Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Tourism Development

Introduction
Travel is a phenomenon that broadens one's mind and ignites curiosity. It also connects us to
different places across the globe by giving us a glimpse into diverse cultures, traditions, and
histories. It introduces us with the unique identity of a place. But the act of tourism can pose a
threat to the cultural heritage as the tourism industry might hamper the uniqueness of the place.
This essay finds the relationship between cultural preservation and sustainable tourism
development. It also examines the economic, social, and environmental benefits of responsible
tourism practices. This paper acknowledges the long-term viability of both cultural treasures and
the tourism industry. It will dissect the benefits this synergy brings to tourist destinations,
specifically focusing on the economic, social, and environmental spheres. Cultural preservation
involves consciously protecting a community's culture, rituals, languages, and natural assets.
This includes tangible assets like historical landmarks and art and intangible assets like customs
and traditions. But sustainable development takes a comprehensive approach which focuses on
responsible practices to reduce environmental harm to local communities and save the cultural
heritage. (Streimikiene et al., 2021) This is basically a balanced approach to create a sustainable
tourism industry that promises to save the destination. There are advantages to fostering a
relation between culture preservation and sustainable tourism. First is economic benefits.
Cultural heritage comes as a source of attracting more tourists, resulting in higher revenue. This
can also create more jobs. Social benefits include the communities having a unique identity and
upholding it in front of the world. Cultural exchange brings diverse perspectives to the world.
But the most important part is the environmental benefits. Responsible waste management, eco-
friendly housings and overall minimization of environmental impact can contribute to the
protection of natural assets. This concept is important as uncontrolled tourism can have harmful
consequences. (Amerta et al., 2018) Mass tourism, with its large crowds and lack of respect for
local resources, poses risks to cultural heritage. Overcrowding at a historic destination can
damage historically valuable artifacts. Traditions should not be sold at the expense of money
because if the authenticity is gone, then there will be no value left.
Impact of Tourism on Local Cultures and Traditions:
Tourism can bring many advantages to destinations, but it also has potential disadvantages. If not
carefully managed, tourism can harm local culture and traditions. This paper will examine how
tourism affects different aspects of culture. This will also find a balance between both factors.

Mass tourism booms by making local cultures more alike to attract more tourists. They focus on
things and activities that most people like instead of special cultural things. (Vainikka, 2013)
This can lead to a "McDonaldization" of cultural experiences, where local culture is washed out.
Instead of promoting local culture, they present a safe & commercial version. The proliferation
of luau shows in Hawaii can be a great example. (Hoback, 2014) These performances provide a
glimpse into Polynesian culture but they are standardized for tourist consumption and neglect the
deeper significance of these rituals. Tourism can also bring financial pressure on communities,
which can lead to the exploitation of their cultural practices. To attract tourists, communities
might be forced to change their traditions to meet tourist demands. This threatens the inner
meaning of those customs. For example, in Kenya, the Maasai people have been forced into
performing planned "warrior dances" for tourists, which undermines the cultural and ceremonial
value of these rituals as well as the communities. (Kyejo, 2007)

Tourism has both positive and negative impact on culture, depending on the approach taken by
the community and tourist businesses. Cultural revival and intercultural exchange can have two
positive impacts. Tourism can give rebirth to a certain culture. As people become more interested
in a destination's past, it can create a spark in local’s appreciation for their own custom. Income
earned from tourism can be used to protect cultural items and repair historic arts which are on the
verge of disappearing. The commercialization of South Asian handmade art and crafts have
revived this old weaving method as a part of global fashion. Tourists visit these places for the
sake of buying those things. Tourism is also the best medium to enhance cultural exchange
which brings global citizens to an equivalent level of comprehension and acceptance. (Kozak,
2015) Cultural shows create different perspectives and different ways of life. This refreshes
people’s minds and they become more welcome to new cultures. Homestay programs where
tourists live with the local families give tourists more opportunities to get an authentic culture
closer. This also breaks the stereotypes between tourists and local families and thus the empathy
is born between both parties.

