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Heritage
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Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics
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Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 15742

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fátima Matos Silva

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Guest Editor
Tourism, Heritage and Culture Department, Portucalense University, Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida Street, n.º 541/619, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: humanities and social sciences, with a focus on archaeology; cultural heritage; preventive conservation; heritage management and spatial planning and sustainable development; impacts and threats to cultural heritage; heritage interpretation and enhancement; museology; universal accessibility; accessibility of heritage; cultural tourism; religious and accessible tourism; pilgrimages
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Isabel Vaz de Freitas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Tourism, Heritage and Culture Department, Portucalense University, Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida Street, n.º 541/619, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: cultural heritage; history; cultural landscape; living heritage; heritage safeguard; heritage tourism and cultural tourism; urban landscape; water heritage; historical landscape safeguard

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heritage visits represent one of the main drivers of the dynamics of historic centres and the development of conservation, safeguarding, and sustainability of the heritage in these places. We have witnessed a profound regeneration of the landscape of historic cities and a greater concern for the conservation of the historical heritage, resulting from successive dynamics that promote heritage visits and tourism development. These dynamics are not only centred on heritage, but also increase the economic benefits for the communities of residents who find other forms of income and more job opportunities, constituting an important means of developing social equity, reducing inequalities, and increasing sustainability.

At the same time, the dynamics surrounding historical heritage can also constitute risks if there is no concern for the balance between visits and the protection and safeguarding of the heritage. In this sense, the dynamics of historic centres must count on a broad dialogue and great cooperation between the various actors involved in order to manage the historic centre and visits in a sustainable manner, acting in the protection of the values intrinsic to cultural heritage.

It is therefore necessary to identify the main risks inherent in heritage tourism and to identify cases, methodologies, and strategies that promote the sustainable use of cultural heritage and its constant surveillance.

There is still a scarcity of scientific literature on these and other related topics. With this Special Issue, we aim to fill these gaps by encouraging researchers from different areas to explore the possibilities of research on these themes in a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, diachronic and/or synchronised, and transversal way.

Possible themes:

  1. Landscape character and heritage safeguarding
  2. Regenerative tourism and resilient cities
  3. Heritage capacity-building strategies
  4. Armed conflict, heritage safeguarding, and city tourism dynamics
  5. City's sustainable policies and methodologies in heritage tourism
  6. Universal accessibility in historic centres
  7. Heritage tourism and sustainable development
  8. Challenges and sustainability of heritage tourism
  9. Innovation and sustainability of heritage tourism
  10. Historical centres and adaptive reuse
  11. Interpretation, valorization, and communication of heritage tourism
  12. Urban and sustainable dynamics of heritage tourism
  13. Risks and challenges of heritage tourism

Prof. Dr. Fátima Matos Silva
Prof. Dr. Isabel Vaz de Freitas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • heritage tourism
  • cultural tourism
  • heritage safeguard
  • city tourism dynamics

