Tourism and Cultural Exchange: An Historical Perspective

The paper examines aspects of cultural exchange between Britain and Europe (particularly France, Italy and Greece) from the 16th to the 19th century. This relationship was partly associated with British tourists. The nature of the cultural exchange reveals the changing attitudes of the tourists and their images of the host countries; from admiration of contemporary cultures to a feeling of superiority; from veneration of past cultural achievements to sentimental views of existing societies. Themes also include the social networks between hosts and guests and cultural transfer from Britain to Europe aided by tourism. These considerations lead to wide political and economic relationships and thus the role of tourism in promoting understanding between Britain and parts of Europe. A perspective is provided on tourism's contribution in these areas today. TOURISM AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE