Heritage Tourism Management Approaches

Abstract

This research examines different management approaches to heritage tourism, the top-down, value-based and integrated approach. It analyzes the positive and negative aspects of the different management approaches and critically compares their impact on heritage tourism developments within a global context. The study underlines six critical strategies that potentially contribute to creating an effective heritage management approach. These encompass heritage interpretation, balance between tourism and heritage, satisfaction of tourists, community involvement, community improvement, and heritage protection and conservation. The primary case study of this research is AlUla in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an emphasis on the management and decision-making process that affect heritage tourism developments and the local community. Key members of the Royal Commission of AlUla as well as significant members of the community are interviewed to develop in-depth understanding of the heritage management approach in the region. In addition to the interviews, tourist surveys were developed to collect the needed data of heritage tourist experience. The research aims to contextualize the local approach within a broader understanding of heritage management approaches worldwide. It ultimately aims to highlight the best practices that contribute to the success of heritage and cultural tourism with an eye on promoting community collaboration and sustaining the balance between tourism and heritage conservation