Cultural Heritage Research Articles

Harmonious Heritage through the Qualitative Analysis of Northeast Folk Songs in the Evolution of Northeast Drum

This study explores the artistic and cultural significance of the Northeast Drum (Jianban), a traditional Chinese folk art characterized by its unique blend of narrative storytelling, rhythmic musical accompaniment, and audience interaction. The research focuses on the contributions of Liu Guiying, a renowned provincial representative inheritor of the Northeast Drum, and her innovative techniques that have revitalized this art form. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observations, the study examines the structure and themes of Northeast Drum performances, the role of improvisation, and the integration of Northeast folk songs. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of these performances and their cultural resonance within the community. The study also discusses the challenges and opportunities in preserving this intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of educational programs, digital archiving, and cultural policies. Recommendations for future research include comparative studies, the impact of modern technology, audience dynamics, and longitudinal studies on preservation efforts. This research contributes to the understanding and sustainable development of the Northeast Drum, ensuring its relevance for future generations.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Heritage Education: A Multimedia Approach to ‘Phra Aphai Mani’

Even though classic literature has cultural and educational value in heritage education, students often have trouble becoming interested because of the archaic language, a lack of good learning materials, the idea that the literature is not relevant, and complicated plots. This research aims to enhance heritage education by identifying barriers and drivers in youth engagement with classic Thai literature and exploring how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles could be applied to increase motivation in learning classic literature through multimedia. Ten interviews with experts, 100 on-site questionnaires filled out by students aged 15–25 years, and a multimedia e-book were used together in this mixed-methods study. As a case study, the researchers asked both experts and students to read the Thai classic poem “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch” and make suggestions for how it could be better. The results show that there are barriers to heritage education, such as ‘the story is not connected to the present’ (mean = 4.52/5), ‘archaic vocabulary and language barriers’ (mean = 4.36/5), and ‘learning materials’ (mean = 4.25/5). Surprisingly, Thai students showed more positive attitudes towards literature courses than expected based on international trends. Key drivers for enhancing heritage education include ‘classic literature in modern, easy-to-read language’ (mean = 4.65/5), ‘including multimedia’ (mean = 4.58/5), ‘the plot/story adapted to the current era’ (mean = 4.50/5), and ‘new presenting technologies’ (mean = 4.49/5). Next, as an innovative way to improve heritage education, this study developed a free e-book titled “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch”, which includes motion graphics and other multimedia elements. This research contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how UDL can be applied to classic literature within heritage education, enhancing understanding of student needs, and creating more effective, inclusive multimedia teaching methods for preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.

Manifestation and Management of Cultural Heritage: An Analysis of the Old Towns of Kenyan Coastal Region

The study examined the current manifestation of intangible and tangible cultural heritage of old towns of Lamu and Mombasa in the coastal region of Kenya, with a view of evaluating management efforts by heritage managers in the region. An exploratory research design with a mixed method approach was used to generate new ideas and assumptions regarding how cultural heritage is manifested. A sample size of 110 participants from both towns was selected through multistage cluster sampling, out of which 15 heritage managers, 40 community household leaders and 55 community elders were selected using purposive and snowball techniques. The study utilized semi structured interview guides, photography and observation as data collection methods. Descriptive analysis, content analysis-specifically attribution and designation analysis were used to analyze data. The study established that cultural heritage in the old towns is manifested through symbols, values and artefacts and architecture. Among the most evident manifestations in both old towns are in the form of wedding ceremonies, burial rituals, and limited cultural festivals especially during key religious practices Manifested architectural heritage undergoing shocks is restored for tourism purposes. However, intangible heritage is preserved, not for tourism purposes but as part of local’s way of life and as dictated by cultural values such as religion. Most organizations concerned with management of cultural heritage recognize its importance and have adapted reconstruction and restoration methods of tangible heritage especially old architecture. Among preferred recommendations were that tourism as the main economic activity in the region should be developed to benefit cultural heritage. The article advocates promoting resilience of heritage through gainful economic activities such as tourism to promote its posterity.

