Heritage Tourism Research Articles

A Study of the Spatial–Temporal Development Patterns and Influencing Factors of China’s National Archaeological Site Parks

National Archaeological Site Parks are strategic projects in China for innovatively exploring the scientific protection and rational utilization of large heritage sites for the purpose of balancing urban development and protecting cultural heritage. Therefore, research on the spatial–temporal evolution and influencing factors of National Archaeological Site Parks can improve and optimize their management and pattern systems and is therefore of great significance for the sustainable development of large sites and their surrounding areas. Targeting the 135 National Archaeological Site Parks of China, this paper adopts the nearest-neighbor index analytical method, the kernel density estimation method, the standard deviation ellipse method, the method of constructing an indicator system, and an SPSS factor analysis method to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution and influencing factors of these parks. The findings are as follows: (1) In terms of the temporal evolution, the number of National Archaeological Site Parks increased from 2010 to 2022, and the ages and types of the large heritage sites they are built upon gradually became more balanced and diverse. (2) In terms of the spatial evolution, National Archaeological Site Parks form two high-density areas in Central China and East China. Their overall distribution is consistent with China’s “Hu Line”. (3) In terms of spatial–temporal evolution, the center of gravity of National Archaeological Site Parks’ distribution is advancing toward Southwest China, and the trend of a more balanced distribution is rising. (4) Finally, regional development, heritage tourism, historical resources, and government support were observed to be factors that affect the spatial–temporal patterns of the National Archaeological Site Parks. Based on these findings, we propose specific strategies for coordinating and linking the above four major influencing factors to promote the rational utilization of large heritage sites and the sustainable development of National Archaeological Site Parks. We aim to improve and optimize the management and pattern systems of National Archaeological Site Parks, to promote urban renewal based on large heritage sites, and to provide valuable insights for policy makers and heritage practitioners in other countries with historical resources around the world.

Role of Education and Training to Make Agritourism A Success Story in India

: The paper explores the role of entrepreneurship education and training amongst women entrepreneurs to promote agritourism sector of the Indian economy. This study employ qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data questionnaires survey and in-depth face to face interviews, based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The research involved a matched sample of 10 registered farmers (from the Punjab Heritage Tourism Promotion Board) and 200 unregistered male and female farmers selected randomly from the Indian State of Punjab. Quantitative analysis suggests that there is a direct and significant impact of EET on the management, efficiency, and use of farming land. The findings also suggested that the fall in the agricultural productivity due to labour shortages; revenue losses are rising as commodity prices are falling. Therefore, it is not a surprise that farmers seek to supplement income through alternative means to enhance their socio-economic stability and viability. The findings suggest that there is high incidence of migration amongst male farming population and female farmers lack EET and reluctance on their part to work with external male population. However, analysis of male owner-managers of micro and small agritourist firms also reported to have lower levels of EET and hence the need for EET male and females; thus, EET and adequate access to finance were two major determinants of agritourist firms’ success in Indian Punjab.

Antecedents of memorable heritage tourism experiences: an application of stimuli–organism–response theory

Purpose Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to develop and tests a model of memorable heritage tourism experience (MHTE). The model proposes that experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography are important antecedents of MHTE, which is then a driver of place attachment. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study were collected using a Web-based questionnaire of people aged 18 years and over who had a heritage tourism experience during the previous three months (February–April 2023). The survey was distributed in May 2023 using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). A survey link was posted on MTurk, which remained active for the first week of May 2023. Out of the 283 responses received, 272 were valid responses from individuals who met the participation criteria. Findings Experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography were found to be positive drivers of the MHTE, with a positive relationship between MHTE and place attachment. Originality/value Many studies linked to memorable tourism experience (MTE) mainly replicate Kim, Ritchie, & McCormick’s (2012) MTE scale, regardless of the specific study context. This study offers an alternative framework through which alternative antecedents and outcomes of tourists’ MTE can be identified.

Differences in Heritage Tourism Experience between VR and AR: A Comparative Experimental Study Based on Presence and Authenticity

This study developed two distinct types of remote heritage virtual tourism programs, namely VR and AR. We utilized the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model to understand how users’ perceptions of vividness and interactivity in VR and AR influence their sense of presence and perceived authenticity. Furthermore, we explored how the sense of presence and perceived authenticity further impact tourists’ responses, including satisfaction and behavioral intention. The findings indicate differences between VR and AR in several aspects. To elaborate, in the context of VR, vividness significantly influences perceived authenticity, an effect not found within the AR setting. Furthermore, interactivity impacts the sense of presence in AR, but this is not the case in VR. Within an AR setting, a user's sense of presence directly influences their level of satisfaction, yet no corresponding impact was found in VR. Even though the results show varying influences of presence on user intention in VR and AR, no significant differences were discovered. By gaining an in-depth understanding of tourists’ actual perceptions of VR and AR applications, this study provides insights for heritage site managers on how to employ VR and AR to enhance the efficiency of virtual heritage experiences for tourists.

