QUSAIR AMRA (JORDAN) WORLD HERITAGE SITE: A REVIEW OF CURRENT STATUS OF PRESENTATION AND PROTECTION APPROACHES

Abstract

In 1985, the monument of Qusair Amra a particularly well-preserved Islamic palace site was afforded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In turn, a steadily increasing number of cultural tourists have visited the area since that time. However, the topic of presentation of heritage resources is still an emergent notion in Jordan. Moreover, an integrated presentation, approaching the world heritage monuments within their natural setting, is necessary for an enhanced preservation and interpretation of the resources. This study is an exploration of the nature of world heritage monuments presented to the public in Jordan through an analysis of a case study. The presentation and protection of Qusair Amra is the subject of a careful analysis in the research presented here. This paper provides an overview of the issues of risks generated by visitors and of presentation of world heritage monuments. The specific aims of the study were to assess the potential and current risks generated by visitors as well giving a general appraisal of implemented heritage presentation techniques. It examined the achievement of heritage presentation in enhancing heritage tourism development in Qusair Amra. On site visits were used to ascertain presentation tools and site management being operated at Qusair Amra. Conclusions and recommendations have emerged from this analysis. The main outcome is the lack of careful planning for heritage presentation at the attraction level. This lack has led to differences in the management of other issues such as interpretation and knowledge of visitor profiles. This research can be used in future tourism planning, tourist management and future interpretation of Qusair Amra.