Writing workshops as cultural tourism: A case study and discussion on this evolving form of tourism

Cultural tourism is regarded as ‘the movement of persons to cultural attractions away from their normal place of residence, with the intention to gather new information and experiences to satisfy their cultural needs’ (Richards, 1996). Writing workshops and retreats (in both Australia and around the world) are held in such diverse locations that the very definition of ‘normal’ can be considered irrelevant. From surf writing camps in Mexico (Sayulita Writers Workshops) to historic houses in England (Arvon Foundation), the range of experiences available would surely satisfy anyone’s‘cultural needs’. This paper looks at the evolution of one particular community-based writing workshop over a 5 year period. It examines the growth and development of the workshops, held annually on an island in Queensland and hosted by the literary magazine of a regional university. Data will be used to demonstrate and account for the growth and success of the workshop and this will be used to add weight to a larger discussion regarding the growth of the writing workshop as cultural tourism. Comparisons and contrasts will be made with other successful workshops held in Ubud, Bali and Larapinta, Alice Springs to answer these important questions.