The Relationship Between Cultural Heritage Preservation and Tourism

Abstract

This paper discusses the ambiguous relationship between cultural heritage preservation and tourism by indicating that the cultural heritage can be regarded as a great cultural resource as much as it can be understood as an economic resource generator.   The study applied mixed approach in research methodology to assess the influence of heritage conservation policies and tourism activities and its implication on sustainable development.   These findings indicate that heritage retention is of great essence to enhance the attractiveness of destinations to tourism, more power to the locals, and lessening the locals to economic shocks.   Meanwhile, issues such as commercialization, cultural dilution and environmental stress are still rather significant in the premises, where tourism lacks in management.   The findings indicate that the conjoined endeavour of heritage management and tourism planning is more resistant and durable.  This will ensure that the values of a culture are not only intact, rather, they are applied to facilitate intercultural communication and social integration.   The analysis also demonstrates the criticality of the effort that all the stakeholders make to collaborate, have a definite policy structure, and apply internet technologies to enhance experiences of heritage tourists and minimize the threat of causing damage to sites.   The paper gives effective hints on balancing economic sustainability and cultural sustainability by appreciating preservation and tourism as complementary activities.   Lastly, the paper hints that there are benefits that strong cultural heritage can serve as the legacy to other generations and inclusive and sustainable tourism development.