Almost half of city breakers take part in

With the hectic pace of modern life it can be hard to keep up with our culture vulture credentials. And now it seems that travellers the world over have come up with a sure-fire way to top up get their dose of culture on the go.

Welcome to the phenomena of 'culture cramming', a museum/gallery/festival packed city break schedule that lets travellers take in the delights of the world’s cities while giving them enough cultural knowledge to tide them over for weeks or even months.

According to a new study conducted by NewcastleGateshed Initiative, almost half of city breakers (47%) indulge in this intense form of cultural sightseeing on their weekend getaway. A further 34% go even further, managing to pack in their annual 'cultural intake' over an average 3-day break.

Commenting on this findings, Carol Bell, Head of Culture and Major events at destination management and marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “This survey provides some fantastic insight for cultural venues and attractions. Whilst local audiences will always be core to the ongoing success of museums, galleries, festivals and events – cultural tourists are an audience of growing potential. It's important that destinations not only recognise this, but work in partnership with venues to provide immersive quality experiences for visitors that inspire them to tell their friends and visit again.”

Younger travellers are most likely to culture cram their way through a city break, with 41% of 18-24 year olds putting culture on their top lists of reasons to visit a new city. This respective figure stood at 45% for 25-34 year olds and a third for over 55s.

And when it came to the areas/regions of the UK that held the most avid cultural tourists London (53.6%) came out on top, with the ranking completed by the following regions: South East – 47.5%, North West – 46.5%, Scotland – 45.5%, Midlands – 43.2%, Wales – 36.6%, South West – 35.7%. If you are heading off on a city break, it is important to organise short-haul travel insurance in advance.

Date Created: 01/07/2014