Analyzing the Socio-Economic Impacts of National Heritage Sites and Sustainable Management for Attracting Tourists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/6wmq5v12Keywords:
Heritage Tourism, Economic Impact, Tourist Expenditure, Sustainable Tourism, Unesco World Heritage, Overtourism, Destination ManagementAbstract
National heritage sites, encompassing cultural, historical, and natural landmarks, function as powerful magnets for global tourism. They are not merely repositories of a nation's identity but are also significant drivers of economic activity and regional development. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of national heritage sites on tourist attraction and expenditure. It argues that the value of these sites extends beyond their intrinsic historical worth, generating substantial direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits through visitor spending, job creation, and the stimulation of ancillary industries. The study synthesizes existing literature to explore the primary factors-including UNESCO designation, perceived authenticity, and site management-that influence their appeal. Furthermore, it critically examines the "dark side" of heritage tourism, namely overtourism, cultural commodification, and environmental degradation. Through a comparative analysis of international case studies, the paper elucidates the economic mechanisms at play. Finally, it proposes an integrated framework for sustainable heritage management that balances economic viability with imperative conservation and community engagement goals. The findings underscore that the long-term success of heritage tourism hinges on innovative, holistic strategies that transform heritage sites from static monuments into dynamic, sustainably managed engines of socio-economic progress.
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