'While' suggests that these two trends have developed almost independently of each other, that the fact that 'there is great doubt over the usefulness of cultural tourism as a theoretical term' has paradoxically not influenced 'its usefulness as a means of attracting visitors to urban sites'. Thus, 'while' is closest in its nuances to 'in contrast' or 'whereas'.

'Despite' suggests that the policy makers should have taken into account the theoretical doubt and therefore makes the statement more critical of the policy makers than 'While'.

'However' makes the statement much more critical. Because 'there is great doubt over the usefulness of cultural tourism as a theoretical term' is a complete sentence, doubt is strongly emphasised. It then appears that the policy makers are deliberately ignoring this doubt.

'Nevertheless' works in a similar way but intensifies the criticism. There is a suggestion of irresponsibility, that the policy makers never take any notice.

In contrast 'although' makes the statement much more favourable to the policy makers by presenting the theoretical doubt in a subordinate clause and emphasising the practical usefulness.

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