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 288 KiB  
Article
Economic Contribution, Characterization, and Motivations of Tourists: The Raymi Llaqta in Peru
by Franklin Omar Zavaleta Chavez Arroyo, Alex Javier Sánchez Pantaleón, Milena Leticia Weepiu Samekash, Jhunniors Puscan Visalot and Rosse Marie Esparza-Huamanchumo
Heritage 2024, 7(11), 6243-6256; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7110293 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 909
Abstract
This study assesses the economic contribution and motivations of tourists attending the Raymi Llaqta festival in Chachapoyas, Peru. This study used an econometric analysis based on the application of two types of regression models: non-zero truncated Poisson regression and zero-truncated negative binomial regression. [...] Read more.
This study assesses the economic contribution and motivations of tourists attending the Raymi Llaqta festival in Chachapoyas, Peru. This study used an econometric analysis based on the application of two types of regression models: non-zero truncated Poisson regression and zero-truncated negative binomial regression. Data were collected through face-to-face structured interviews with domestic and foreign tourists who visited Chachapoyas during the festival. Results indicate significant spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Tourist satisfaction averaged 3.7, with notable appreciation for the festival’s variety, authenticity, local hospitality, and safety. While both foreign and domestic tourists expressed positive views on the cultural representation and organization of the event, they suggested improvements in hygiene and promotional efforts. Despite using a structured questionnaire, response bias could affect the accuracy of self-reported experiences. This research provides valuable insights into the festival’s direct economic impact on the local economy and highlights the importance of high tourist satisfaction for effective marketing strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
18 pages, 1318 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Sociodemographic Profile on the Tourist Experience of the Fiesta de los Patios of Córdoba: An Analysis of Visitor Satisfaction
by Lucía Castaño-Prieto, Lucía García-García, Minerva Aguilar-Rivero and José E. Ramos-Ruiz
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5593-5610; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100264 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 544
Abstract
The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2012, serves as an emblematic case of how this designation acts as a tourist brand, attracting a greater number of visitors and granting a competitive advantage to [...] Read more.
The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2012, serves as an emblematic case of how this designation acts as a tourist brand, attracting a greater number of visitors and granting a competitive advantage to the city’s tourist market. This research is focused on analyzing the differences and similarities in the satisfaction, lived experience and behavioral intention of tourists according to their sociodemographic profile during the 2022 edition of the Patios Festival. The study’s main objective is to understand the sociodemographic profile of the tourist who visits this event and if there are features of this profile that influence the satisfaction and lived experience with the event. Using a quantitative methodological approach, field work was carried out during the Fiesta de los Patios of Cordoba (Spain) in its 2022 edition, which took place between 3 and 15 May 2022, obtaining 383 valid surveys. The results reveal differences in the perception and satisfaction of the experience depending on the sociodemographic profile of the visitors. These findings highlight the need to adapt the tourism offerings to improve the visitor experience and also contribute to the scarcity of studies on ICH to help tourism managers formulate strategies that maximize the cultural and economic benefits of these Word Heritage inscriptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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17 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
In Search of New Dimensions for Religious Tourism: The Case of the Ancient City of Nessebar
by Sonia Mileva and Milena Krachanova
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5373-5389; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100253 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 925
Abstract
Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a [...] Read more.
Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a unique case study for examining this dynamic. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, including documentary analysis and case study methodology, to investigate the current state of religious tourism in Nessebar. The research revealed the underutilization of Nessebar’s religious sites for tourism purposes, despite their potential value. A complex interplay between mass tourism, cultural preservation, and the decline of traditional religious practices was identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
19 pages, 3422 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Heritage on the Revealed Comparative Advantage of Tourism—A Worldwide Analysis from 2011 to 2022
by Zsuzsanna Bacsi
Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5232-5250; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090246 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 819
Abstract
A country’s development is crucially determined by its cultural and natural heritage, and it is reflected in its industrial structure and its success in the global marketplace. The present paper looks at the global performance of tourism, comparing its performance measured by the [...] Read more.
A country’s development is crucially determined by its cultural and natural heritage, and it is reflected in its industrial structure and its success in the global marketplace. The present paper looks at the global performance of tourism, comparing its performance measured by the Normalised Revealed Comparative Advantage (NRCA) index to the components of natural and cultural heritage, analysing 117 countries of the world. Natural and cultural heritage indicators were derived from the tourism competitiveness reports of the World Economic Forum for the years 2011–2013–2015–2017–2019–2022. Panel regression analysis was applied, with NRCA as the dependent variable and eight indicators of natural and cultural heritage as independent variables, comparing regions of the world. The main findings show considerably differing patterns between regions; Europe and Eurasia being similar to the Americas, with decreasing competitive advantage associated with more focus on endangered species and observance of environmental treaties, while the Middle East and North Africa show a strongly opposite pattern. Cultural heritage has a positive impact only in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Asia and the Pacific benefit mainly from the increase of protected areas and abundance of species. These differences shed light on differences in tourism competitiveness in the global market and may guide policymakers towards utilising heritage items for improving tourism performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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17 pages, 3584 KiB  
