tourism development case study

Tourism Extension

• Destination Leadership Resources

Sustainable Tourism Case Studies

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

The Sustainable Tourism Case Studies Clearinghouse aims to provide examples of how the tourism industry is addressing a variety of challenges – from workforce housing to coastal degradation. NC State University students have designed these case studies to highlight solutions from tourism destinations across the United States and around the world, so community leaders and tourism stakeholders can adapt solutions to fit the unique challenges of their destination.

NC State students want to know what sustainable tourism challenges you are facing. Solutions to these challenges will be shared in the NC State Extension Sustainable Tourism Case Study Clearinghouse. Share the challenges you’d like solutions for  HERE with a brief survey .

Photo: NC State University

Case Studies

• Voluntary Visitor Fee Programs (2024)
• Policies and Planning Strategies for Tourism Workforce Housing (2023)
• Use of Oyster Reefs to Reduce Coastal Degradation in Tourism Destination Communities (2023)

Current Student Researchers

The development of these case studies are supported with the NC State College of Natural Resource’s Lighthouse Fund for Sustainable Tourism. 

Share this Article

• Architecture and Design
• Asian and Pacific Studies
• Business and Economics
• Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Computer Sciences
• Cultural Studies
• Engineering
• General Interest
• Geosciences
• Industrial Chemistry
• Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Library and Information Science, Book Studies
• Life Sciences
• Linguistics and Semiotics
• Literary Studies
• Materials Sciences
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Sports and Recreation
• Theology and Religion
• Publish your article
• The role of authors
• Promoting your article
• Abstracting & indexing
• Publishing Ethics
• Why publish with De Gruyter
• How to publish with De Gruyter
• Our book series
• Our subject areas
• Your digital product at De Gruyter
• Contribute to our reference works
• Product information
• Tools & resources
• Product Information
• Promotional Materials
• Orders and Inquiries
• FAQ for Library Suppliers and Book Sellers
• Repository Policy
• Free access policy
• Open Access agreements
• Database portals
• For Authors
• Customer service
• People + Culture
• Journal Management
• How to join us
• Working at De Gruyter
• Mission & Vision
• De Gruyter Foundation
• De Gruyter Ebound
• Our Responsibility
• Partner publishers

Your purchase has been completed. Your documents are now available to view.

21 Communities in Sustainable Tourism Development – Case Studies

From the book sustainable tourism dialogues in africa.

• Roniance Adhiambo and Leonard Akwany
• X / Twitter

Supplementary Materials

Please login or register with De Gruyter to order this product.

Chapters in this book (32)

Search form

Local community empowerment for sustainable tourism development: a case study of edelweiss park wonokitri village.

© 2023 IIETA. This article is published by IIETA and is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ).

OPEN ACCESS

Prior studies in sustainable tourism development have acknowledged gaps in our understanding of its various aspects—including environmental, social, and economic impacts—and the strategies for its effective implementation and long-term sustainability, particularly concerning the practical, step-by-step execution. This research aims to explore how empowering the local community can enhance tourist attractions, create memorable experiences, and increase visitor satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism village. Six informants were chosen based on their knowledge of the practice of sustainable tourism in Wonokitri village. The researchers considered six informants to be sufficient because they represent the key stakeholders involved in sustainable tourism practices that focus on local empowerment in Wonokitri village. The data was manually analyzed using a six-step data analysis process. This study's findings underscore that, beyond economic advantages, the local community garners social benefits through cultural preservation and environmental conservation, aligning with the goals of sustainable development. The collaborative efforts involving the government, private sector, and the engaged local community at Edelweiss Park exemplify how empowering the local community can foster tourism practices that yield comprehensive benefits for both the environment and the socio-economic well-being of the community.

sustainable tourism development, tourism village, local community empowerment

The development of tourism villages, as an integral part of destination tourism, has been prioritized by the Local Government. In fact, the Ministry of Tourism has established a dedicated website for tourism villages, offering them as an option for both international and domestic tourists. Out of approximately 75,000 villages in Indonesia, around 1,200 villages have been identified as having the potential to become tourism villages. The development of tourism villages is expected to accelerate sustainable tourism and foster economic growth in Indonesia, as stated by Kemenparekraf [1]. However, one of the challenges in the development of tourism village destinations is the limited research available on tourism village destination management. Research on tourism village destination management is crucial to enhance the management of these villages and provide better service quality.

Previous researchers in the field of sustainable tourism development [2-5] have recognized that our understanding of different aspects of sustainable tourism, including its environmental, social, and economic effects, as well as the strategies for effective implementation and long-term sustainability, still exhibits gaps, especially in terms of the practical step-by-step implementation. Addressing these unanswered questions and enhancing our understanding necessitates further research and investigation. This will enable us to develop more comprehensive and effective approaches for sustainable tourism development. By addressing this research gap, the study intends to offer valuable insights and effective strategies for managing tourism villages, promoting economic growth, and fostering sustainable tourism practices in Indonesia.

This study seeks to explore how empowering local communities can bolster tourist attractions, forge memorable experiences, and elevate visitor satisfaction—all ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism village.

Previous research on tourism villages development and management has explored various approaches and factors contributing to their success. For example, Adnyani and Purnamawati [6] focused on the management of tourism villages based on Balinese local wisdom known as Tri Hita Karana. The study discussed how operating tourism villages in harmony with nature, people, and religious values can bring benefits to the community. In another study by Purnomo et al. [7], the role of village-owned enterprises ( Badan Usaha Milik Desa/Bumdes ) was highlighted as a catalyst for rural community empowerment in tourism villages. The research emphasized the use of information communication technology to optimize the potential of tourism villages. Furthermore, Nugraha et al. [8] emphasized the significance of involving the local community in developing strategies to manage tourism villages and ensure the well-being of the local population. Their study recognized the importance of community engagement and participation in achieving positive outcomes for both the tourism industry and the local community. Collectively, these previous studies highlight the importance of incorporating local wisdom, utilizing technology, and fostering community involvement in the management and development of tourism villages, with the ultimate goal of benefiting the local community and ensuring sustainable tourism practices. Some previous studies on tourism village management share a common objective: to utilize tourism as a means of enhancing the well-being of the local community.

The research is set in Edelweiss Park located in Wonokitri village, which is situated in Tosari, Pasuruan District, East Java. Wonokitri village is easily accessible, with a one-hour car ride from Pasuruan District. It is located approximately 100 km from Surabaya city and can be reached within two and a half hours. Due to its proximity to Mount Bromo, Wonokitri village serve as the gate to enter Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park from Pasuruan District Side. Edelweiss Park that is located in Wonokitri village was initially built for Edelweiss flower conservation center. The Edelweiss flower is a well-known alpine plant that belongs to the Leontopodium genus. It is predominantly found in the high altitude in mountainous regions. The Edelweiss flower holds cultural and symbolic importance in the Tenggerese tribe as the local communities. It is used in the Tenggerese traditional ritual. The Edelweiss flower also has become the symbol of mount Bromo, leading to overharvesting and endangerment of wild populations.

2.1 Tourism village

Hardini et al. [9] described tourism villages as places where tourists engage in leisure activities to immerse themselves in the rural environment, involving a learning process to understand the local culture, values, and traditions. The aim is to use tourism as a means to improve the well-being of the rural communities and provide them with an additional source of income. Typically developed by the government or local community, tourism villages offer immersive experiences for visitors, facilitating learning about and engagement with local cultures. Puriati and Darma [10] defined tourism villages as locations that integrate attractions, accommodations, and supporting facilities within the local structure of life, combining with norms and traditions. They are a combination of tourism destination components and the local norms and traditions. In tourism villages, the community plays a central role in the planning, development, and implementation of tourism activities. They are actively involved in social activities and are empowered to utilize tourism as a tool to increase their income [10]. As the main actors in the tourism village, the local community is given the opportunity to organize and manage tourism activities, leading to empowerment and active participation.

2.2 Sustainable tourism development

The definition of sustainable tourism by the World Tourism Organization encompasses the needs of stakeholders from both the supply and demand sides, while also considering the economic, social, and environmental impacts [11]. Risfandini and Sunardi [12] mentioned that sustainable tourism can be defined as tourism that bring economic and social benefit for the local community while at the same time also promote environment preservation. However, this definition is criticized for being theoretical and often challenging to implement practically within tourism development [4]. Despite the plethora of studies conducted on sustainable tourism, the research largely remains theoretical and presents significant challenges when applied to real-world scenarios [2]. One of the most frequently referenced articles on sustainable tourism development highlights that the tools suggested by the previous researchers for promoting sustainable tourism may not be effective in practice as they fail to address the underlying problems [5]. The existing body of empirical literature extensively explores the fundamental questions surrounding sustainable tourism development. However, despite the considerable research conducted, numerous relevant questions in this field remain unanswered or unresolved [3].