Analyzing the Architecture of All Saints Cathedral at Allahabad, India: Building Study and Heritage Potential

Heritage conservation is a major factor in promoting tourism. It helps to understand previous tradition, used materials, architecture style and evolution process. The link between heritage and tourism is the most visible aspect of the contribution of culture to local development. Due to the preservation of heritage many new jobs can be generated in the truism sector. When heritage tourism is done right the biggest beneficiaries not the visitors only but the local residents who experience a renewable appreciation in for and pride in their local city and its history. Art and architecture have the ability to transport us into different time and place it allows us to gain historical perspective and understanding. The All-Saints’ Cathedral in Allahabad stands as an epitome of architectural brilliance, religious heritage, and cultural significance. This research delves into the profound architectural attributes of the cathedral, offering insights into its historical context, structural design, and socio-cultural impact. Drawing upon architectural analysis and historical documentation, the study examines the evolution of the cathedral’s design, from its inception to its present form. Through a comparative analysis of architectural elements, including facade, interior layout, and ornamentation, the research delineates the cathedral’s adherence to prevailing architectural styles and its unique deviations. In conclusion, this research underscores the All Saints’ Cathedral in Allahabad as not merely a physical structure but a testament to architectural innovation, cultural heritage, and spiritual resilience. By elucidating its architectural intricacies and socio-cultural implications, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the cathedral's enduring legacy in the architectural landscape of Allahabad.This study explores the transformative impact of architectural elements on the spiritual experience within All Saints' Cathedral, Allahabad. Analyzing furniture, lighting, flooring, ceiling, fans, and roofing, it unveils how these components contribute to the cathedral's upliftment of worshippers. Through a nuanced examination, it elucidates the intricate balance between structural design and spiritual elevation, shedding light on the cathedral's role as a sacred haven in the hearts of believers.

Tourism research from 1945 to 2022

Purpose Existing tourism review articles have limited review topics and cover a relatively short period. This review paper aims to extend the coverage of the previous literature and enhances the completeness of tourism-related studies to provide comprehensive tourism-related literature from 1945 (World War II onward) to 2022. Specifically, this paper reveals the major research themes present in published tourism research during this time period and highlights the evolution of tourism research from the preliminary phase, the transversal phase, to the growth phase. Design/methodology/approach The present study visualizes tourism research through networks of coauthors and their countries and regions, cocitation analysis of keywords and explores the thematic evolution of tourism research after the World War II (i.e., 1945–2022) from Web of Science and Google Scholar through bibliometric analysis. Findings Findings reveal that the themes of tourism research in the past years can be divided into seven major research themes. The tourism research evolution from World War II to 2022 can be categorized into three stages: preliminary (1945–1970), transversal (1971–2004) and growth (2005–2022). In addition, the research themes of tourism are not static but evolve according to the dynamics of the society and the industry, and that seven main research themes have been formed, namely, “heritage tourism,” “medical tourism,” “adventure tourism,” “dark tourism,” “sustainable tourism,” “rural tourism” and “smart tourism.” Originality/value The present study expands and refines the comprehensive literature in tourism research, as well as reveals the trends and dynamics in tourism research through network analysis and thematic evolution research methods.

Niche Heritage Tourism in Stingray Island: The Case of Japanese Defense Heritage in Indonesia

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the competitiveness of Morotai Island, located in North Maluku, in terms of tourism development potential. Theoretical Framework: Tourism, defined as the movement of people to increase employment opportunities, local community economies, international trade, export revenue, foreign exchange earnings and investment, is influenced by a variety of social, cultural, and economic variables. Therefore, heritage sites and historic monuments are critical to urban development because they promote a sense of community among citizens while also emphasizing local identity and location. Method: Empirical research was carried out utilizing an inductive methodology using a variety of primary and secondary data sources. Results and Discussion: Results indicate that to further strengthen the community and further its tourism and regeneration aims, it could be beneficial for the autonomous organization organizing and overseeing social and cultural events and activities. Furthemore, to develop a range of tourism supporting services, the inventiveness of the region’s tourism entrepreneurs also require training in the early stages of region’s development. Research Implications: The study implicates an overall belief that improving Morotai's urban and economic landscape through tourism will either keep locals in the area or discourage them from leaving in pursuit of better opportunities and a higher standard of living. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the community heritage-based tourism as a tool of diversifying its local economic structure. This research precisely to recognize historic-heritage area in as a strategic instrument to develop rural areas.