Advancements in Natural Language Understanding- Driven Machine Translation: Focus on English and the Low Resource Dialectal Lusoga

This review explores recent advancements in Natural Language Understanding-driven Machine Translation (NLU-MT) with a focus on English and the low-resource dialectal Lusoga. A Low-resource language, such as Lusoga, faces significant challenges in Machine Translation (MT) due to the scarcity of high-quality parallel corpora, the complex morphology inherent in Bantu languages, and the dialectal variations within Lusoga itself, particularly between Lutenga and Lupakoyo. This paper examines the role of NLU-based MT systems in overcoming these challenges by shifting from word-for-word mapping to meaning-based translations, enabling better handling of these dialectal differences. We highlight the success of leveraging linguistic similarities between Lusoga and related languages, such as Luganda, to improve translation performance through multilingual transfer learning techniques. Key advancements include the use of transformer-based architectures such as Multilingual Bidirectional and Auto-Regressive Transformer (mBART) and Multilingual Text-To-Text Transfer Transformer (mT5), specifically selected for their effectiveness in NLU-driven contexts, which have shown promise in enhancing translation accuracy for African low-resource languages. However, the review also identifies ongoing obstacles, including historical low demand and the lack of well-developed corpora, which hinder scalability. The paper concludes by emphasizing the potential of hybrid approaches that combine community-driven corpus-building initiatives with improved model architectures to drive further progress in low-resource MT. Ultimately, NLU-MT is positioned as a crucial tool not only for bridging communication gaps but also for preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

Intangible cultural heritage versus tourism: residents’ reactions to temporal overtourism during the Day of the Dead in Mixquic, Mexico

ABSTRACT Globalisation opens small communities and their traditions to temporal overtourism, causing adaptations in the local dynamics. This study investigates responses to overtourism during the Day of the Dead in Mixquic, a semi-rural community located in Mexico City. Employing rapid ethnography, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and content analysis of social media, it delves into local perceptions and actions regarding temporary overtourism dynamics in a global patrimonialisation context. Results reveal a complex interplay between traditional practices, community resilience, and tourist dynamics. Despite challenges, residents show a positive attitude towards tourists, often incorporating them into ancient traditions while preserving cultural authenticity. Notably, symbolic representations of tradition persist amidst external pressures, showcasing the resilience of community identity. The study underscores the importance of embracing community-centric approaches – observing and considering the community – and innovative tourism strategies to mitigate negative impacts for a better preservation of cultural heritage. By prioritising resident values and needs, tourism can lead to practices that are beneficial to both communities and visitors. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of observing and listening to local communities.

Rhythms of Tradition Explores the Rich Heritage of Folk Music and Dance in Western Odisha

This study explores the rich heritage of folk music and dance in Western Odisha, delving into its cultural, spiritual, and social significance. Western Odisha is home to folk traditions such as Ghumura, Danda, Leela, Dhap, Sankirtan, and Daskathia, all of which reflect the region's deep historical and religious roots. These performances are not merely artistic expressions but serve as vehicles for transmitting cultural knowledge, reinforcing community bonds, and maintaining religious and spiritual practices. Instruments like Ghudka, Sarangi, and Devgunia are integral to these performances, symbolizing identity and tradition. The study reveals that many of these traditions are tied to religious rituals and agricultural cycles, with performances occurring during specific festivals or times of the year. Furthermore, the research highlights the role of these folk traditions in social functions, particularly in promoting community cohesion and facilitating courtship among youth. However, the influence of modernization, coupled with a lack of formal documentation, poses challenges to preserving these traditions. The increasing popularity of classical dance forms like Odissi in the region adds to the cultural transformation. The discussion emphasizes the need for institutional support and more excellent documentation to preserve these folk traditions for future generations. Festivals, workshops, and financial support for folk artists are proposed as potential solutions to safeguard this intangible cultural heritage. In conclusion, while the folk music and dance of Western Odisha continue to thrive, proactive efforts are essential to protect and sustain these traditions in the face of modern challenges.

