; in order for such a place with attractions to be popular, it must also be accessible to tourists and provide various amenities.
Rome, Paris, Fiji, London, New York, Prague, Hanoi, Barcelona, Dubai, Bangkok and Lisbon are some popular tourist destinations in the world. These destinations have different tourist attractions. For example, Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Élysées are some tourist attractions in the tourist destination Paris. Some areas can also be popular destinations due to its proximity to a major tourist attraction. For example, Siem Reap town in Cambodia is a popular tourist destination mainly because of its proximity to Angkor temples, which is a very popular tourist attraction.
A map of Paris, a popular tourist destination, with its main attractions.
What is an Attraction?
Attraction implies the action or power of evoking interest in or liking for someone or something. The noun attraction can also refer to a place which draws visitors by providing something of interest.
Tourist attractions have natural, cultural or historical value, and offers leisure, adventure and amusement. Natural attractions include scenic locations such as beaches, mountains, caves, rivers, and valleys. Cultural attractions include historical places such as ancient temples, palaces, ruins of towns, and museums, as well as art galleries, buildings and structures, theme parks, etc.
Eiffel tower, Colosseum, Stonehenge, Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Tower of London, Statue of Liberty, Machu Picchu, Alcatraz Island, the Great pyramid of Giza, Big Ben, and Buckingham palace are some examples of popular tourist attractions.
The west facade of Notre Dame cathedral, which is a main tourist attraction in Paris
What is the difference between Destination and Attraction?
Definition:
Destination: Destination is a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent.
Attraction: Attraction implies the action or power of evoking interest in or liking for someone or something.
In Tourism:
Destination: Tourist destination is an area that mostly depends on the revenues accruing from tourism.
Attraction: Tourist attraction is a place which draws visitors by providing something of interest.
Example:
Destination: Paris is a tourist destination.
Attraction: Eiffel Tower is a tourist attraction.
Characteristics:
Destination: A tourist destination is characterized by attractions, amenities, and accessibility.
Attraction: A tourist attraction may have natural, cultural or historical significance.
Image Courtesy:“Notre Dame De Paris” By Sanchezn – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia “Paris printable tourist attractions map” By Tripomatic.com – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia