The terms heritage tourism and cultural tourism are often used interchangeably. This class of tourism has been one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. This kind of tourism combines history, culture and nature in both urban and rural contexts, and takes into consideration important global issues.

Heritage tourism fosters a sense of community pride. Well-interpreted sites not only teach visitors about history, but they also provide know-how that visitors can take back home to start or contribute to their own preservation efforts.

 Heritage tourism is travel to "experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes the historic, cultural and natural resources."