Heritage tourism in Singapore : a gendered face to it?

Abstract

The tourism industry is one of the largest thriving pillars of growth for many countries globally. Heritage tourism then, is easily one aspect where countries can reap in substantial economic benefits from visits by international and domestic tourists whilst at the same time, promoting and glorifying nation-building efforts at a local level to ensure the continued survival of the nation-state. This paper nonetheless concentrates on domestic tourism and is concerned with exploring how and to what significance, heritage tourism, specifically museum visits, would affect young people’s perceptions of the contributions of the two genders to nation-building efforts in Singapore. Gender is an important aspect in tourism studies but usually under-stated. This research should give us a better insight into the roles of museums and museum visits; and on a macro level, understanding the significance and impact that heritage tourism may have on gender with regards to nation-building efforts.