World Heritage, Tourism and Identity

This book explores the impact of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, highlighting the dual challenges of protecting sites while managing tourism's effects on cultural and natural heritage and local identities.

World Heritage, Tourism and Identity explores the significant impact of the 1972 UNESCO Convention on the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. The Convention has achieved notable success, with nearly 1,000 properties recognized for their Outstanding Universal Value. This recognition underscores the importance of safeguarding these sites, yet it also brings forth various challenges related to tourism.

One of the primary issues addressed in the book is the dual nature of tourism's influence on World Heritage Sites. For some locations, being inscribed on the World Heritage List serves as a powerful promotional tool, attracting increased visitor numbers. This surge in tourism presents a management challenge, as site administrators must balance the need for protection and conservation with the pressures of accommodating growing tourist populations. The book delves into strategies for effectively managing these competing interests.

Conversely, the text highlights that not all designated sites experience the anticipated boost in tourism and investment. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of the World Heritage designation as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural engagement. The book emphasizes that tourism has become a central concern for a diverse range of stakeholders involved with World Heritage Sites, prompting discussions about sustainable practices and the preservation of identity in the face of commercialization. Through these explorations, World Heritage, Tourism and Identity provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between heritage conservation and the tourism industry.