Heritage in Peril: A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Negative Impacts of Tourism

There are only a few other things in this world that can bring as much wonder and amazement to our way of life than tourism. Not only can tourism broaden the perspective of travellers, but it also helps contribute to the economy of many countries that may otherwise struggle in financially tough times. Yet, still, despite all the benefits, travellers, visitors, and tourists (TV&T) do take a toll on our common global heritage. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative type thesis is to uncover certain negative physical and social impacts of tourism on heritage sites around the world and on various ethnic groups and/or Indigenous Peoples. The research for this thesis led to the discovery that heritage sites have been either directly or indirectly negatively impacted by TV&T and/or the greater tourism industry in many ways. The physical impacts were found to be in the forms of TV&T producing vandalising graffiti and erosion caused by their movements, their impact on the microclimate of...Show moreThere are only a few other things in this world that can bring as much wonder and amazement to our way of life than tourism. Not only can tourism broaden the perspective of travellers, but it also helps contribute to the economy of many countries that may otherwise struggle in financially tough times. Yet, still, despite all the benefits, travellers, visitors, and tourists (TV&T) do take a toll on our common global heritage. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative type thesis is to uncover certain negative physical and social impacts of tourism on heritage sites around the world and on various ethnic groups and/or Indigenous Peoples. The research for this thesis led to the discovery that heritage sites have been either directly or indirectly negatively impacted by TV&T and/or the greater tourism industry in many ways. The physical impacts were found to be in the forms of TV&T producing vandalising graffiti and erosion caused by their movements, their impact on the microclimate of caves containing ancient wall art, touching or keeping pieces of cultural heritage artefacts and the greater tourism industry initiating the placement of both temporary and permanent forms of construction. It was also discovered that TV&T and/or the greater tourism industry has caused various negative social impacts on the perceived sense of sanctity of various heritage sites and to the Indigenous Peoples living among them in the forms of ‘Naked Tourism’ and overcrowding at Machu Picchu and the city of Venice, Italy. Lastly, an exploration into the social impact of the commodification of Indigenous Peoples by the greater tourism industry led to the realisation that this can and has led to the exploitation of many of these peoples and the change in the significance of many of their cultural materials.Show less

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Heritage in Peril: A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Negative Impacts of Tourism