2.3 Community based tourism

Community-based tourism is an approach where local communities play an active role in shaping and managing tourism ventures [13]. It's often viewed as a means to promote sustainable tourism and can contribute to a country's economic advancement [14]. Empowering local communities to take an active part in tourism not only allows them to safeguard their cultural heritage and natural resources, but also to leverage these assets for economic development and prosperity. This method emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in fostering tourism that is both sustainable and economically advantageous, thus fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between tourism and local communities.

2.4 Frameworks used in sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism is a growing field that requires the use of frameworks to guide planning and development. Several frameworks have been proposed in the literature to address the various aspects of sustainable tourism. One framework that has been developed is the Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale (STAS) [15]. This framework focuses on evaluating residents' attitudes toward sustainable tourism and places the residents at the center of sustainable tourism planning and development. By understanding the attitudes of residents, policymakers and stakeholders can better design and implement sustainable tourism initiatives that align with the needs and desires of the local community.

Another proposed framework in the literature employs the concept of 'quality of life' as a measure of sustainability in tourism [16]. This framework recognizes the complexity of tourism within both local and global contexts and places emphasis on responsible tourism practices. It also highlights the importance of evaluating the role of tourism as one tool, among many, for sustainability. By adopting this framework, destinations can ensure that tourism development contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life of the local community.

The A'WOT method and the TOWS matrix are utilized to formulate a strategic approach for sustainable tourism development [17]. This approach involves applying these methods in alignment with the region-specific vision statement and key sustainable tourism objectives. Through the use of this framework, destinations can strategically plan and implement sustainable tourism projects that align with their particular goals and vision.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for the establishment of globally recognized measurement indicators and policy frameworks for sustainable tourism [2]. This framework highlights the importance of standardized indicators and policies to guide sustainable tourism practices worldwide. By adopting this framework, destinations can ensure that their efforts in sustainable tourism align with global goals and contribute to the overall sustainability agenda.

Efficient governance, regulations, structures, and tools are essential for guiding the development of sustainable tourism [18]. This framework emphasizes the importance of having the right structures and mechanisms in place to support sustainable tourism initiatives. By implementing effective governance and policy frameworks, destinations can ensure that sustainable tourism is prioritized and becomes an integral part of their overall development plans.

When comparing and contrasting the various frameworks for sustainable tourism mentioned above it becomes evident that they share a common goal of promoting sustainability in tourism. They offer distinct approaches and priorities, with some frameworks, such as the Residents' Attitudes Framework (STAS) and the Quality-of-Life Framework, centering on local perspectives and the well-being of communities. In contrast, the Strategic Planning Framework (A'WOT and TOWS) takes a more operational approach, providing tools for effective planning and implementation. The Global Goals and Complexity Frameworks, on the other hand, emphasize the significance of addressing the intricate and interconnected nature of sustainable tourism on a global scale, emphasizing standardized indicators and policies. Finally, the Governance and Policy Framework underscores the role of effective governance and policy structures in prioritizing sustainable tourism and integrating it into comprehensive development plans. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable tourism models and frameworks by focusing on the detailed implementation of sustainable tourism, with a primary emphasis on empowering the local community.

This research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews and field observations. The study was conducted at Edelweiss Park in Wonokitri village, where stakeholders of the garden and visitors were interviewed. The interviewees included the head of the farmer group operating the Edelweiss Park, local villagers, and visitors. A total of six informants were interviewed to gather insights into the practice of sustainable tourism in Edelweiss Garden. Purposive sampling was used in this research. Six informants were chosen based on their knowledge of the practice of sustainable tourism in Wonokitri village. The informants were informed that the interviews would be recorded and transcribed for research purposes. They expressed their concerns and agreed to be interviewed. The researchers considered six informants to be sufficient because they represent the key stakeholders involved in sustainable tourism practices that focus on local empowerment in Wonokitri village. These stakeholders include the tour operator, the farmers' group representative, employees of the Edelweiss Garden, villagers, and tourists.

The researchers are posing open-ended questions to the informants regarding the inception of sustainable tourism practices in Wonokitri village, the individuals or groups involved in this movement, and the benefits it brings to the village. Additionally, the researchers are inquiring about the perspectives of tourists on this particular form of tourism. The interviews continued until sufficient information was obtained, and when similar answers were consistently given by the interviewees. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Thematic analysis was manually conducted by the researchers, and to reduce bias, they took turns in the analysis process. The collected data was then subjected to thematic analysis following the six-step approach by Nowell et al. [19]. The six steps include: (1) Gaining an understanding of the collected data; (2) Creating initial codes; (3) Identifying themes; (4) Reviewing the themes; (5) Defining and reviewing the themes; and (6) Presenting the results in writing.

The research findings are presented in three subsections, simultaneously addressing the research question outlined at the beginning of the study.

4.1 Local community empowerment and sustainable tourism development

In recent years, efforts have been made to cultivate Edelweiss flowers to meet demand while protecting wild populations. Cultivation techniques have been developed to grow Edelweiss in controlled environments or gardens, ensuring a sustainable supply of the flower while preserving its natural beauty. The village of Wonokitri has embarked on a project to create a park dedicated to preserving the Edelweiss plantation. In 2019, the farmer group name Hulun Hyang received training from the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on cultivating Edelweiss flowers. The initial objective of cultivating Edelweiss flowers was to both preserve the species and meet the traditional ritual requirements of the Tenggerese people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of Bromo and residents of Wonokitri village.

The initial focus of Edelweiss Park was not on tourism but rather on our concern for culture and conservation. This is because it has become widely known that Edelweiss has become a problem on many mountains in Indonesia, including Mount Bromo. Therefore, Edelweis park was initiated as an effort to address this issue and preserve the cultural and conservation aspects of Edelweiss. (Informant 4)

“In 2019, TNBTS (Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru/ Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park) provided guidance and support to the farming group, which eventually transformed them from a simple farming group into the managers of the Taman Edelweis Tourism Destination.” (Informant 1)

Indeed, the Edelweiss flower is protected by law, and it is prohibited to pick them indiscriminately. This circumstance has provided an opportunity for TNBTS to establish Taman Edelweis as a conservation-based tourist destination for Edelweiss flowers. (Informant 1)

The first issue is the unregulated picking of Edelweiss flowers by the local community, which is then sold as an economic commodity to tourists. The second issue is that when we talk about Edelweiss flowers, particularly in the context of the Tenggerese community, it is closely tied to cultural significance. (Informant 4)

The picking of Edelweiss is intricately tied to cultural aspects. Edelweiss flowers hold sacred significance for the Tenggerese community and are used as a ceremonial element in their traditional rituals and customs. They are revered and considered a symbol of cultural heritage, playing a vital role in traditional ceremonies. (Informant 4)

There is indeed a genuine concern regarding the unregulated picking of Edelweiss flowers within the boundaries of the national park, as it is not permitted by the law. If this issue is left unaddressed without any follow-up actions, it could have negative implications. It is important to enforce regulations and take appropriate measures to ensure that the Edelweiss flowers are protected, their natural habitat is preserved, and the cultural significance of these flowers is respected. (Informant 1)

Therefore, a viable solution is cultivation. In 2016, TNBTS initiated a learning program for Edelweiss cultivation from scratch. As members of the Tenggerese community who rely on Edelweiss flowers for our cultural activities, we were extremely enthusiastic about this opportunity. Cultivation provides a sustainable alternative to the indiscriminate picking of wild Edelweiss flowers, ensuring a stable supply for cultural purposes while preserving the natural population of Edelweiss in their native habitats. (Informant 4)

For the local Tenggerese community, the cultivation initiative resolves a longstanding dilemma. Previously, they faced the predicament of having to pluck Edelweiss flowers for both traditional rituals and sale to tourists, while also needing to comply with laws protecting naturally grown Edelweiss flowers, which prohibit unnecessary plucking. By cultivating Edelweiss flowers, the community can now address this dilemma effectively, ensuring a sustainable supply for traditional rituals while respecting the legal protection of naturally occurring Edelweiss flowers.

Edelweiss Park which was initially developed for conservation center was slowly converted to become a tourist attraction. From the Government assistance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from one of the Banks in Indonesia, Edelweis Garden now has a café where visitor can enjoy a panoramic view of the garden with Mount Bromo as a stunning backdrop. Visitors have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery while having meals and drinks at the on-site café. Additionally, the management has created attractive spots within the Edelweiss Garden for visitors to capture memorable photographs. To enhance the experience, the cafe also offers souvenirs crafted from Edelweiss flowers, involving the local community to create the souvenirs. This combination of natural beauty, culinary delights, and unique souvenirs aims to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors to Wonokitri village. Empowering local and encouraging local to participate in tourism village management will boost tourism village development.