Tourism that is out of control can make small communities vulnerable to the incursion of
outsiders. They enter with different standards and manners and may assert themselves over
traditional ways of living. The pressure from visitors' expectations of catering to their needs may
result in the change of cultural practices. It makes it difficult to make a connection to the past.
For example, Venic of Italy can be a prime example of how history is being eaten by tourists.
The historic center of the city has significantly reduced the local population. It also transformed
the overall sense into Venice becoming a "theme park" instead of a living community. (Paolo
and Sans, 2009)

The life cycle theory of tourism development (Butler 1983) offers a platform for appreciation of
the implications of tourism at a destination in the long run. The proposed model reflects the path
destinations undergo through phases, from exploration to involvement, development, renewal,
decay, and finally decline. This can be the model for studying how cultures are affected by
tourism on the local level. Cultural representation in the early stages may be actually positive and
shared traditionally among both sides. On the one hand, at the early stage of tourism
development mass tourism is substituted by spread tourism. This harms destination
diversification and authenticity. This can result in a loss of cultural authenticity and put the local
population on the wrong side. Places like Bali, Indonesia, have had to cope with these threats,
trying to retain their originality as cultural identity in this commercialization.

Contribution of Tourism to Cultural Preservation vs. Cultural Homogenization:

Tourism’s relationship with cultural preservation is a double-edged sword as it can be a powerful
tool as well as can carry the risk of homogenization. This part will evaluate the potential of
tourism to contribute to cultural preservation through its economic, social-cultural, and
environmental dimensions. We will then explore the harms of cultural homogenization
associated with mass tourism and globalization.
Sustainable tourism, with its emphasis on all three pillars – economic, social-cultural, and
environmental sustainability – offers promising avenues for cultural preservation. Tourism can
provide revenue that can eventually be invested in cultural preservation programs. A certain part
of the money will be spent on the destination’s restoration, the other portion might be spent on
traditional craft and people associated with that. This way local communities are able to uphold
their heritage and stay relevant. Tourism therefore tends to create local cultural pride and
sympathy within communities. Cultivation of local pride and heritage may inspire people to take
a more active role in preserving native customs and linguistic traits. Besides, educational courses
for tourists can be the vehicle of cultural highness and broad-mindedness. (Fidgeon, 2010)
Sustainable tourism is defined by procedures that are based on environmental conservation. But
cultural preservation works as a by-product. Preserving natural landscapes not only protects
associated cultures but also ensures that future generations will be able to appreciate it. For
instance, ecotourism projects in local communities can become the means for sustainable lands
management, preserving the benefits of nature that the local culture depends on.

Tourism can still commercialize cultural practices. Traditions may be modified to fit the taste of
tourists, leaving them with merely the symbolic importance. This is shown in the multiplication
of cultural performances that are ultimately only meant for tourists, thereby losing their deep
rooted social or religious significance. Mass tourism is a major threat to the cultural identity in
local communities. The local community may have to absorb some external influences in order
to answer the needs of tourists which in the end might cause disconnection with their cultural
background. The process of globalization may bring on a situation where all the tourism
destinations are homogenized with the same amenities and attractions that were meant to please
international tourists. In such cases, individuality of destinations is lost, and they function like
indistinguishable tourist zones. One example is the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is listed
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its diverse wildlife as well as cultural heritage.
Tourism income earned through safari adventure creates a fund to conserve the natural
environment and preserve Maasai people as the native land caretakers. Lodges and tour operators
work intently with Maasai local communities, making sure the experiences are presented exactly
the way it should be and with respect. (Bhandari, 2014)
Strategies for Respecting and Enhancing Local Cultural Heritage
According to stakeholder theory, tourism development orchestrates partnership among all the
interfered parties. Local communities need to be a part of the tourism planning and management
process. Following initiatives can be taken:

1) Community-based tourism initiatives: Projects owned and operated by local communities

ensure cultural experiences are presented authentically and that benefits accrue directly to
the community.
2) Community advisory boards: Community involvement in tourism decision-making
ensures that the sensitivities of local culture and the knowledge of local people are taken
into account.

Sustainable tourism strategies protect nature and preserve the local culture. Tour operators have a
responsibility to educate tourists on local customs, traditions, and appropriate behavior at cultural
sites. Tour operators can:
1) Implement carrying capacity limits: Forbidding visitors at the vulnerable cultural
locations stops them from damaging and overcrowding.
2) Prioritize responsible waste management: Keeping the levels of waste production at the
minimum and applying proper waste management protects natural and cultural attributes
of destinations. (Dileep, 2007)
3) Invest in cultural preservation projects: Through partnerships with local groups for
cultural preservation, it develops feelings of ownership and for the enhancement of the
cultural fabric.