Saudi youth views on hosting western music festivals: problematic performances and positive perceptions

ABSTRACT This exploratory study distils the views of Saudis aged 18–30 on hosting Western music festivals as part of the “Saudi Seasons” tourism strategy. Although the strategy has typically focused on developing cultural heritage tourism or business events, several Western music festivals have also been introduced. These festivals included prominent international music artists across various genres and represented a major shift in the types of tourism experiences previously found in Saudi Arabia. Most festivals were primarily designed to attract younger Saudi cohorts and therefore this study explored the views of the Saudi youth through a series of focus groups. Focus group participants revealed that Western music festivals presented a range of paradoxical issues and highlighted the complexity of rapidly developing new tourism experiences. Thus, this study underscores the critical importance of carefully cultivating future Western music festivals so that they produce positive social impacts within the conservative cultural and religious context of the country.

Accessing vicarious nostalgia and memorable tourism experiences in the context of heritage tourism with the moderating influence of social return

PurposeHeritage tourism is an increasingly popular form of tourism that allows individuals to connect with the past and immerse themselves in cultural and historical narratives. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the intricate relationships among vicarious nostalgia (VNOS), memorable tourism experiences (MTEXs) and their collective influence on tourists’ behavioral intentions (BINTs). Additionally, this study examines the moderating effect of social return (SN) in the context of heritage tourism.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire from 259 tourists visiting heritage sites in Jaipur. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results confirmed that VNOS had a significant positive impact on BINT in the context of heritage tourism. The causal relationship between VNOS and BINT was fully mediated by MTEX. The results further verified that the presence of SN strengthens the association between MTEXs and BINT.Practical implicationsThis research will guide the firms associated with heritage tourism to target specific cohorts interested in heritage tourism. Policymakers may find it easier to create unique offerings and packages that appeal to visitors interested in historical sites and produce memorable travel experiences. One key implication is to create “social media friendly spaces” at different locations of the sites. To increase tourism, managers may use the findings from this research to create plans for the ethical promotion and protection of cultural and natural heritage sites.Originality/valueOverall, this research advances the understanding of the role of VNOS in heritage tourism by elucidating its cognitive and emotional aspects and their subsequent influence on the memorability of tourist experiences and BINT s. Additionally, by considering the moderating effect of SN, this study provides a comprehensive view of how these factors collectively shape tourists’ decisions and actions in the context of heritage destinations. This research has been conducted in the heritage city of Jaipur (North-Western India), which, surprisingly – despite its popularity as a heritage tourism site – has not been sufficiently explored in the scholarly research.

Exploring the connotation of “Local Community” in ICOMOS discourse: a textual analysis based on authoritative documents

As an authoritative institution in cultural heritage conservation, ICOMOS plays a crucial role in guiding local communities’ participation in heritage conservation. However, its scattered and vague descriptions of local communities pose significant obstacles to further research and practice of community participation in heritage conservation. Given the increasing importance of local communities in heritage conservation, it is essential to systematically explore the connotation of Local Community connotations within ICOMOS discourse. This research employs Natural Language Processing methods to analyze ICOMOS’s descriptions of Local Community. Utilizing computational techniques of word frequency calculation, LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) topic model keyword calculation, and hierarchical clustering calculation, the research uncovers relevant keywords and its thematic clusters of Local Community. These findings are further elucidated by aligning them with the principles outlined in authoritative documents of ICOMOS. The research indicates that ICOMOS’s descriptions of Local Community can be summarized into four main keywords families. These keywords families can be summarized as a comprehensive Local Community “three-level, four-family” keywords system. The “Tourism” keywords family exhibits a close association with Local Community, highlighting ICOMOS’s heightened emphasis on heritage tourism. The “Management-Development” keywords family occupies the second level, emphasizing fundamental principles for local communities’ participation in heritage practices. The “Traditional-Knowledge” and “Social-Economic” Keywords Families, situated in the third level, respectively describe the value attributes and conservation approaches of local communities. Each keywords family formed over different periods, exhibiting varying trends of development. By systematically integrating ICOMOS’s descriptions of Local Community and employing Natural Language Processing for in-depth exploration, This research aims to construct a cognitive understanding of local communities from a new perspective of quantitative text analysis, with the intention of providing theoretical references for subsequent research on local communities.

The Post-Effects of the Authenticity of Rural Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourists' Engagement.