TUKANG RABAB DAN KABA RABAB PASISIA DALAM ACARA BARALEK DI NAGARI TALAO

The study "Tukang Rabab dan Kaba Rabab Pasisia dalam Acara Baralek di Nagari Talao, Sumatra Barat" explores the competencies and presentation of kaba rabab pasisia in baralek events. This performance reveals the richness of Minangkabau culture, from a warm opening to a meaningful core story. Through poetic lyrics and captivating music, Kaba enriches understanding of Minangkabau cultural values. Tukang Rabab, as cultural guardians, adeptly perform rabab pasisia and master Minangkabau language and literature. Social interaction is key to their competence, living within the community of rabab pasisia artists and exchanging knowledge and skills. Despite facing modernization challenges, the art of rabab pasisia remains relevant and valuable. The participation of tukang rabab in cultural events, art training, and preservation projects strengthens Minangkabau identity and cultural heritage. This performance fosters community solidarity and serves as a platform for learning life values, enriching and preserving Minangkabau cultural identity, and encouraging the younger generation to uphold ancestral traditions

A study on the digital restoration of an ancient city based on historic building information modeling of wooden architectural heritage: focusing on Suwon Hwaseong

This study describes the process of digitally reconstructing the ancient Korean city of Suwon Hwaseong in 3D utilizing Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) resources to accurately represent its wooden architectural heritage. Previous 3D reconstructions of cultural heritage have often prioritized appearance or remained partially disassembled. However, our reconstruction method offers a comprehensive representation of the appearance and the internal structure of wooden architectural heritage, which can be suitable for restoration maintenance. To ensure accuracy in digital restoration, we collected and utilized administrative records and historical materials, including the geography, fortress walls, folk houses, and Haenggung (the temporary palace of the Joseon Dynasty)—drawing from the archive of the Korean Cultural Heritage Service’s management records and the 1796 manuscript “Uigwe: Royal Protocols of the Hwaseong Fortress” which documents the construction of the ancient city of Suwon Hwaseong. Extensive architectural records were used to generate HBIM data, which digitized historical records, documents, and drawings to accurately represent the complex layout of the wooden architectural heritage. For the folk houses that lacked design records and the fortress walls that retained their original shape, we performed a digital restoration-based façade modeling. These elements of the ancient city of Suwon Hwaseong were assembled into a 3D model using Unreal Engine (version 5.1.1) to digitally reconstruct the city and enhance its visual representation. The digital restoration content, which utilizes visual effects and precise rendering from a game engine, can be used for the restoration, repair, and maintenance of both appearance and internal structures.

Tea tourism landscape development through a sustainable alternative livelihood approach: a case study of Pedro tea estate, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Tea tourism has gained traction in the tourism industry around the world as a sustainable and eco-friendly niche in agro-tourism. Sri Lanka, a significant tea-producing nation renowned for its “Ceylon Tea” brand, has the opportunity to harness tea agro-tourism as a sustainable alternative income source. This research focuses on the case of Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka, to examine the sustainable alternative livelihood approach in tea tourism landscape development and its impact on both the tea tourism industry and community empowerment. Tea tourism offers immersive experiences to eco-conscious travellers seeking authentic encounters with the tea production process. By integrating sustainable practices, tea tourism fosters environmental responsibility and contributes to economic development in tea-growing regions. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, tea tourism demonstrates its potential to foster economic growth, social inclusion, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. This study aims to demonstrate how responsible practices and community engagement can enable the tea tourism industry to thrive while safeguarding the cultural and environmental heritage of tea-growing areas. The research endeavours to inspire other tea-growing regions to adopt sustainable landscape development and community empowerment strategies, fostering a more responsible and sustainable global tea tourism industry.

Preventive Preservation of Rammed Earth Historical Heritage Through Continuous Monitoring, Architectural Inspections, and Data Fusion

Rammed earth construction, an ancient and sustainable building technique, faces significant preservation challenges, particularly in historical contexts. This study aims to enhance the preventive preservation of rammed earth historical heritage through a comprehensive methodology combining continuous monitoring, architectural inspections, and data fusion. By integrating nondestructive testing techniques such as ultrasound, thermography, and ground-penetrating radar with operational modal analysis and modeling, the proposed approach allows for early detection and assessment of structural vulnerabilities. This methodology was applied to the Tower of Muhammad in the Alhambra of Granada, Spain, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and quantifying damage and predicting structural health. Using multi-source data (documentation, inspections, nondestructive tests, and continuous monitoring), a finite element model was built, calibrated (achieving an avg. error in modal frequencies of 1.28% and a minimum modal assurance criterion value of 0.94), and used to develop a surrogate model able to predict the modal properties of the tower in 0.02 s, becoming compatible with continuous system identification. The presented results highlight the importance of continuous data acquisition and advanced diagnostic tools for safeguarding rammed earth structures against environmental and anthropogenic threats. This study advocates for the adoption of digital twins in historical preservation, facilitating informed decision-making and sustainable management of cultural heritage.

Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Network Promotion Council & Natural History Museums: Pre- & Post-Disaster Response in Japan

Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Network Promotion Council & Natural History Museums: Pre- & Post-Disaster Response in Japan

Study on the Functions and Design Techniques of Urban Parks in the Context of Post-1949 Urban Development - Case Study of Xian, China

The urban park is an important part of the urban green space system and an essential factor in promoting sustainable development and urban transformation. The functions and corresponding design methods of urban parks also reflect the background and development requirements of different periods. In response to the requirements of urban development in different periods, parks in Xian have gradually changed from a single function of recreation to a function of cultural exchange and, in recent years, to a function of habitat protection. In order to better discuss and analyze characteristics and provide inspiration for further study, the article aims to divide the period from 1949 to 2020 into four stages according to the historical background, and make a comparative analysis according to the corresponding overall planning requirements and examples. The study will combine data with field visits to representative parks from four periods and analyze the relevance of their design and impact to the requirements of the times.The renovation of ancient gardens lays the foundation for the construction of parks, the protection and development of cultural heritage sites increases the role of parks in cultural construction, and the development and construction of ecological wetlands increases the function and role of parks in the construction of ecological civilisation. It can be concluded that the function of the park is also correspondingly related to its design approach.

The Framework of Modeling Buddhist Head in 3D with Semantic Information

Abstract. Buddhist statues hold profound spiritual and cultural significance, yet their comprehensive analysis and identification remain largely reliant on manual annotation and expert scrutiny. Despite advancements in 3D modeling, the nuanced representation of these statues, essential for automated analysis, remains elusive. Integrating semantic information such as symbolic and cultural elements poses a further challenge. There currently exists no standardized method for modeling Buddhist heads in 3D with semantic information. This paper proposes a framework for the component-based analysis of Buddhist statues, particularly focusing on their heads, to bridge this gap. Drawing from diverse disciplines including archaeology, art history, and conservation, the framework leverages advancements in 3D reconstruction to provide a detailed depiction of intricate features. Building upon existing research outcomes, the framework facilitates the seamless integration of semantic information, capturing not only the physical attributes but also the cultural, historical, and spiritual dimensions of these sculptures. This approach aids in overcoming challenges in automated analysis and virtual restoration, providing a dynamic tool for exploration, preservation, and interpretation of cultural heritage. By enabling interdisciplinary synergy, the framework emerges as a dynamic tool for exploring, preserving, and interpreting the profound heritage of Buddhist art with unprecedented depth and clarity.

Translanguaging and Decolonisation in South African Higher Education: Embracing Multilingual Pedagogies

Translanguaging, a practice that recognises and utilizes multilingual students’ linguistic repertoires has emerged as a crucial approach in challenging traditional language policies, particularly in the South African educational landscape.Despite its embrace, a colonial stance still persists in teaching practices. Through a critical analysis of teaching materials used in an academic literacy course, this paper explores how translanguaging is currently being used in teaching and learning. Findings reveal a tension in the sense that even though students’ language practices are acknowledged, the materials still maintain a dominant position for English. This highlights the need to move beyond a simplistic view of multilingualism towards a more holistic embrace of translanguaging.Set against this background, this research argues that translanguaging can bridge the abyssal divide created by colonialism. It emphasizes the unifying potential of translanguaging, fostering an educational landscape that celebrates South Africa's rich linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. Ultimately, the study calls upon educators to move beyond the limitations of standardized languages and fully embrace translanguaging as a transformative force for decolonization.At the end, the paper calls for further research.