“The most impressive thing about Edelweiss Park is that it truly embraces sustainable tourism. Therefore, when recruiting employees, they only consider local residents who have a good understanding of the area and have strong family ties within the rural community. Their approach to sustainable tourism goes beyond economic considerations and actively involves the local community.” (Informant 2)

“In general, Edelweiss Park has had an impact on the Wonokitri community by contributing to the village's local revenue. We allocate 10 percent of the voucher value as a contribution to the Village Original Income (Pendapatan Asli Desa) for Wonokitri village. This has directly benefited the residents by easing their financial burden in terms of village contributions. ” (Informant 1)

“It is clear that Taman Edelweis has provided significant economic support, even indirectly, to a group consisting of approximately 30 individuals. This impact also extends to street vendors and souvenir sellers, who benefit greatly from the presence of Taman Edelweis. While you may not be an official member of Edelweis, you have still benefited from Taman Edelweis.” (Informant 3)

“In fact, we use Taman Edelweis as a central cultivation site and a place where the community can freely access resources needed for traditional customs and practices. We provide these resources for free at Taman Edelweis to fulfill the community's needs in this regard.” (Informant 4)

4.1.1 Government involvement

Government involvement has been crucial in protecting the Edelweiss flower by law, paving the way for Edelweiss Park to become a responsible and sustainable tourism destination. The initiation of Edelweiss cultivation in 2016 by TNBTS, with support and guidance from the government, has empowered the local Tenggerese community members and provided them with the knowledge and skills to cultivate Edelweiss flowers successfully. This initiative not only met the demand for Edelweiss flowers in cultural activities but also contributed to conservation efforts and sustainable practices. The transformation of a farming group into managers of Taman Edelweis Tourism Destination, with guidance and support from TNBTS, marked a significant milestone, enabling the group to take responsibility for the overall management and development of the Edelweiss Park as a tourist attraction. The Ministry of Village, Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration's addition of new spots to the park in 2019 demonstrates a continuous effort to enhance the visitor experience and expand the offerings of Edelweiss Park, making it a memorable and enjoyable destination for tourists.

“Indeed, the Edelweiss flower is protected by law and should not be picked indiscriminately. This aspect has provided an opportunity for Taman Edelweis to establish itself as a conservation-based tourist destination for Edelweiss flowers. By promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, Taman Edelweis can contribute to the preservation and conservation of Edelweiss flowers in accordance with the law.” (Informant 2)

“Hence, the need for a solution arose, which led to the initiation of Edelweiss cultivation in 2016 by TNBTS. As Tenggerese community members with a strong cultural connection to Edelweiss flowers, we were extremely enthusiastic about this opportunity. We started from scratch, learning about Edelweiss cultivation and techniques. This initiative has allowed us to meet the demand for Edelweiss flowers within our cultural activities while promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts. ” (Informant 4)

“From late 2016 to 2018, we, along with several others, were able to master the techniques of Edelweiss cultivation. As a result, in 2018, we were initiated to form a farming group dedicated to cultivating Edelweiss flowers. This initiative allowed us to consolidate our knowledge and skills, collaborate effectively, and work towards the shared goal of successful Edelweiss cultivation.” (Informant 4)

“In 2019, TNBTS provided guidance and support to the farming group, which eventually transformed them from a simple farming group into the managers of the Taman Edelweis Tourism Destination. This step marked a significant milestone, as the group expanded their role to not only focus on cultivation but also take responsibility for the overall management and development of the Edelweiss Park as a tourist attraction. ” (Informant 1)

“Afterwards, last year, the Ministry of Village, Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendes) made an addition to the park by introducing new spots. This development aimed to enhance the visitor experience and provide more attractions within Taman Edelweis. The introduction of new spots reflects a continuous effort to improve and expand the offerings of the park, ensuring that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience.” (Informant 1)

“In Edelweis Park, there are facilities available for visitors, including homestays and accommodations. If visitors wish to stay overnight, there are homestays available with excellent standards. Fifteen houses have received assistance from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (Kementerian PUPR) to ensure they meet international standards and are environmentally friendly. The prices are budget-friendly while still maintaining international standards, providing visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable stay. ” (Informant 1)

4.1.2 CSR from private sector

The success and sustainable development of Edelweiss Park as a conservation-based tourist destination for Edelweiss flowers are attributed to various factors, including significant government involvement, CSR initiatives from the private sector, and active community engagement. The support from private sectors, particularly the generous contributions from Bank Indonesia Malang as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, played a crucial role in providing facilities and resources to enhance the tourist experience at Taman Edelweis and benefiting the Wonokitri village as a whole.

We have been provided with facilities and infrastructure to support tourism by one of the Banks in Malang. This support enables us to enhance the facilities and services offered to tourists visiting Taman Edelweis. With these additional resources, we can provide a better experience for visitors, ensuring their needs and expectations are met during their visit to Taman Edelweis. (Informant 4)

Following that, Bank Indonesia Malang recognized the potential of Taman Edelweis and the Wonokitri village. As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, they generously donated buildings and provided training sessions to support the development of the area. These contributions and training opportunities from Bank Indonesia Malang have been instrumental in further enhancing the capabilities and resources of Taman Edelweis and benefiting the Wonokitri village as a whole. (Informant 1)

4.1.3 Community engagement

Community engagement has been instrumental in the success of Taman Edelweis. The positive impact extends to the surrounding community, where residents have opened food stalls near the park, leading to increased income. Additionally, the availability of free Edelweiss flowers from the park for ceremonial purposes and free seedlings for community members interested in growing Edelweiss flowers further strengthens the bond between the park and the local community. Economically, the presence of Taman Edelweis has created business opportunities, such as food stalls and parking facilities, benefiting community members. Moreover, Village Original Income ( Pendapatan Asli Daerah/PAD ) contributions from the park's management have been distributed to the village, supporting its overall development.

" All members of our group and our employees are indirectly experiencing the impact themselves as residents of Wonokitri village. Some residents in the surrounding area have opened food stalls near the park, which has increased their income. The parking area, in collaboration with Edelweiss Park, has also had an impact ." (Informant 1)

 “The busiest days at Taman Edelweis are usually during the weekends, with an average income of IDR 500,000 from parking only. On regular weekdays, it can be significantly quieter, with the lowest recorded income being IDR 28,000 per day. As for the payment process, I deposit the earnings through the group.” (Informant 3)

“The first benefit for the surrounding community is derived from the Edelweiss flowers themselves. As the managers of Taman Edelweis, we allow community members with ceremonial needs to freely obtain Edelweiss flowers from the park for their ritual purposes. Additionally, if individuals in the community wish to grow Edelweiss flowers, we provide free seedlings for that purpose.” (Informant 4)

“From an economic perspective, the presence of Taman Edelweis has created opportunities for businesses such as food stalls and parking facilities. Additionally, for community members who are not directly involved in these activities, we have provided Village Original Income (PAD) contributions to the village. The management and distribution of these contributions to the general public will be determined by the village authorities.” (Informant 4)

4.2 Lesson learned from Edelweiss Park for sustainable tourism development and management

Based on the Edelweiss Park case study, the step-by-step process for realizing sustainable tourism development in a village setting is as follows:

• Bottom-Up Paradox Findings in Local Community: Start by identifying the challenges and issues that the community faces concerning tourism development.
• Defining the Right Questions with Local Community: Engage the local community in identifying solutions to the identified problems, as their insights and involvement are crucial for effective problem-solving.
• Follow-up Engagement with Larger Stakeholders: Foster collaboration with government, private sectors, and local communities to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tourism development.
• Setting up Priorities: Place a strong emphasis on preserving the environment and adopting sustainable practices throughout the development process.
• Validating Minimum Solutions with Visitors: Emphasize the creation of memorable and enjoyable experiences for tourists, enhancing their satisfaction and encouraging repeat visit.
• Promote sustainable tourism development: Implement strategies that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability, ensuring the long-term viability of the destination.

Figure 1. Sequential process to achieve sustainable tourism destination

The case study of Edelweiss Park demonstrates the successful implementation of these steps, showcasing how a village setting can achieve sustainable tourism development by incorporating environmental conservation, community engagement, and responsible tourism practices. This study aligns with the research conducted by Choi and Sirakaya [15] and Moscardo and Murphy [16], which emphasize the significance of prioritizing local residents in the planning and development of sustainable tourism policies. Furthermore, they stress that tourism should contribute to the overall well-being of the local communities.

By following this step-by-step approach mentioned in Figure 1, other destinations can learn from this model and work towards achieving their own sustainable tourism goals. This case study provides a response to the criticism surrounding the concept of sustainable tourism development and the suggested tools by previous researchers [3, 5].

This model illustrates a sequential process to achieve a sustainable tourism destination. It emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental preservation, engaging the local community, and collaborating with all stakeholders to create a destination that meets the needs of tourists while fostering sustainable development practices. This study reinforces previous research by Palacios-Florencio et al. [20] which advocated prioritizing environmental preservation, cultural conservation, and long-term economic benefits in decision-making processes.

