In dictionary, heritage is the legacy, which comes from old generation and is passed on to the descendants. In other words, heritage is linked to ideas if inheritance, about what is important enough to want to pass on to future generation. UNESCO claimed that world heritage is the gift and treasure of humanity to future. In the book named The Uses of Heritage, Laurajane Smith claimed the concept of “authorized heritage discourse”, which explained the identity of heritage deeply. In Smith’s opinion, aesthetically pleasing material objects, sites, places and landscapes must be attended, respected and protected by modern people. The reason is that these sites might be beneficial to the education of future generation and the historical …show more content…
Heritage tourism is a personal experience and understanding with ancient heritage, building and monument. It has different purposes for different groups. In terms of visitors, interest is their best motivation to go to heritage. But actually, for most tourists, they just regard heritage tourism as a part of leisure activities. On the contrary, heritage tourism might have significant meaning for community, which can protect the value of community and maintain community culture. Meanwhile, for the administrator of heritage sites, heritage tourism not only is an effective way to preserve heritage, but also promotes the development of local economics. Furthermore, as a part of tourism industry and heritage industry, heritage tourism plays an important role …show more content…
First of all, the current situation of heritage tourism and its effects on heritage conservation, the culture of local communities and regional economy will be outlined. The reasons why heritage tourism becomes a critical factor of destroying heritage will be analyzed along with its existing problems. Secondly, the notion and significance of sustainable heritage tourism will be discussed. The needs of official organization, local community and visitors will be researched in detail through a couple of case studies. And then, specific measures of the development of sustainable heritage tourism will be examined relying on National Trust for Historic Preservation in America’s five principles. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn based on the meanings and specific measures of sustainable heritage tourism. Throughout this essay, the impacts of heritage tourism for heritage protection and the real meanings of sustainable heritage tourism development will be argued