Managing tourism at heritage places - case study

Managing sustainable tourism at heritage places

Managing sustainable tourism at heritage places

Over the past 10-15 years , HYPERLINK "http /www .nationaltrust .org /heritage_tourism " heritage tourism became the new buzzword . Policies , planning documents , workshops and seminars were focused on tapping the tourist dollar . Increased attention was paid to restoring and developing heritage sites and institutions . Government agencies and business communities marketed local , regional , national , and even globally-significant heritage sites And the professional heritage community sought ways to promote sustainable development of the tourism infrastructure rapidly being added to important heritage

destinations

This paper will look at the draft Australian heritage guidelines that are a type of sustainable code

of practice being developed to provide an agreed `best practice standard for heritage attractions . In the past , the lack of effective tourism planning that includes market appeal or economic factors and conservation policy /assessment is evident in the way many cultural heritage places are managed in Australia and elsewhere . Such heritage places often require some type of commodification to enhance the visitor experience and actualise the tourism potential . Ideally this should occur in a balanced way which will also conserve the cultural significance of the heritage place so that future generations have access to such non-renewable resources

INTRODUCTION

Visiting historic and cultural sites is one of the most popular tourist activities today . Families

seniors , groups , and even international visitors choose to frequent historic attractions when on vacation . As a result , destinations are paying attention to one of the fastest growing market segments in the travel industry today - heritage tourism

What is heritage tourism ? According to The National Trust for Historic Preservation , heritage tourism is traveling to experience the places artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present (http /www .nationaltrust .org /about_the_trust /index .html

Australia 's heritage , shaped by nature and history , is an inheritance passed from one generation to the next . It encompasses many things - a diversity of natural and cultural places , lifestyles , traditions object 's history and values

According to Australian Heritage Comission , Heritage places are fundamental part of Australia tourism industry . Domestic and overseas tourists want to experience the distinctive natural , Indigenous and historic heritage places and rich stories , associated with them (Ask First : A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values Australian Heritage Commission , Canberra , 2002

Activities and services which provide international and domestic visitors with the opportunity to experience , understand and enjoy the special values of Australia 's heritage are sometimes referred to as heritage tourism . Recognition of heritage assets , and ensuring their long term protection , is essential for sustainable and appropriate tourism

Visiting heritage places can be part of a range of activities undertaken by tourists or it can be the sole reason for travel for people with a high level of interest in natural and cultural heritage . Specialist ecotourism , nature-based tourism , adventure tourism , Indigenousm tourism , historic or cultural tourism products all often involve heritage places . Tourism to heritage places often works very effectively in combination with other...