In line with the research objective, the example of Edelweiss Park in Wonokitri village demonstrates the positive outcomes of empowering the local community in sustainable tourism. The park not only enhances tourist attractions but also creates memorable experiences for visitors, leading to increased satisfaction. Beyond economic gains, the local community reaps social benefits through cultural preservation and environmental conservation, which align with the goals of sustainable development. The collaborative efforts involving the government, private sector, and the engaged local community at Edelweiss Park exemplify how empowering the local community can foster tourism practices that yield comprehensive benefits for both the environment and the socio-economic well-being of the community.

This study is limited in scope as it exclusively examines sustainable practices in a single village. Consequently, there is a need for additional research encompassing a broader geographical area. Further investigations in different settings should apply the sequential process employed in this research to assess the model's validity.

Some actionable recommendations to implement sustainable tourism based on this case study include:

• Conduct Thorough Issue Analysis: Begin by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and concerns affecting the local community and the environment. This should involve rigorous research and data collection to understand the root causes of these issues.
• Engage a Multidisciplinary Stakeholder Group: Involve a diverse group of stakeholders, including community members, environmental experts, and tourism professionals. Collaborative efforts bring different perspectives and expertise to the table, ensuring a holistic understanding of the problems.
• Develop Viable Solutions: Once the issues are identified, work on formulating practical and sustainable solutions. These solutions should not only address the problems but also take into account the long-term well-being of the community and the environment.
• Transform Solutions into Tourist Attractions: Showcase the positive changes and sustainable practices through the development of tourist attractions. This might involve creating eco-friendly accommodations, cultural preservation projects, or conservation initiatives that become integral parts of the tourism experience.
• Promote Sustainable Tourism Practices: Implement marketing strategies that promote the destination as a hub for sustainable tourism. Emphasize the unique attractions and initiatives that highlight the commitment to sustainability.
• Measure and Communicate Impact: Continuously monitor and measure the impact of these sustainable practices on the community and the environment. Use this data to communicate the positive changes to both residents and visitors, reinforcing the destination's commitment to sustainability.
• Educate Tourists: Develop educational materials and programs for tourists to raise awareness about the destination's sustainable initiatives. Encourage responsible and sustainable travel practices among visitors.
• Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the implemented solutions and tourist attractions. Be open to adjustments and improvements based on feedback and changing circumstances.

By following these recommendations, destinations can effectively implement sustainable tourism practices that benefit the community, the environment, and attract responsible tourists. This approach transforms sustainable tourism from a theoretical concept into a practical and tangible reality that has positive impacts on all stakeholders involved.

[1] Kemenparekraf. (2023). Cerita Petualangan di Desa Wisata. https://www.indonesia.travel/desawisata/id/home. [2] Alonso-Muños, S., Torrejón-Ramos, M., Medina-Salgado, M.-S., González-Sánchez, R. (2023). Sustainability as a building block for tourism-future research: Tourism Agenda 2030. Tourism Review, 7(2): 461-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-12-2021-0568 [3] Kawuryan, M.W., Fathani, A.T., Purnomo, E.P., Salsabila, L., Azmi, N.A., Setiawan, D., Fadhlurrohman, M.I. (2022). Sustainable tourism development in Indonesia: Bibliometric review and analysis. Indonesian Journal of Geography, 54(1): 154-166. http://doi.org/10.22146/ijg.64657 [4] Ramaano, A.I. (2021). Tourism policy and environmental impacts in Musina municipality: Lessons of a case study of failure. Tourism Critiques: Practice and Theory, 2(1): 91-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/TRC-12-2020-0021 [5] Liu, Z. (2003). Sustainable tourism development: A critique. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 11(6): 459-475. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580308667216 [6] Adnyani, N.S., Purnamawati, I.A. (2020). Tri Hita Karana and tourism village management models for wellbeing. Target: Jurnal Manajemen dan Bisnis, 2(2): 157-166. https://doi.org/10.30812/target.v2i2.750 [7] Purnomo, S., Rahayu, E.S., Riani, A.L., Suminah. (2019). Tourism village management based on information technology with destination management system. In 1st International Conference of Health, Science & Technology. Surakarta: LPPM Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta, Indonesia, 4(1): 229-233. https://doi.org/10.47701/icohetech.v1i1.809 [8] Nugraha, I.P., Rahmawati, P.I., Andayani, N.H. (2021). Serangan tourism village management strategy for achieving quality tourism destinations. In Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research, 197: 501-504. Denpasar: Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/aebmr.k.211124.071 [9] Hardini, W., Karta, N.P., Suarthana, J.P. (2015). The study on Bali tourism village management towards four dimensions of experience economy. E-Journal of Tourism, 2(1): 49-54. http://doi.org/10.24922/eot.v2i1.19444 [10] Puriati, N.M., Darma, G.S. (2021). Menguji kesiapan pengelolaan desa wisata berbasis manajemen modern sebagai penggerak ekonomi rakyat. Bisma: Jurnal Manajemen, 7(2): 319-330. https://doi.org/10.23887/bjm.v7i2.34162 [11] Nagy, K.X., Segui, A. (2020). Experiences of community-based tourism in Romania: Chances and challenges. Journal of Tourism Analysis, 27(2): 143-163. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTA-08-2019-0033 [12] Risfandini, A., Sunardi, S. (2017). The application of sustainable development concept for tourism development in Indonesia. International Conferences SDGs 2030 Challenges and Solutions. Malang: Universitas Merdeka Malang, 1(1).  [13] Sebele, L. (2010). Community-based tourism ventures, benefits and challenges: Khama rhino sanctuary trust, central district, Botswana. Tourism Management, 31(1): 136-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.01.005 [14] Dodds, R., Ali, A., Galaski, K. (2016). Mobilizing knowledge: Determining key elements for success and pitfalls in developing community-based tourism. Current Issues in Tourism, 21(13): 1547-1568. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2016.1150257 [15] Choi, H., Sirakaya, E. (2005). Measuring residents’ attitude toward sustainable tourism: Development of Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale. Journal of Travel Research, 43(4): 380-394. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287505274651 [16] Moscardo, G., Murphy, L. (2014). There is no such thing as sustainable tourism: Re-conceptualizing tourism as a tool for sustainability. Sustainability, 6(5): 2538-2561. https://doi.org/10.3390/su6052538 [17] Kişi, N. (2019). A strategic approach to sustainable tourism development using the A’Wot hybrid method: A case study of Zonguldak, Turkey. Sustainability, 11(4): 964. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11040964 [18] Hasyimi, V., Azizalrahman, H. (2021). Economy-led sustainable touristic city: The case of Surakarta, Indonesia. Journal of Tourism Futures. https://doi.org/10.1108/jtf-06-2020-0088 [19] Nowell, L.S., Norris, J.M., White, D.E. Moules, N.J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16: 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847 [20] Palacios-Florencio, B., Santos-Roldán, L., Berbel-Pineda, J. (2021). Sustainable tourism as a driving force of the tourism industry in a Post-COVID-19 scenario. Social Indicator Research, 158: 991-1011. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-021-02735-2

Phone: + 1 825 436 9306

Email: [email protected]

Subscription

Language support

Please sign up to receive notifications on new issues and newsletters from IIETA

Select Journal/Journals:

Copyright © 2024 IIETA. All Rights Reserved.

• Blogs @Oregon State University

Oregon Sea Grant Sustainable Tourism

Http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/tourism.

Sustainable Tourism Case Studies

Innovative and promising practices in sustainable tourism..

Innovative and promising practices in sustainable tourism.   Edited by Nicole Vaugeous, Miles Phillips, Doug Arbogast and Patrick Brouder

The intent of this volume is to provide an opportunity for academics, extension professionals, industry stakeholders and community practitioners to reflect, discuss and share the innovative approaches that they have taken to develop sustainable tourism in a variety of different contexts. This volume includes nine cases from across North and Central America reaching from Hawaii in the west to New England in the east and from Quebec in the north to Costa Rica in the south. Case studies are a valuable way to synthesize and share lessons learned and they help to create new knowledge and enhanced applications in practice. There are two main audiences for this volume: 1) faculty and students in tourism related academic programs who will benefit from having access to current case studies that highlight how various stakeholders are approaching common issues, opportunities and trends in tourism, and 2) extension agents and practitioners who will gain important insights from the lessons learned in the current case study contexts. Volume 1 in its entirety:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16372 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8748

DESCRIPTION

Introduction…………………………..3

• Indigenous Tourism and Reconciliation: The Case of Kitcisakik Cultural Immersions……………….7
• Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s Sustainable Tour Certification Program: Promoting Best Practices to Conserve a Unique Place ……22
• Transdisciplinary University Engagement for Sustainable Tourism Planning…………………..38
• Expanding Agritourism In Butte County, California ………………..58
• Recreation Economies and Sustainable Tourism: Mountain Biking at Kingdom Trail Association in Vermont …………………..76
• Kentucky Trail Town Program: Facilitating communities capitalizing on adventure tourism for community and economic development…………….94
• Enhanced performance and visitor satisfaction in artisan businesses: A case study of the evaluation of the Économusée® model in British Columbia…112
• Reverse Osmosis: Cultural Sensitivity Training in the Costa Rican Luxury Ecolodge Setting………………….130
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaborative Corridor Management: The Case of New Hampshire Route 1A/1B Byway Corridor ………..152

Volume 1 in its entirety:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16372 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8748

• Arellano et al.:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16677 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-9041
• Cox:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16676 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-9040
• Eades et al.:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16675 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-9039
• Hardesty et al.:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16616 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8982
• Kelsey et al.:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16614 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8981
• Koo:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16585 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8953
• Predyk & Vaugeois:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16584 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8952
• Nowaczek:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16530 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8900
• Robertson:  https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/16529 ; DOI: 10.25316/IR-8899

Contact Info

• Get involved

A sustainable tourism model transforms economic development: the Egypt case study

Yomna Mohamed, Head of Experimentation

September 12, 2022

Egypt is a world-renowned touristic destination. Tell someone you are visiting Egypt, and the pictures immediately come into focus: the iconic pyramids of Giza, with the mysterious Sphinx standing guard; the beautiful beaches along the coast, warm and inviting; the vibrant and bustling bazaars, infused with the legacy of the pharaohs, teeming with the rich cultures of its people.

