Cultural landscape changes in the built environment at World Heritage Sites: Lessons from Bukovina, Romania

Abstract

World Heritage Sites (WHSs) are among the most visited destinations due to their unique cultural and natural features. Their recognition by UNESCO as having ‘outstanding universal value’, while meant to help preserve their characteristics, also leads to increased visitation that may put them at risk. This study focuses on the changes in the cultural landscape as a result of tourism development at WHSs in the region of Bukovina, Romania. The paper offers a comprehensive picture by employing a mixed-method approach and analysing a wealth of data collected from key stakeholders involved in tourism development. The findings show that there is agreement among stakeholders with regard to the importance of preserving the cultural landscape of heritage destinations, with most believing that stricter measures should be put in place. However, the lack of cooperation between the key stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation could pose a threat for the sustainable development of tourism in the region. The study contributes to expanding our knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by heritage destinations in developing countries in Eastern Europe, in particular their struggle to keep up with the modern life style while preserving their cultural features and thus the authenticity of the area. • Investigates the challenges faced by heritage destinations in developing countries. • Uses mixed methods to understand the view of the key stakeholders on the topic. • Finds that protecting cultural landscape is an important challenge for World Heritage Sites. • Highlights a lack of cooperation between the key stakeholders in Bukovina.