Amidst the burgeoning interest in rural Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) tourism, this study, anchored in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, chose Meizhou Island in Fujian Province as a case study to examine the impacts of tourists' perceptions of authenticity and their engagement levels on the destination image and loyalty towards rural ICH tourism. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data, findings revealed that higher perceptions of a destination's preservation of original characteristics and traditional values correlate with a more favorable overall perception of the destination, albeit with smaller impact on emotional connections. Conversely, depth of tourist engagement was shown to enhance both understanding and emotional bonds with the destination. Further, familiarity with the destination was found to foster affection, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeat visits or recommendations. The more tourists know about a place, perceiving it as authentic, the more likely they are to remain loyal; similarly, deeper engagement enhances understanding and affection, increasing the probability of revisiting or recommending the place. These outcomes not only offer new insights into tourist behavior but also provide theoretical and practical guidance for the protection and development of rural ICH tourism, destination marketing, and management strategies, thus promoting the sustainable development of rural ICH tourism.

Consuming communist heritage in China: user-generated image of red tourism via photographs

Purpose As a distinctive form of communist heritage tourism, the ideology and government-led form of red tourism warrants an in-depth examination of how tourists consume and perceive it. This study aims to reveal tourists’ perception of red tourism through the lens of destination image. Design/methodology/approach This study collected 9,819 user-generated photographs within four types of red tourism destinations (RTDs) and used a computer visual and semiotic analysis approach to conduct photograph-based cognitive and affective attributes extraction. Network analysis further visualized the co-relations between cognitive images and affective images. ANOVA analysis compared the differences of the four types of destination images. Findings Ten dimensions of cognitive image and eight categories of affective image of red tourism were identified. It found that monuments, statues, memorial symbols were the distinctive cognitive features, and admiration was the most dominant emotion. Heterogeneity of destination images was identified among the four types of RTDs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is one of the first to explore tourists’ consumption of red tourism through the lens of destination image, which reveals the inconsistencies between the officially projected images and tourists’ perceived images of red tourism. Using Plutchik’s model, it validates a series of positive and negative emotions contributing to the affective images of red tourism, which expands the findings of emotions within the extant red tourism research. Through combined applications of computer visual and semiotic analysis, ANOVA, network analysis and model visualization, the study provides an important methodological triangulation for photograph-based destination image studies.

Viewpoints on AR and VR in heritage tourism

In recent years, the emerging digital technologies of VR and AR have had practical applications for visitors in the tourism sector. The purpose of this study was to identify the usage of VR and AR in heritage tourism based on the experience of tourists. Twenty-two thousand user reviews about AR and VR from websites in the field of tourism were extracted by Python and analyzed with text mining techniques. The usages are classified into six main categories: Introducing the heritage, helping to recognize the heritage, encouraging the desire to visit and facilitating the possibility of visiting the heritage, the effectiveness of managing the costs of the visit, and the possibility of sensory experience. These six categories, in the form of “heritage identification” and “heritage experience,” enhance visitors' information about heritage destinations, increase the quality of the visit experience, and ultimately improve visitor satisfaction. The results of this study can inform tourism marketing and future technology integration. Therefore, this area should be paid attention to by tourism professionals, and the advantages can be harnessed to create sustainable virtual experiences.

Sound contexts of cultural heritage tourism in the Iberian Peninsula

ABSTRACT Podcasting has emerged as an important tool for interpretive communication of heritage and promotion and marketing of tourism organizations. The integration of podcasting in these organizations’ digital models and strategies became even more evident with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, setting an alternative and enriching medium for citizens to experience heritage. Thus, the aim of the paper is to explore the use of cultural heritage, tourism-related podcasts in the context of the Iberian Peninsula, a territory with deep geographical and intercultural relationships, with capacity for developing integrated tourism strategies and products, but also with dissimilarities in the tourism and media area. Through qualitative methodology, the cultural heritage, tourism-related podcasts available in Portugal and Spain in 2022 were mapped, an observation grid was built, and a content analysis was carried out, identifying the themes, the origin, the structure, sound expressiveness and narrative techniques used in podcasts. Thus, this paper contributes to a greater understanding of how podcasts are used in the tourism sector, highlighting the good practices existing in both countries, the advantages and potential of podcasts and pointing out new paths that could constitute innovative uses in communication in tourism.

