sectortourism

Sectortourism is a form of tourism that centers visitor experiences on a particular sector of the economy or industry. Sectors commonly involved include agritourism, industrial heritage, science and technology, energy, food and drink, arts and culture, film and media, and sports. It typically features site visits, behind-the-scenes programs, workshops, and themed routes connected to assets such as factories, farms, laboratories, studios, vineyards, museums, and festivals.

The approach arose as a way to diversify tourism products and to leverage local assets in regions with strong industry clusters. It relies on partnerships among public authorities, industry associations, operators, and local communities to design authentic experiences that reflect sector processes and histories. Programs are often place-based and collaborative, emphasizing knowledge transfer and experiential learning.

Benefits include economic diversification, job creation, skills development, and strengthened place branding. Challenges include managing visitor flows and maintaining authenticity, ensuring safety and quality, and sharing benefits equitably with communities and workers. Critical considerations also include sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and the potential for over-tourism in small communities.

Measurement typically uses visitor numbers, spend per visitor, and length of stay, along with sector-specific indicators such as production-site visits or training outcomes. Examples range from wine and food trails and industrial heritage routes to science centers, maker spaces, film location tours, and craft districts. The term is used variably and often overlaps with cultural, business, and experiential tourism, adapting to local assets and market demand.