Heritage Tourism Destinations ? Preservation, Communication and Development by Alvarez, Maria; Yüksel, Atila; Go, Frank;

Short description:

This book addresses the complex question of combining preservation and consumption of heritage resources, reviewing the role of diverse actors and the institutional systems involved.

Long description:

Heritage tourism is tied to myth making and stories; creative content that can be shared, stored, combined and manipulated, but that depends on a unique cultural or natural history. A significant section of the wider phenomenon that is cultural tourism, heritage tourism is a demand-driven industry that continues to be a subject of heated debate in academic circles.

Beginning with an overview of the subject, this book considers the conservation and revitalization of heritage destinations, as well as the role local communities have in supporting an attraction. It then discusses product development and communication around the world, using new techniques such as social media and examples from food tourism and sporting events, before a final section reviews the planning and institutionalisation of heritage spaces. A timely conclusion subsequently considers the implications of developments such as globalisation, technological improvement and climate change upon these unique destinations. A valuable addition to the literature, this book is the first to bridge the gap between theory and practice, including the latest research and international case studies for researchers and practitioners in tourism and destination management.

'Heritage Tourism Destinations book is a remarkable volume with an interesting combination of research, hypotheses and literature reviews plus a healthy dose of 'how-to' advice for practitioners...This volume achieves what it is set out to accomplish and provides a deep view of heritage tourism, and bridges the gap between theory and practice.'
'The book can be recommended for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to support students' studying heritage tourism and related topics. The book has also a useful set of contributors for practitioners that industry readers will find interesting'.