As the top destination for tourists visiting North Africa, how might Egypt evolve its tourism industry into a sustainable engine for economic development – particularly as the world emerges from the pandemic?  More fundamentally, might tourism sector provide an opportunity to rethink the development model capable of withstanding & thriving in the context of interlinked, largely unpredictable and fast-moving crises – from food security and changing climate, to rapid inflation, polarization, economic downturn & inequality?

This is the critical question facing UNDP Egypt, one of nine country offices selected by UNDP’s Strategic Innovation Unit to join the second cohort of Deep Demonstrations, an initiative financed by the Government of Denmark.

In this post, we detail the context for tourism in Egypt, consider emerging trends in the economic model, and share progress to date in shaping broader system transformation.

The Egyptian Context

Egypt is best characterized as a Low-Cost Mass Tourism Magnet. According to the IMF , the tourism industry employed 10 percent of the population and contributed to about 12 percent of GDP pre-pandemic. Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in MENA, and 51 st globally in the travel and tourism development index (TTDI). It is a top performer in the MENA region with regards to environmental sustainability (31), natural and cultural resources (33), and business and cultural travel (22). With over 100 million in population, Egypt is both a prime destination for nature-based activities and a home to rich cultural diversity.

While the pandemic has definitely been an accelerant, the combination of economic factors and new norms that underpin global tourism raise fundamental questions about long-term viability (see fig 1). Even as the global airline industry recovers from the pandemic, the costs of long-haul travel have become increasingly unaffordable – not only in the rising price of fuel but also in its contributions to climate change. The unexpected benefits of lockdown, improved environments and ecosystems, have countries questioning whether they want to return to the risky, crowded, over-reaching pre-pandemic world. And COVID-19 has magnified the vulnerability of local communities who already do not benefit from unsustainable tourism.

fig 1. Macro Trends, or the Opportunity Space for Change

This requires rethinking the model entirely. The circumstances call for collective effort that transforms the system to one based on sustainability, resilience, and putting local communities first.

Looking at the adjacent possible and entry points for unlocking systems transformation

In response, UNDP Egypt has embarked on a journey to rethink the tourism model and develop a portfolio of policy options on sustainable tourism that align with national priorities.

This approach relies not on a singular discrete intervention but a full system-wide transformation. The adaptive framework is designed to continuously learn from experience and detect new opportunities or needs in the system. A portfolio-based approach serves as a dynamic repository of strategic ideas that frame policy, an investment pipeline for funders, and a coordinating mechanism for relevant stakeholders.

In order to design this portfolio, it is necessary to start with strategic intent. This involves three specific actions –

1. Create a shared vision at the national level: 

This frames the possibilities for a transformative agenda and mobilizes stakeholders to build sustainable, innovative tourism in Egypt. A critical mindset shift is seeing investment in the population and nature as an investment in tourism, where tourism becomes an entry point for rethinking the country’s existing development paradigms.

2. Reimagine a tourism industry that benefits all: 

These include activities that strengthen climate resilience and deliver sustainable benefits to local communities at the forefront.

3. Expand the diversity of business models: 

By focusing on innovative and integrated experiences for tourists, Egypt can accelerate and drive sustainable growth in the industry.

Informed by this strategic intent, existing models, and portfolio ambitions, we have identified three main shifts to create in conjunction with our partners and stakeholders, showcased in fig 2.

fig 2. Three Shifts in the Model

As innovation advisors, we have learned to trust the process. Through this system transformation framework, two parallel but complementary pathways have emerged –

1. Continuously exploring and deeply learning the needs and opportunities in the system; and

2. Identifying key policy options that accelerate the investment pipeline

We are taking these shifts and translating them into specific and coherent offers to be pursued with partners. A sample of these is shown in fig 3.

fig 3. Three Shifts, in Practice

A system transformation is premised on collective action and stakeholder engagement around a coherent approach. In this deep demonstration on sustainable tourism, we embarked on a journey to learn about the problem space, design a portfolio of policy options, and activate a set of evidence-based interventions.

We have yet to determine where best to introduce this portfolio of interventions, but we invite all potential partners to learn alongside and act with us as we work together to make tourism a sustainable economic engine in Egypt.

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

Case Study: Angkor and The Tourism Development Strategic Plan 2012–2020

• Toolkit About the Sustainable Tourism Toolkit How to use this guide? Our Objective Resource Library
• Guides Strategic foundations Guide 1: Understanding Guide 2: Strategy Guide 3: Governance Guide 4: Engagement Core Delivery Guide 5: Communication Guide 6: Infrastructure Guide 7: Value Guide 8: Behaviour Guide 9: Investment Guide 10: Monitoring
• Case Studies Guide 1: Historic Town of Vigan Guide 2: Angkor Guide 2: Ichkeul National Park Guide 3: Melaka and George Town Guide 4: Avebury Guide 4: Old and New Towns of Edinburgh Guide 4: Great Barrier Reef Guide 4: Røros mining town and the circumference Guide 5: Røros Mining Town and the Circumference Guide 6: Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape (United Kingdom) Guide 7: Røros Mining Town and the Circumference Guide 8: Wadi Al-Hitan Guide 9: Land of Frankincense

Baseline situation

This case study on Angkor represents some of the key threats and concerns World Heritage sites across the world may also have to deal with and manage. When Angkor was first inscribed in 1992, it was immediately placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to threat from conflict between Cambodia and Vietnam. It was only removed from this List in 2004, and, although domestic conflict was no longer a threat to the site, a number of new issues endangering the site had become apparent.

Angkor is an extensive site, which in recent years, has been visited by over three million international and domestic tourists per year. The impact of so many visitors is one of the key threats Angkor has been attempting to manage since its inscription. However, numbers have only continued to steadily increase. Furthermore, Angkor is also an inhabited landscape, a fact that has presented difficulties for those parties wishing to present an environment that fits a certain view of the World Heritage site and how it should look, rather than the reality of a contemporary and lived-in setting.

Another difficulty comes from the location of Angkor being in Siem Reap, one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia. This creates a set of circumstances that makes local residents more inclined to place emphasis and importance on the basic and immediate economical potential of Angkor rather than any longer term value and developmental potential it holds for the region. The comparative wealth of those who visit Angkor is also a draw for those living in other regions of Cambodia; it has been estimated that almost half of those working in the accommodation sector are not Siem Reap residents but seasonal workers who travel there to cash in on tourism.

What did they do?

‘Managing heritage at Angkor requires managing tourism’ (Tourism Management Plan 2012-2020)

The involved parties recognized that unless management dramatically changed to meet the contemporary needs of Angkor and its population, the site would be damaged beyond recovery. It has also been recognized that tourism represents both an economic necessity and the biggest threat to the longevity of Angkor, so it was decided a comprehensive tourism strategy must be developed in order to minimize threat and improve the long-term viability of Angkor as both a destination and a place for people to live. In response to this, the ‘Angkor World Heritage Area Tourism Management Plan, 2012–2020’ (TMP) under the Angkor Heritage Management Framework (HMF) project was developed.

Strategic priorities

• Dealing with the rapidly increasing numbers of tourists who visit Angkor.
• Reducing negative impacts of tourism (previously understood primarily in terms of conservation at the expense of all else).
• Improving tourist understanding of the local uses of Angkor, both as an inhabited area and as a place of continued religious significance.   
• Creating a more cohesive tourism industry that adheres to particular practice and standards.
• Providing better opportunities and financial return for local residents.

What worked?

The final draft of the TMP is a long and detailed document comprised of six broader aims or ‘initiatives’ addressing the four strategic priorities– promoting positive visitor experiences, reducing site impacts, partnering with industry, providing benefits for local people, improving governance, and engaging with stakeholders.