Low-Cost Photogrammetry for Detailed Documentation and Condition Assessment of Earthen Architectural Heritage: The Ex-Hotel Oasis Rouge in Timimoun as a Case Study

Earthen architecture holds deep historical, cultural, and ecological value, forming an essential component of our global cultural heritage. However, these structures face numerous threats, including climate change, socio-economic shifts, and, in many cases, neglection, which accelerate their deterioration. This study introduces a photogrammetry-based methodology adapted for the digital documentation and preservation of earthen architecture within the context of developing countries. We focus on the Ex-Hotel Oasis Rouge in Timimoun, an iconic earthen building in southwestern Algeria and the current headquarters of CAPTERRE (Algerian Centre for Earthen Built Cultural Heritage). This paper details our approach to using photogrammetry to capture both the interior and exterior of the building, produce detailed orthophotos for archiving the unique earthen bas-reliefs, and conduct a condition assessment. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of photogrammetry as a cost-effective tool for heritage documentation, highlighting its potential to assist in the ongoing preservation and informed restoration of earthen architecture.

Framework and policy recommendations for the design of metaverse platforms in support of Saudi Vision 2030

Purpose This paper suggests a framework that describes the critical features and design elements that should be considered when creating a metaverse platform. This metaverse framework will assist in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically in making the applied technology transformation goal a reality. In addition, this paper offers valuable recommendations and insights for policymakers to guarantee the actualization of the digital transformation associated with the metaverse in Saudi Vision 2030. Design/methodology/approach This research plans to address the gaps by conducting a thorough literature review to examine the characteristics and design elements of the latest metaverse platforms. It proposes a suggested framework that discusses the distinctive features that should be considered when creating any metaverse platform. In addition, the research provides policymakers with important recommendations and insights to ensure effective contribution to the digital transformation goals of Saudi Vision 2030, thereby supporting the scientific development of the metaverse platform Findings After a deep review of the literature, this paper proposes a conceptual framework as described in Figure 1, which identifies the most important design features and elements that need to be considered when building a metaverse platform, which will be a critical component of the digital infrastructure. These design elements include immersive engineering, accessibility, privacy, security, interoperability, digital assets and regulations. They are essential to developing a powerful metaverse platform that has all the features of this virtual reality environment. Immersive engineering concepts in the metaverse world aim to improve user experience by creating more realistic, interactive and engaging virtual environments. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the development and implementation of metaverse platforms in Saudi Arabia by proposing a suggested framework that discusses the distinctive features that should be considered when creating metaverse platform and provides policymakers with some important recommendations and insights to ensure that effectively contributes to the realization of digital transformation, which is the one of Saudi Vision 2030. This paper carries several implications. First, this paper has an impact on future technology research, as it presented the most important design elements and advanced technologies for implementing metaverse platforms. In addition, it sheds the light on the limitations faced by Saudi Arabia metaverse platforms. Second, this research also has an impact on public policy in Saudi Arabia. This paper presented the most important recommendations that need to be taken into consideration when applying metaverse in Saudi Arabia [see section Recommendation]. Finally, it is seen that the presence of the metaverse not only facilitates but also supports digital transformation and the application of new technology. This research also has an indirect impact on society and the economy, as it is delineating the enhancements within these environments following the metaverse’s adoption, as elucidated in section Discussion. Social implications Metaverse platforms have societal impacts such as social engagement, entertainment, education, accessibility and cultural promotion. They can enhance inclusivity, improve well-being, showcase cultural heritage and boost tourism-related industries. Originality/value Proposed framework for metaverse platforms: The research proposes a suggested framework that outlines the distinctive features necessary for creating metaverse platforms. This framework is based on a thorough literature review and aims to guide the development of metaverse platforms that can support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Policy recommendations: The study offers important recommendations and insights for policymakers. These recommendations are designed to ensure that policymakers can effectively contribute to the realization of the digital transformation goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the context of applied technology transformation.