Competing Choreographies of the Postcolonial Plantation: Planter’s Pageantry Meets Sistren Collective’s Sweet Sugar Rage

This essay examines the 1985 documentary film, Sweet Sugar Rage (co-directed by Honor Ford-Smith and Harclyde Walcott), and its methodologies of renewable resistance to the enduring choreographies of planter's pageantry in the postcolonial Caribbean. Produced by Jamaica's Sistren Theatre Collective – a radical community theatre group formed in 1977 – the film (the collective's first) documents a set of dramatic interventions focused on women's labour exploitation in Jamaica's sugar cane fields. A series of workshops and plays depicts the historical and current material conditions of cane workers and aims to support participants in the practical navigation of plantation labour. In staging the material conditions of post-independence Jamaican plantation labour, including the gendered hierarchies of union organising, these counter-choreographies of workers' solidarity re-occupy the cane field as a historically dense site of collective resistance. Furthermore, I argue, in their rejection of the ubiquitous and insidious staging of the plantation as an ahistorical, hyper-aestheticised dreamscape of leisure and play, these local counter-choreographies intervene on the scale of global history. The essay articulates the stakes of this refusal by historicising the installation of plantation heritage tourism as a nostalgic site of planter's pageantry that continues to erase the violent legacies of enslaved and indentured labour into the present day. Engaging the aesthetic and political consequences of these competing choreographies, the essay looks towards the future of the Caribbean as a global proscenium of postcolonial possibility.

Exploring gastronomy brands as value-based motivations for cultural and heritage tourism in Nigeria

Exploring gastronomy brands as value-based motivations for cultural and heritage tourism in Nigeria

Sustainable Development Concept of Heritage Kampung Tourism Using Novel Prioritization Approach

Rapid urban development in Southeast Asia is often the main cause of urban kampung formation, a cluster of sporadic and informal settlements. Kampungs possess the capacity to serve to build the local economy and provide culture conservation through heritage tourism. To promote sustainable development in heritage kampung tourism, it is imperative to propose directives that optimize its heritage qualities without compromising both the economic and environmental aspects of sustainability. This study aims to develop a comprehensive sustainable development framework on a local scale by implementing a novel prioritization approach. Descriptive statistical analysis, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Fuzzy AHP (FAHP) provide the researchers with a holistic understanding regarding heritage tourism sustainability by considering various stakeholders’ perspectives. Novel prioritization is presented using radar diagrams to understand how each variable, representing environmental, social, and economic criteria, has perceived importance according to experts and tourists. The analysis highlights the kampung Kayutangan’s sustainability while acknowledging variations in element importance, necessitating the alignment of development directives.

Preferences of Tourists for the Comfort of the Semarang Old Town Area After Revitalization as a Heritage Tourism Destination in the City of Semarang

Semarang Old Town Area has been designated as a National Cultural Heritage Area based on the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 682/P/2020. Revitalization of the Semarang Old Town Area abbreviated as KKLS is carried out with the aim of sustainable development and providing the benefit of increasing economic value for the local community by making minor changes to historic buildings, as much as possible to maintain authenticity, and if changes are needed, they must be carried out with careful consideration. After the revitalization, KKLS became one of the popular destinations by offering views of old buildings along with their historical value, being able to have a good influence on increasing economic activity and being able to become a strong tourist attraction for tourists. However, there are still problems related to the provision of public facilities such as toilets, parking, and lighting. Convenience is basically not only related to the availability of facilities but also regarding the psychology felt by tourists towards these facilities. The purpose of this research is to find out the comfort level of post-revitalization KKLS based on tourist preferences. The results of this research show that tourist feel comfortable, this is proven by six of the eight variables stating that they area comfortable.

Effect of the output of heritage designation on visitors’ motivation to visit the historic Kompleks Pasar Baru, Jakarta

This study examined the relationship between the output of heritage designation on visitors’ motivation to visit the historic Kompleks Pasar Baru in Jakarta. The output of the heritage designation in this study was focused on the tourism products, which included attraction, accessibility, and amenities. Thus, it used a quantitative approach to investigate the relationship between the two variables. The survey involved 150 respondents who filled out questionnaires, which consisted of 28 statements reflecting indicators in the tourism products variable and 13 in the visitors’ motivation variable. A 5-scale Likert was used, ranging from 1 to represent Highly Disagree through 5 Highly Agree. The data obtained was processed using SPSS, which included validity, reliability, classic assumption, simple linear regression analysis, and hypothesis tests. Findings showed there is a strong effect of the provision of tourism products as a consequence of heritage designation at Pasar Baru on visitors’ motivation to the area for as many as 91.1%. This study contributes to the heritage tourism knowledge, particularly related to heritage designation and visitors’ motivation as a consequence of the designation. Further study can be conducted, such as an exploration of the 8.9% of the remaining unknown factor.

The Research on the Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Based on Sustainable Livelihood : The Case of Yangjiabu Folk Art Garden and Red Sorghum Movie City

The Research on the Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Based on Sustainable Livelihood : The Case of Yangjiabu Folk Art Garden and Red Sorghum Movie City