Article
Community Attachment to AlUla Heritage Site and Tourists’ Green Consumption: The Role of Support for Green Tourism Development
by Ibrahim A. Elshaer, Mansour Alyahya, Alaa M. S. Azazz and Sameh Fayyad
Heritage 2024, 7(6), 2651-2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7060126 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 1525
Abstract
This study explores the interrelationship between community attachment in AlUla Heritage City (located in Saudi Arabia) and tourists’ green consumption practices, testing support for green tourism development as a mediator. The old historical city of AlUla, a significant city experiencing ongoing preservation and [...] Read more.
This study explores the interrelationship between community attachment in AlUla Heritage City (located in Saudi Arabia) and tourists’ green consumption practices, testing support for green tourism development as a mediator. The old historical city of AlUla, a significant city experiencing ongoing preservation and tourism development, represents an adequate context for exploring the link between community attachment and green tourism practices. This study employs a quantitative approach, including surveys with 328 local residents of AlUla. A structural equation modeling partial least square (PLS-SEM) analysis is conducted to explore the indirect influence of community attachment on tourists’ green consumption through the mediating role of support for green tourism development. The findings indicated a positive path from community attachment in AlUla to tourists’ tendencies toward green consumption behavior. Moreover, the mediating effects of support for green tourism development suggested that a deep sense of community attachment improves tourists’ support for green practices in the tourism sector. This study adds to the extended body of the literature on place attachment and green tourism by emphasizing the significance of community place attachment in stimulating tourists’ green consumption practices. Several practical implications for policymakers seeking to promote green tourism practices in heritage cities like AlUla are explored from the study results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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26 pages, 44646 KiB  
Article
Conservation and In Situ Enhancement of Earthen Architecture in Archaeological Sites: Social and Anthropic Risks in the Case Studies of the Iberian Peninsula
by Sergio Manzano-Fernández, Camilla Mileto, Fernando Vegas López-Manzanares and Valentina Cristini
Heritage 2024, 7(5), 2239-2264; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7050106 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However, [...] Read more.
Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However, their physical conservation, essential for efficiently ensuring information with precision, poses a serious challenge for the various professionals involved, as numerous social and anthropic risks threaten long-term preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Of all traditional building materials, earth is undoubtedly one of the most fragile and sensitive to loss in the absence of the original protection systems, so that a precise assessment of its threats is essential to minimizing the destruction of these non-renewable assets. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most determining human risk factors within the territorial scope of the Iberian Peninsula, including aspects such as its musealization, suitable interpretation, visit planning, agricultural land use, vandalism and rural depopulation. This is achieved through a literature review and on-site data collection from 85 archaeological sites, as well as the development of an analysis tool to assess the degree of vulnerability, aiming to develop prevention measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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28 pages, 1862 KiB  
Article
Urban Heritage Facility Management: A Conceptual Framework for the Provision of Urban-Scale Support Services in Norwegian World Heritage Sites
by Bintang Noor Prabowo, Alenka Temeljotov Salaj and Jardar Lohne
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1372-1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030066 - 9 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1814
Abstract
This study validated the theoretical keypoints obtained from a previously published scoping literature review within the context of three Norwegian World Heritage sites: Røros, Rjukan, and Notodden. The cross-sectional table of the urban heritage facility management (UHFM) framework, which is based on interviews [...] Read more.
This study validated the theoretical keypoints obtained from a previously published scoping literature review within the context of three Norwegian World Heritage sites: Røros, Rjukan, and Notodden. The cross-sectional table of the urban heritage facility management (UHFM) framework, which is based on interviews and correspondence, demonstrates the connection between the tasks of the six clusters of technical departments responsible for the provision of urban-scale support services and the modified critical steps of the Historic Urban Landscape approach, in which an additional step for “monitoring and evaluation” was included. UHFM operates at the intersection of heritage preservation, urban-scale facility management, and stakeholder coordination, which requires a careful balance between urban heritage conservation and sustainable urban management practices, thus enabling the preservation of World Heritage status that, among others, fosters sustainable tourism. The three case studies highlighted the significance of UHFM in preserving heritage value, authenticity, visual quality, and significance. Besides providing comprehensive support services that extend beyond the daily tasks of conservators and World Heritage managers, UHFM also allows feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. This study highlighted the complex relationship between the provision of urban-scale support services and the preservation of Outstanding Universal Value as the core business of World Heritage sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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14 pages, 1210 KiB  
Article
Residents’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior and Tourists’ Sustainable Use of Cultural Heritage: Mediation of Destination Identification and Self-Congruity as a Moderator
by Ibrahim A. Elshaer, Alaa M. S. Azazz and Sameh Fayyad
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1174-1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030056 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1848
Abstract