Initiative-specific strategies are defined to fulfil these aims , and each strategy is composed of individual steps (ranging from high to low priority) that are planned to take place in the approaching months and years.

Although the broader strategies and steps involved are in respect to different final goals, there are a number of common themes that the strategies share – communication, collaboration, delegation, limitation, examination, diversification, and conservation – and these themes can provide a template for other World Heritage site managers to consider in relation to their own sites, rather than the specific strategies and steps which have been defined with Angkor in mind.

What was tough?

The issues faced by Angkor have received much attention and criticism for perceived failures in management. The scale and complexity of Angkor means there is no one easy solution, and a number of measures have been undertaken in the past to deal with conservation and local residents. However, many of these efforts have failed due to a lack of communication between the different bodies responsible for Angkor; a lack of understanding on behalf of residents regarding the policies of World Heritage; an unwillingness to implement any system that might reduce the number of tourists who represent the region’s primary source of income; and the desire to conserve above all else. Consequentially, the strategic priorities for Angkor mentioned above have remained the same for some time .

How did they get buy-in?

Various stakeholders involved, including the Royal Government of Cambodia, the ICC, and the wider conservation community recognized and communicated the necessity for change and management of the growing risks associated with tourism and development at Angkor Wat and Siem Reap as a destination .  A ‘Tourism Industry Stakeholder Workshop’ and a ‘Community, Monks and NGO Workshop’ were held in Siem Reap in March 2012. Together, all of the stakeholders involved provided feedback, drafts, and changes prior to the adoption of the final draft of the Tourism Management Plan (TMP) aiming to make the industry more sustainable and beneficial to the conservation of the World Heritage site, the local community, and tourism businesses within the destination.

What lessons can others take from this?

When developing a tourism strategy for a World Heritage site, consider what the site has to offer even beyond its World Heritage status . The current World Heritage List citation for Angkor does not include natural values, nor does it recognize Angkor’s role as a spiritual lived-in landscape, but these may be of equal interest to tourists as the magnificent architecture and age of the site.

As with many other sites discussed in this Toolkit the local community must be a key consideration, and this includes local residents, tour operators, business owners, and anyone else who may be affected by the presence of the WHS and tourism the site draws. Setting up lines of communication should always be one of the very first things site managers work at prior to and during the conception and implementation of a Tourism Strategy.

For full details of the Angkor Wat TMP click here .

Developing a strategy for progressive change

All Case Studies

• Research article
• Open access
• Published: 15 August 2023

People’s perspectives on heritage conservation and tourism development: a case study of Varanasi

• Ananya Pati 1 &
• Mujahid Husain 2  

Built Heritage volume  7 , Article number:  17 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

2923 Accesses

1 Altmetric

Metrics details

The conservation of heritage and heritage-based tourism are interrelated activities in which the development in one can lead to the growth of the other and vice versa. In recent years, people have become increasingly aware of the importance of heritage and the necessity of its conservation. People’s knowledge and preservation of their roots and emotional attachments to traditions and places are beneficial for heritage conservation activities. Heritage places are also considered a growth point for the tourism industry that supports small- and medium-scale industries as well as numerous cottage industries. However, with the development of tourism and related industries in heritage areas, the local community may face difficulties in performing their day-to-day activities in the area. In many cases, local communities need to relocate and people must leave their residences due to the demand for tourism development. A case study of Varanasi City was conducted to obtain a detailed understanding of the impact of a recent tourism development programme (the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project) and people’s perception of it through a review of newspaper articles. It was found that people had mixed reactions regarding the development programme. The immediate residents of the area who were directly affected by the process in terms of emotional, economic and social loss were opposed to the project, while tourists and other residents of the city were pleased with the development activities. This paper attempts to identify the changes that occurred in the area due to the project and to capture people’s perspectives regarding the corridor project of Varanasi.

1 Introduction

The heritage of a country is a symbol of its national pride and produces cohesiveness and unity among the people. The importance of heritage and culture has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in the tourism sector. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), ‘Cultural heritage is, in its broadest sense, both a product and a process, which provides societies with a wealth of resources that are inherited from the past, created in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations’ (UNESCO 2014 ). Most importantly, it includes not only tangible but also natural and intangible heritage. As Our Creative Diversity notes, however, these resources are a ‘fragile wealth’. As such, they require policies and development models that preserve and respect their diversity and uniqueness since they are ‘nonrenewable’ once lost. Modernisation and urbanisation spread rapidly worldwide during the past century, but people are now leaning towards their heritage to maintain the individuality and uniqueness of their communities and to present this uniqueness to the otherwise modern and developed world (Napravishta 2018 ). People have recognised the enormous potential of heritage and culture in the tourism industry and for economic and social development. Numerous industries consider heritage and culture to be a significant growth point for development and economic benefits (Xing et al. 2013 ). Although the growth of tourism may be considered beneficial for selected groups, in many cases, development and changes made with the goal of tourism development create significant negative effects on the host community, its culture and the heritage itself (Erbas  2018 ). The concept of heritage is based on its historical architecture and monuments, but it is also the heritage values and culture of the residents that have become part of their daily life. This combination of tangible and intangible heritage, called ‘fields of heritage’, is considered a capital stock worthy of conservation (Al-hagla 2010 ). In several cases, excessive tourist influx forces the local community to change its way of life and disrupts the day-to-day activities of the community. In other cases, a complete change of landscape due tourism development creates environmental and cultural degradation. One of the problems of tourism development is that it fails to maintain a balance between the goal of achieving an increased number of tourists and its impact on the existing heritage and the community (Erbas  2018 ). In planning for heritage cities, urban development dynamics and tourism development are equally important factors. In areas with historical backgrounds, the conservation of the existing environment must be the primary concern (Erbas  2018 ).

1.1 Aim and objective

This paper conducts a study of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project using an analysis of culture-led tourism and heritage conservation. The Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor project is considered a perfect case study to analyse conflicts between the host community (local dwellers) of the city and the development programme aimed towards the betterment of the pilgrims and tourists who come to the heritage city. The main objective of the study is to assess the perspective of the local community on tourism-led development. A second objective is to understand the pros and cons of tourism-led developments in a heritage city.

While the case study in this paper is based on a recent occurrence, there has been little research on the effects of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project. Although this development project affects only a small portion of the city, the area is heavily populated; therefore, the effects on the locals are significant. This situation must be addressed from the perspectives of the diverse groups who benefited or were harmed by the development initiative.

1.2 The project details

The project of the Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor aimed to connect the Vishwanath Temple with the Ghats of Ganges. The pathway would connect the Manikarnika and Lalita ghat to the temple (Fig.  1 ), and the temple would be visible from the river front (Singh 2018 ). The temple, which is located 400 m from the ghats, was accessible to visitors only by narrow lanes (gali) through a crowded neighbourhood. The project mainly focused on building a wider and cleaner road and stairs with bright lights from the ghats to the temple. Because tourists and pilgrims come to Varanasi mainly to visit the older part of the city (i.e., the ghats of Ganges and the Vishwanath Temple), a connecting corridor would be of great use to them. By making the temple accessible to pilgrims and tourists through waterways, tourists could reach the temple ghat from the Khidkiya ghat and Raj ghat via a boat ride. The project also aimed to build stairways and escalators to reach the temple (Pandey and Jain 2021 ). This major makeover of the Vishwanath temple was the first since 1780. The Maratha queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holker, renovated the Vishwanath temple and its surroundings, but no major changes have occurred in this area since then.

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor after Completion, 12 December 2021 (Source: NDTV.com)

The project was launched in 2018, and the work was initiated in March 2019. The project known as Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Vistarikaran-Sundarayakaran Yojana (Kashi Vishwanath Temple extension and beautification plan) was estimated at Rs. 400 crore. According to the plan for redevelopment, an area of 43,636 sq. m was cleared by demolishing all the construction between the river and the ancient shrine (Ghosh 2018 ). A development board was created to accomplish the plan. To create this huge space, 314 properties were bought and demolished by the board. A total of Rs. 390 crore was spent to acquire the properties that were selected for the project in the area. Of this Rs. 390 crore, a sum of Rs. 70 crore was allotted for the rehabilitation of the 1,400 people living in this area, who were mainly encroachers, vendors and shopkeepers (Tiwari 2021 ).

The narrow lanes and the surroundings that were demolished for the project were known as Lahoritola, Neelkanth and Brahamanal (Singh 2018 ). The neighbourhood of Lahoritola is one of the oldest parts of Varanasi City. The first settlers migrated to this place from Lahore during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Currently, the sixth generation of the original settlers are living in this area, but as the area was cleared for the project, they had no other option but to settle somewhere else (Ghosh 2018 ). The project has specific planning for people affected by it. According to the authorities, rehabilitation houses are to be built at Ramnagar on eight acres of government land. Shopkeepers affected by the process are to be allotted shops near the temple after the completion of the project (Singh 2018 ).