Countries should focus on establishing strong legislative mechanisms which will ensure the
protection of cultural heritage.This includes regulations on:
1) Preservation of historical sites and artifacts: Through the maintaining of appropriate
conservation strategies and controlling of the unlicensed trending activities.
 2) Respectful conduct at cultural sites: Making rules on etiquette presents themselves in the
form of appropriate clothing, sound levels, and taking pictures at places of cultural
significance.

Doxey’s (1975) Irridex model considers the effect of tourism on a destination. He mentioned that
negative impacts grow over time. Anticipation of future trends and proactive implementation of
measures will make cultural tourism sustainable. This will enable stakeholders to project and
prevent negative consequences in the long run. Technology may be used willingly as a means to
protect cultural heritage. Virtual reality technologies can be very helpful to create quality cultural
experiences in various destinations without putting more pressure on endangered heritage.

Conclusion
Finally, cultural conservation and sustainable tourism development are interconnected. Even
though tourism constitutes a major source of economic prosperity and creates a cultural diversity,
it may simultaneously bring a danger to the heritage and history. Sustainable actions are
important and governments should develop strong laws for cultural preservation and should
involve local communities in tourism development. This paper also emphasizes the importance
of tour operators and their particular responsibility. Travelers play a critical role as well. When
local cultures feel respected, when visitors dress appropriately at sacred sites, and when they
actively seek out authentic experiences, they can become conscientious guardians of these
cultural treasures. On top of that, the adoption of technological advancements can upgrade
cultural events. Virtual reality experiences can provide immersive exploration of fragile sites,
while augmented reality apps can offer interactive education about local tradition. Communities
can produce tourism products that reveal their cultural heritage in a fair way and preserve
cultural sustainability in connection with tourism growth. If all parties involved, government,
business and tourists, work together to shape tourism as a positive international cultural
experience, it will benefit all parties in the coming years.
References:
Amerta, I. M. S., Sara, I. M., & Bagiada, K. (2018). Sustainable tourism development.
International research journal of management, IT and social sciences, 5(2), 248-254.

Bhandari, M. (2014). Is tourism always beneficial? A case study from Masai Mara national
reserve, Narok, Kenya. Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 15(1), 458-483.

Butler, R. W. (2006). The origins of the tourism area life cycle. The tourism area life cycle, 1,
13-26.

Butler, R. (2008). The Concept of A Tourist Area Cycle of Evolution: Implications for
Management of Resources. The Canadian Geographer / Le Géographe canadien. 24. 5 -
12. Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228003384_The_Concept_of_A_Tourist_Area_Cyc
le_of_Evolution_Implications_for_Management_of_Resources

Dileep, M. R. (2007). Tourism and waste management: A review of implementation of “zero

waste” at Kovalam. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 12(4), 377-392.

Fan, D. X., Liu, A., & Qiu, R. T. (2019). Revisiting the relationship between host attitudes and
tourism development: A utility maximization approach. Tourism Economics, 25(2), 171-188.

Fidgeon, P. R. (2010). Tourism education and curriculum design: A time for consolidation and
review?. Tourism management, 31(6), 699-723.

Hoback, B. (2014). Sharing Aloha on the mainland: Cultural Identity and Connecting to Heritage
through Commercial Luau Shows in Central Florida.

Kozak, M.E. (2015). Tourism Development. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars
Publishing. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=nlebk&AN=1061675&site=eds-live

Kyejo, L. E. (2007). The Impact of Economic Reforms on the Maasai Pastoralists of Tanzania:
The Case of Migrant Youths (Master's thesis, Universitetet i Tromsø).

Paolo Russo, A., & Sans, A. A. (2009). Student Communities and Landscapes of Creativity:
How Venice—The World's Most Touristed City'—is Changing. European Urban and Regional
Studies, 16(2), 161-175.

Streimikiene, D., Svagzdiene, B., Jasinskas, E., & Simanavicius, A. (2021). Sustainable tourism
development and competitiveness: The systematic literature review. Sustainable development,
29(1), 259-271.

Vainikka, V. (2013). Rethinking mass tourism. Tourist studies, 13(3), 268-286.