Mining regions tend to be characterized by industrial landscapes and histories tied to the extraction of natural resources. In recent years, such regions have benefited from an additional major source of revenue: tourism.
This activity, unlike the resources being mined, does not suffer from depletion, which is one of the reasons why countries like Saudi Arabia are making efforts to transform themselves into tourism attractions before their oil runs out.
Tourism is a transformative force that can turn even the most secluded regions into vibrant destinations for thousands of people who want to experience a different part of the world.
A lot can be done to improve a captivating place and turn it into a tourist attraction. Just look at places like the Mojave Desert. Once a barren place, now it’s a famous destination. In the same way, museums, resorts, and casinos can greatly increase a tourist’s level of interest in a place and their willingness to spend money there for cultural and recreational purposes.
Tourism Done Right
When trying to enhance a region’s appeal, its unique history, landscapes, and cultural assets play a major role in creating a captivating story. The local population’s hospitality is also of great importance. Nobody wants to visit a place if they know that they’re putting their life in danger.
People generally view traveling as a way to get to know not just different cultures and places but also themselves. Just take the example of India, for instance, a country that has become famous for its ability to help people find inner-peace and transformation. Certain places in Europe are also quite popular in this respect.
What makes a person want to visit a foreign country? In the past, people were generally scared of distant lands because they were regarded as dangerous and potentially hostile. Traveling long distances was extremely challenging and long-distance communication was not possible.
But nowadays, thanks to technology, millions of people are willing and able to travel to countries located thousands of miles away from their own. They might read about the history of such places and wonder what’s it like to be there.
Or they might be exposed to their food in a local restaurant and become curious about the culture that gave birth to all those wonderful recipes.
In some cases, it’s a curiosity related to a specific mountain or a city that features remarkable structures. Whatever the reason might be, the point is that many people spend their free time traveling and trying to enrich their cultural experience.
Tourism in Mining Regions
Mining often comes with a certain degree of environmental degradation and a dependency on volatile global commodity markets. Eventually, the mined resources are exhausted and the local population needs to find new sources of income.
The scars left by mining, such as tailings or open pits, can deter investors from trying to build a business. Under these conditions, tourism can be a source of revitalization. The numerous opportunities it offers for sustainable economic growth make it very appealing. Locals can start benefiting right away and one benefit often leads to another.
Just the a simple example, of a person who decides to spend one week in a foreign town or village.
During that week, they will want to travel and fully experience life there. If there’s a major monument to visit, they will most likely go. If there’s a famous restaurant, they will want to know what the food tastes like, especially if it’s not the kind of food they could easily cook at home.
The same goes for a long series of tourist attractions that can be easily turned into lucrative businesses. If the location is famous enough, the locals can charge a premium for whatever they have to offer, especially if it’s well-designed.
Cultural and Historical Tourism: Telling the Story of Mining
If a mining location like Bisbee, Arizona has a rich history, many people might be interested in that history and in visiting the place just to experience what’s it like to live there.
How a town tells its own story to foreigners weighs a lot in their decision to visit. Some places, despite not looking spectacular, have an almost mystical aura. You want to go there because a famous person used to live there. And if the tourists can also benefit from nice facilities while they are there, that’s always a good thing.
Entertainment, relaxation, and learning opportunities can do wonders for any place that wants to become a tourist destination.