Study on the Problems and Countermeasures of Tourism Market Supervision in Ethnic Areas

Ethnic regions are increasingly capturing the attention of tourists, thanks to their unique cultural heritage and natural resources, thus becoming indispensable growth points in the tourism market. However, the rapid expansion of the tourism sector has imposed heightened demands on regulatory mechanisms. Currently, the tourism market in these regions faces a myriad of challenges, including insufficient oversight, a lack of transparency in information, and varying quality among market participants. These issues not only diminish the visitor experience but also impede the advancement of sustainable tourism development. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and effective regulatory strategy to standardize market order and ensure tourism quality. This study analyzes the current state and challenges of the tourism market in ethnic areas and proposes a series of targeted recommendations, including the enhancement of the regulatory framework, increased enforcement efforts, improved information transparency, and the elevation of participant quality. These strategies aim to foster the robust development of the tourism market, enhance visitor satisfaction, and achieve sustainable growth in the tourism industry of ethnic regions.

Understanding values in summer farm tourism

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the main drivers behind summer farm tourism and the elements of summer farms and the summer farm experience that create value for tourists. The study contributes to the conceptualization of summer farm food consumption. By combining concepts used in the analysis of rural tourism, such as postmodernity and cultural heritage, with the hospitality-oriented Five Aspects Meal Model, we offer a new avenue to understand the drivers behind summer farm tourism. Empirically, the study contributes by bringing a hospitality perspective into research about rural tourism, thus offering new avenues for future research. The results show that intrinsic and extrinsic values (e.g. product-specific and non-product-specific characteristics) of summer farm products, along with a welcoming atmosphere, aspects related to the cultural and biological heritage of summer farms, the scenery, and the possibility of encountering real-life animals, are appreciated elements in creating consumer and tourist value. Tourists appreciate the simple rural experience and wish to preserve the cultural heritage embedded in summer farms. Furthermore, traditional elements of hospitality are highly conditioned by postmodern and cultural heritage values.

Sustainable Spatial Features of Settlements along the Miao Frontier Wall and Miao Frontier Corridor Analyzed through Machine Learning Clustering

This study employed unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms to systematically analyze the spatial layout characteristics of residential buildings in villages along the Miao Frontier Wall and Miao Frontier Corridor in Western Hunan. The results indicated significant differences between the two regions in terms of the number of building clusters, distribution patterns, and compactness. A comparative analysis of the K-means and DBSCAN algorithms revealed that K-means is more effective in uncovering the internal spatial layout characteristics of settlements. Further analysis showed that villages along the Miao Frontier Wall exhibited greater diversity and complexity, whereas those along the Miao Frontier Corridor demonstrated higher clustering efficiency and denser internal building distribution. These differences can be attributed to variations in historical functions, geographical environments, planning concepts, and social structures. This research uncovers the spatial layout patterns of traditional settlements and proposes a machine learning-based approach to cultural heritage preservation, providing a theoretical foundation for future heritage conservation and spatial optimization, thereby promoting the sustainable development and protection of traditional cultural heritage.

Tourist-recreational impact on the Moscow–St. Petersburg macroregion: a multi-scale assessment using Big Data

The possibilities of using one of the varieties of Big Data – geolocalized photographs – as an objective indicator of the spatial distribution and intensity of tourist and recreational load within the macroregion “From Moscow to St. Petersburg” allocated within the framework of the State Program for Tourism Development are considered. The study uses an original geoinformation model assembled on the basis of freely distributed OpenStreetMap layers and photo points localized in space and time. It allows, on the one hand, to characterize the features of the placement of attractors (natural, cultural) and tourist and recreational infrastructure, on the other – to objectively assess the spatial distribution of the presence of tourists and recreants within the macroregion and describe the specifics of their intra-annual (seasonal) “attraction”. Aggregation of photography points into polygons, taking into account the differentiated clustering distance, made it possible to form areas of seasonal (summer, winter and spring-autumn) stay of tourists, as well as to get an idea of the minimum year-round and maximum episodic areas within the macroregion and individual areas exposed to the potential impact of tourists and recreants. The differences between the minimum and maximum areas of stay of tourists and recreants are proposed to be used to assess the effectiveness of the functioning of the industry in the areas of the macroregion. The obtained spatial areas and patterns of tourists’ presence open up opportunities for an objective assessment of the potential load on natural and cultural heritage sites. The uneven inclusion of both natural and cultural attractors in the sphere of tourism and recreation has been revealed, which leads to a situation where some objects of natural and cultural heritage experience significant industry pressure, while others remain almost or completely unaffected by the presence of tourists and recreants.