The project aims not only to create a wide corridor connecting the temple to the ghat but also to develop several buildings for various tourism purposes. The Kashi Vishwanath temple complex will have 23 new structures after the completion of the plan. Along with the construction of a new temple chowk, these structures will include a tourist information centre, salvation house, city gallery, guest house, multipurpose hall, locker room, bhog shala, tourist facilitation centre, Mumukshu Bhaban, vedic kendra, city museum, food court, viewing gallery, and restroom (Tiwari 2021 ). The Ganga View gallery will provide a clear panoramic view for tourists. According to officials, the Mandir Chawk will be a place for pilgrims to relax and meditate (Pandey and Jain 2021 ). After the completion of the corridor and other proposed buildings, the temple complex will have 50,000 sq. ft. of space, which is approximately 200 times larger than the previous area of the temple complex. According to authorities, the space of the entire temple complex will be able to manage 50,000 to 75,000 pilgrims at a time, compared to a few hundred previously. The project has also considered the importance of green cover, and it was decided that 70% of the total 5.50 lakh sq. ft. will be green (Tiwari 2021 ). With the completion of the project, it is believed that there will be a boost in tourism, and the attraction of the heritage of the city will increase substantially.

2 Literature review

Since the 1980s, sustainable development has become an important concept worldwide. In the case of heritage tourism, Sustainable Tourism Development (STD) has become an important issue. STD includes developmental policies and the protection of the local environment. The common dilemma faced by all interested parties in tourism development is finding a sustainable tourism development plan that will conserve heritage while influencing the positive growth of tourism and tourism-related economic activities (Xing et al. 2013 ). When discussing sustainable tourism, the main focus is economic and environmental sustainability. The issue of social sustainability is overlooked, although it should be considered with equal importance. Exponential growth in a tourism location does not ensure the betterment of the local community, the prevention of community migration, or tangible benefits from tourism (Sirima and Backman 2013 ).

The tourism development process has both negative and positive impacts on heritage cities. While the negative impacts regarding the conservation of the area are concerning, the positive impacts of tourism cannot be ignored. The present-day commodification of heritage assets poses a serious question regarding the extent to which the development and modification of heritage areas is sustainable. Increased tourism activities and an influx of national and international tourists may expand the economy of the area and create job opportunities, but in the commodification of tourism, the heritage site may lose its aesthetic value and become artificial, and its originality may fade (Al-hagla 2010 ). In many cases, the benefits received by heritage locations through increased tourism activities may eventually be overshadowed by the negative long-term effects of the process (Benur and Bramwell 2015 ). To ensure that future generations inherit a resource base that is sufficient to fulfil their needs and wants, sustainability necessitates that such assets be prudently managed. The goal of this paper is to investigate how sustainability principles might be used most effectively in the context of heritage tourism with a focus on the administration of historic homes and gardens (Fyall and Garrod 1998 ).

‘Over tourism’ is defined as ‘destinations where hosts or guests, locals or visitors, feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably’. The condition of ‘over tourism’ is the opposite of the expected condition of ‘responsible tourism’. Responsible tourism is a tourism practice by which the tourism destination ascends to a better condition that benefits both the host and the tourists (Goodwin 2017 ). When tourism-related changes are introduced by persons external to the local community, the possibility of social conflict arises because of the fluctuating relationship between the stakeholder authorities and the host community (Yang et al. 2013 ).

Studies on the entangled relationships between stakeholders are just as important as studies ofthe growth of historic tourism, which have also been the subject of research. Conflicts of interest arise when the local community participates in the tourism development process without being guaranteed equitable involvement by the stakeholders. These complex scenarios must be studied to fully comprehend the implications of heritage site development initiatives (Li et al. 2020 ). The aim of using a cultural heritage space in a consumer-dominant space may lead to the complete commercialisation or ‘touristification’ of the area (Nasser 2003 ). This term is used to describe the particular forms and functions that take place due to the increased growth of tourism activity. The effect of ‘touristification’ is particularly prominent in the parts of historical cities that tourists use most (historic tourist cities) (Hernández et al. 2017 ). Developmental activities in heritage cities may lead to conflicts regarding land acquisition if the local community does not participate in planning (Porter and Salazar 2005 ). To prevent potential conflicts, it is imperative to focus on the interests, needs, and concerns of the local community at all phases of decision-making (Erbas  2018 ). The host community of the location must be included in planning for tourism development; otherwise, it will lead to ‘zoo syndrome’, where the local community is negatively affected by the development plans (De Ascaniis et al. 2018 ). Bill Bramwell and Bernard Lane ( 1993 ) attempted to explain the connection between the interpretation and sustainable development of natural and heritage sites of the world. According to these authors, the host community’s involvement in interpreting and promoting cultural heritage is beneficial for sustainable tourism development. The paper also suggests that ‘historic and natural features [are] to be retained wherever possible, not swept away by new developments’. Tourism in urban areas has started to create different types of problems in local communities (Hernández et al. 2017 ).

The influx of tourists has recently increased at a spectacular rate, particularly in urban tourist destinations. A study by María García-Hernández noted that historic urban landscapes are more affected by being tourism destinations (García-Hernández et al. 2017 ). Tourism development in these places is only sustainable when socioeconomic, physical and cultural characteristics are unharmed in the tourism process. The tourism development planning of a historic city must be based on the ‘historic urban landscape approach’. To address community aspects, the development needs to be comprehensive and must address different perspectives with sincerity and humanity. In addition to the physical conservation and protection of the heritage, the social and economic aspects of the preservation and conservation area are equally important (Al-hagla 2010 ). An essential component of the growth of the tourism industry is the preservation of a heritage site's aesthetic value. A site's high aesthetic value may be a major factor in the growth of the tourism business, particularly in developing nations, and the tourism sector can convert this aesthetic value into economic benefit. In contrast, a site's deteriorating aesthetic value will worsen the quality of life for the people who live there. At the Rio meeting, more than 20 nations agreed that maintaining heritage sites’ aesthetic value is crucial for sustainable development (Zhang et al. 2023 ). Because the locations were regarded as the core or centre of the cultural area, contemporary developments were prevented in several areas of the old heritage towns. For millennia, the unique social structures, customary pastimes, and street layouts of these areas remained unaltered. The heart of the cultural areas consists of a uniform collection of tangible and intangible assets. Several cities throughout North Africa and the Middle East have such examples. These ancient cities have not changed since the Arab civilisation's Middle Ages. These cultural centres, which include religious structures, paths, and gathering places, frequently serve as a main attraction for tourists, gathering places for pilgrims, and a source of revenue for nearby businesses (Bigio and Licciardi 2010 ).

At the UNESCO world heritage site Hampi in India, conflicts between the local community and the authorities pose challenges to the overall growth of the tourist site. A lack of communication between the government and locals, negligence in community involvement and participation and inequality in power distribution hinder the social sustainability of the heritage site (Nair et al. 2022 ). Similar features can be found in the older parts of Varanasi, where the ghat area, narrow alleys and surroundings of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple have remained unchanged for centuries. Thus, sudden reconstruction in the long-unchanged part of the city will have a significant impact on the neighbourhood.

Several regions of the world have conducted heritage reconstruction projects similar to the corridor project. The ancient town of Skopje in Macedonia, also known as the Old Bazaar, which consists of small stores, streets, independent businesses, and historic cultural establishments, has descended into social instability and dire economic conditions. To improve the condition of the area, a project was started in 2010. The project's primary goal was to implement better amenities and commercial development, which would in turn contribute to improved citizen livelihoods and improved tourism activity. According to the study, since the beginning of the project, the number of business establishments in the Old Bazaar has increased by 50% and its daily revenue has grown by 80%. Furthermore, the daily number of tourists increased by approximately 90% in the city. Jordan offers another illustration of this sort. The artistic mosaic creations have made Madaba, an ancient city with a rich heritage and culture, particularly well known. To address the city’s physical deterioration, population growth and encroachment, and poor maintenance, the World Bank launched a redevelopment project in the city of Madaba. After the project was finished, the city saw a significant rise in tourists within a period of two to three years (Throsby 2015 ).

The physical and socioeconomic regeneration of urban areas is prominent after tourism development. The assimilation of the local community in the process, as a source of heritage value and the inheritors of the heritage space, can result in sustainable tourism development.

2.1 Methodology

Each historically significant building has value or cultural heritage significance, and different stakeholders have varied perspectives on what those values are. Currently, determining the historical relevance of a site depends not only on professionals but also on the public at large. The need for public participation in cultural conservation initiatives is widely acknowledged in the literature (Bakri et al. 2015 ). The information for this study was gathered from newspaper articles published between 2018 and 2022 during the demolition of houses and the construction of new structures according to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project plans. The newspapers used for this study were in English and were published in digital media. The source of the newspapers was reliable national news agencies. Thirteen such articles were used for this study, and nine of them are cited in this article.