In the face of escalating global concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage, this research explores the intricate connection between residents’ environmentally responsible conduct (ERB) and tourists’ sustainable involvement with cultural heritage sites (SU). Highlighting the pivotal importance of destination [...] Read more.
In the face of escalating global concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage, this research explores the intricate connection between residents’ environmentally responsible conduct (ERB) and tourists’ sustainable involvement with cultural heritage sites (SU). Highlighting the pivotal importance of destination identification (DI) as a mediator and self-congruity (SC) as a moderator, our study utilizes a quantitative data approach to investigate the nuanced relationships inherent in the domain of tourism destinations. The data were collected from 324 tourists (visiting Luxor heritage city in Egypt) and analyzed by PLS-SEM, and the results showed a positive correlation between residents who strongly identify with their local environment and an increased dedication to environmentally responsible actions. Moreover, tourists who demonstrate elevated levels of self-congruity with the cultural heritage destination are inclined to embrace more sustainable behaviors, thereby making positive contributions to heritage preservation initiatives. This study enriches the evolving domain of sustainable tourism by providing insights into the intricate interactions between residents and tourists, fostering environmentally responsible behavior, and promoting the sustainable utilization of cultural heritage. Practical applications encompass the formulation of community-based interventions, the design of destination marketing strategies, and the proposal of policy recommendations. These initiatives aim to enhance the engagement of both residents and tourists, fostering the long-term preservation of cultural and environmental assets. Ultimately, the research seeks to guide sustainable tourism practices that strike a balance between the economic advantages of tourism and the essential preservation of cultural heritage and natural environments for future generations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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12 pages, 870 KiB  
Article
Heritage Tourism Resilience and Sustainable Performance Post COVID-19: Evidence from Hotels Sector
by Alaa M. S. Azzaz and Ibrahim A. Elshaer
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1162-1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030055 - 22 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1952
Abstract
Heritage tourism in Egypt, differentiated by its distinctive ancient wonders and cultural prosperity, has faced numerous challenges through its history, with political unrest, economic fluctuations, and, most recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic. This research paper investigates the dynamic interplay between planned and adopted [...] Read more.
Heritage tourism in Egypt, differentiated by its distinctive ancient wonders and cultural prosperity, has faced numerous challenges through its history, with political unrest, economic fluctuations, and, most recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic. This research paper investigates the dynamic interplay between planned and adopted resilience within the hotel sector in Egyptian heritage sites and their consequential effects on both social and economic sustainability. A quantitative research method was employed to empirically explore these dynamics. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 550 top and middle managers in hotels located in heritage sites, capturing insights into their perspectives on planned and adopted resilience. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis utilizing “partial least squares structural equation modeling” (PLS-SEM), providing a robust foundation for drawing meaningful conclusions. Findings from the research underscore the necessity of aligning planned and adopted resilience to generate sustainable social and economic performance. The synthesis of planned and adopted resilience was revealed to be pivotal in generating sustainable social and economic performance for hotels. This synthesis catalyzes the hotels’ ability to mitigate uncertainties, adjust to changing environment, and ensure long-term viability. This research might contribute to the current literature by suggesting industry-specific awareness for the reciprocal relationship between planned and adopted resilience in the hotel businesses and their combined influence on both sides of sustainability (social and economic). The findings provide actionable recommendations for hotel management, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance resilience, foster social cohesion, and ensure the economic sustainability of heritage tourism in an everchanging environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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12 pages, 6082 KiB  
Article
From Oblivion to Life: The Recovery of Intangible Cultural Heritage through the Anti-Aircraft Shelters of the Spanish Civil War
by Pablo Rosser and Seila Soler
Heritage 2024, 7(2), 817-828; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7020039 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700
Abstract
This article examines the rehabilitation of anti-aircraft shelters from the Spanish Civil War in Alicante, Spain. Funded by European resources and managed by local public administration, these shelters have been restored as cultural and tourist attractions. This study aims to analyze their role [...] Read more.
This article examines the rehabilitation of anti-aircraft shelters from the Spanish Civil War in Alicante, Spain. Funded by European resources and managed by local public administration, these shelters have been restored as cultural and tourist attractions. This study aims to analyze their role in preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage, with a focus on their significance as tangible remnants of a historical period and their reflection on survival practices during the war. This research investigates the impact of public management in rehabilitating these shelters and in disseminating their history and culture. It explores decision-making processes, community engagement, and strategies for promoting cultural tourism. Employing a mixed methodology, this study gathers primary data through interviews with individuals who witnessed the war and secondary data from documentary and bibliographic sources. Findings suggest that the rehabilitation of these shelters has been pivotal in preserving Alicante’s historical memory and cultural heritage. Making the shelters accessible to the public facilitates knowledge transmission about the Spanish Civil War, promotes cultural tourism, and engages the local community in the dissemination of history and culture. This study’s results and conclusions are relevant for academics, professionals, and cultural heritage managers at both national and international levels, offering insights into the effective preservation and promotion of historical sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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