ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship of cultural tourism within the leisure paradigm in Australia. Tourism is placed within a framework in which the leisure experience is realized at a distance from the normal home environment. Contrasts and similarities are stated between casual and serious leisure on the one hand and mass and cultural tourism on the other. The characteristics of the arts—high and popular—are differentiated and Australian research on each is discussed. The second section of this chapter focuses on the Australian context that profiles patterns of participation in cultural activities. This is followed by patterns of domestic and international participation in cultural tourism. Economic implications are briefly dealt with. The chapter shows that the National Culture/Leisure Industry Statistical Framework to track Australian data provides cultural organizations important information for planning purposes.
