Heritage Tourism
From Problems to Possibilities

This Element examines the key political and ethical issues that emerge through heritage tourism.

Yujie Zhu (Author)

9781108823395, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 June 2021

75 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.5 cm, 0.144 kg

'Welcome to this fast-paced and wide-ranging introduction to critical heritage tourism studies. Dr. Yujie Zhu takes us through the history and growth of heritage and tourism and research on these fields, and focuses on the authentic interpretation of tangible and intangible heritage, in the face of global cultural imperialism and capitalist commoditization. He leads us to examine situations of cooperation and co-production by which ethnic and marginalized peoples gain resilience and benefit from their ability to protect, exhibit and perform their heritage in tourist environments.' Nelson Graburn, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, University California Berkeley, and Visiting Professor, Minzu U. of China, Beijing

As one of the world's fastest growing industries, heritage tourism is surrounded by political and ethical issues. This research explores the social and political effects and implications of heritage tourism through several pertinent topics. It examines the hegemonic power of heritage tourism and its consequences, the spectre of nationalism and colonialism in heritage-making, particularly for minorities and indigenous peoples, and the paradox of heritage tourism's role in combating these issues. Drawing from global cases, the study addresses a range of approaches and challenges of empowerment within the context of heritage tourism, including cultural landscapes, intangible heritage and eco-museums. The research argues that heritage tourism has the potential to develop as a form of co-production. It can be used to create a mechanism for community-centred governance that integrates recognition and interpretation and promotes dialogue, equity and diversity.

1. Introduction
2. A Brief History
3. Politics of Heritage Tourism
4. Empowerment and Challenges
5. Co-production
6. Future of Heritage Tourism.

Subject Areas: Tourism industry [KNSG], Archaeology [HD], Museology & heritage studies [GM]