Diffusion of Urban Heritage Tourism in Post-Colonial Bandung (A Case Study of Heritage Building Authorities)

Abstract

This paper is based on a research into diffusion of urban heritage tourism as an innovation among heritage building authorities in post-colonial Bandung, Indonesia. Sixteen respondents were taken as samples, all of whom were authorities of protected heritage buildings located along a heritage trail frequented by residents and visitors. The research used qualitative methods and the data was obtained through questionnaires and in-depth interviews in early 2012. It applied Diffusion of Innovations concept on the actual condition and managed to identify the following findings: at Knowledge stage, it was activities undertaken by the respondents during their childhood that became the foundation of their awareness of the innovation; at Persuasion stage, it was non-economic, intangible aspect that dominated the benefits perceived from the innovation; and at Decision stage, the respondents agreed to adopt the innovation. The diffusion process had taken a period of 18 to 48 years to reach Decision stage. The respondents’ characteristics matched the Innovator and Early Adopter type. Summary of findings introduces some additional benefits of heritage tourism.