In addition to news articles, Google Earth Pro software was used to evaluate change detection within the study area. Google Earth Pro software has very fine resolution and is regularly used in research papers on urban development. To show the urban sprawl and changes over time, Google Earth Time Series Images were used, and area delineation was performed using the polygon tool in ArcMap software (Boussema et al. 2020 ).

In this paper, the polygon creation method was used to demarcate the study area within which the demolition of old structures and development of new structures have occurred. A landscape change analysis was performed using Google Earth images from three different years. The Google Earth images of different stages of the project provide a visual understanding of the changes that occurred in only 5 years. This paper includes images of the area before the commencement of the project (2018), during the project (2019) and after the completion of the project (2022). Following flow chart explains the various materials and methodology used in the present study (Fig.  2 ).

Research Methodology Flow Chart (Source: the author)

2.2 The heritage of Varanasi

The city of Varanasi, popularly known as Varanasi or Kashi, is situated on the left bank of the mighty Ganges in the district of Uttar Pradesh. The city has been a centre of religious practices and devotion and a pilgrimage site. Varanasi or Kashi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi recorded its first human settlement in approximately 1000 BCE (before the Christian Era), although the city mainly developed during the 18th century. Other ancient cities worldwide have hardly survived after imperial and colonial forays, whereas the city of Varanasi continued to thrive through the ages. The city has successfully retained its ancient charms and rich culture even in the era of modernisation. During the 8th century, Adi Shankara started the worship of Shiva in this place. Later, in 1780, the temple of Kashi Vishwanath was built by queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. This is also known as the golden temple and is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi.

The main iconic attraction of Varanasi City is its riverbanks and ghats with stairways. The riverfront heritage area spreads approximately 200 m inwards from the river and 6.8 km along the Ganges River. This heritage part of the Ganges Riverbank has a crescent shape and is located between the confluence of Ashi Nala in the south and Varana River in the north. A total of 84 ghats are located within this inherited river front. The ghats are overlooked by enormous old buildings, shrines and temples built mainly under the patronage of kings and lords between the 18th and 20th centuries. The ghats of Varanasi hold a special significance as they connect heritage with everyday life. Centuries-old ghats and neighbouring monuments are part of the everyday life of local residents as well as tourists and pilgrims. The river front also serves as an intangible part of cultural heritage as it is a necessary part of every ritual and festival of the city. All rituals start at the ghats with a sacred bath in the Ganges River. Although the city of Varanasi is not yet inscribed as a world heritage site, ‘ The Riverfront and Old City Heritage Zone of Varanasi ’ is being presented to UNESCO as a potential world heritage site (Singh and Rana 2015 ). Another creative proposal has recently been revealed for the renovation and rebuilding of the Kashi ghats, known as the River Front Development Project. The riverfronts and ghat areas are projected to undergo significant modification as a result of this project. On the other side of the river from the ghats, the project includes a four-lane elevated road that will be eight kilometres long. According to the project, three additional bridges will be constructed. It is anticipated that after this project is finished, tourism will flourish (Seth 2022 ).

2.3 The landscape change

As discussed earlier, an area of 43,636 sq. m. was selected, and the existing properties were demolished. The clearance of the area was planned to make space for building up the new structures decided according to the project. This particular area has experienced a significant change in landscape within a couple of years. From being a congested agglomeration of houses, shops and unplanned built-ups to narrow lanes filled with tourists, pilgrims and locals, it turned into a clean modern wide-spaced corridor. Modern construction also contains new buildings to facilitate tourists.

Google Earth images were taken in different years to compare the landscape changes that took place in the area of the project. Three images were selected: November 2018 (Fig.  3 ), November 2019 (Fig.  4 ), and January 2022 (Fig.  5 ).

The original settlement pattern around the temple, November 2018 (Source: Google Earth)

a The project area (cyan colour boundary) after demolishing the settlements, November 2019 (Source: Google Earth). b Demolition work in full swing for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Project, 20 January 2019 (Source: the Hindu). c Properties being demolished for the project, 8 March 2019 (Source: the wire). d Temples amidst destruction, 13 May 2021 (Source: the Print)

The project area (orange colour boundary) after the construction of new structures, January 2022 (Source: Google Earth)

The first figure (Fig.  3 ) was selected from the time when the area was unchanged, and all the existing built-ups were intact. It is clear from the image that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was surrounded by closely spaced compact settlements, and the only way to access the temple was through narrow alleys. Varanasi is particularly famous for these old narrow alleys, through which one could reach the ghats of Ganges and the Vishwanath Temple. Some of these alleyways were also market areas with numerous shops. The range of goods sold in those areas ranges from religious goods and decorative items to food stalls. This area, known as Lahori Tola, is a residential area with numerous shops and businesses.

The figure (Fig.  4 ) was selected from 2019, when the whole area under project was cleared by demolishing the properties. The barren land in the image clearly shows the parts where complete demolition has been done. The space between the Vishwanath Temple and the Ghat of Ganges appeared to be unhindered and waiting to be transformed into a tourism-based landscape.

In the third and final figure of 2022 (Fig.  5 ), the new constructions are visible, which were built according to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple extension and beautification plan. The whole area has changed from a compact residential space to a space for tourists and pilgrims within a couple of years. The existing properties were mostly private properties, temples, and shops. Although the private properties were demolished, the temples remained unharmed.

2.4 People’s perspectives

2.4.1 perspective of the residents.

The opinion of the public regarding the project is divided. Despite the restoration of religious glory and decongestion of the surroundings of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the situation of the locals who have lost their homes is painful and devastating. The locals of the area have discussed their loss and destruction with news reporters (Press Trust of India- PTI 2021 ). The people who were living in the area have clearly expressed their anguish about losing their homes and businesses. People have voiced their disagreement regarding the amount of compensation paid to them and have stated that the close proximity of their homes to the temple was an additional advantage that they lost due to this project. The locals stated that this tourism project has significantly affected them, not only economically but also emotionally (Ghosh 2018 ). Many people who had homes in the area selected for the corridor project recalled memories of their homes and the old neighbourhood. While many of the residents of Varanasi were enthusiastic about the ambitious project of redevelopment, many others grieved the loss of their family homes, where their families had lived for more than a hundred years. Many stated that extended families living in these old houses were broken up after the property was demolished. Family members became segregated and began living separately in different places in Varanasi (PTI 2021 ).

2.4.2 Perspective of shop owners

All the businesses operating in the area have been closed (Ghosh 2018 ). Many people who had shops in the area face the loss of their businesses due to complete demolition and relocation as shifting shops does not shift customers to new locations (PTI 2021 ). Several residents of the area had shops on the ground floor of the houses, and they lost their shops along with their residential properties during the demolition.

2.4.3 Perspective of the authorities

In an interview with the chief executive officer (CEO) of Shri Kashi Viswanath Temple Trust, Vishal Singh, who was in charge of implementing the project on the ground, the perspective of the stockholders was showcased more clearly. When he was asked about the disruption caused by the corridor project and how the people’s displeasure was handled, he replied that the clearance of the temple area was envisaged for 10 − 15 years, but the plan was implemented very recently. The problems faced by pilgrims were the key consideration in planning. Providing ‘Suraksha aur Suvidha’ (security and facilities) to pilgrims is the main focus of the corridor project. When asked about the residents of the area who had to leave due to the project and how they were compensated, he said, ‘We have paid every family, every household living here, including tenants. We have paid every single person who has been shifted out of this place’ (Basu 2019 ).

According to the authorities, the main reason behind the planning of the expansion of the temple complex was to provide facilities to tourists and pilgrims. On special occasions, the temple expects 4–5 lakh visitors in a day, and pilgrims must wait in a long queue, sometimes for more than a day. The aim of developing an extended temple complex was to provide basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water, first aid and medical care to visitors in need (Basu 2019 ). The authorities of the project applied a positive perspective to the situation and confirmed that every problem associated with the evacuation of the area was treated with a humanitarian approach (Basu 2019 ). According to the authorities, rehabilitation and compensation were not only for real owners of the area; other permanent settlers, such as tenants and people living illegally, were also included in the planning (Tiwari 2021 ).

Many people stated their opinions in support of the development project. Many supported the decision to remove the temple area encroachment. In some people’s opinions, most of the rightful owners of the neighbourhood in question did not live there. The people who were displaced due to the project were mostly tenants or had unauthorised occupancy (Ghosh 2018 ). According to the authorities, the process of purchasing property from the owners was the most difficult task. The real owners of the area were descendants of the kings or wealthy people of the past. Most of the properties were given to the shebait or caretakers, who looked after the property and temples. The shebait of the properties started to expand the buildings using every kind of construction, some of which were illegal and unsafe. Shebait began renting the rooms to tenants. Finally, when the properties were bought and vacated, the authorities had to compensate the real owners of the property, the shebait who looked after the property, the tenants and some illegal encroachers (Basu 2019 ).

Despite all the disputes regarding the acquisition of the properties, there is no pending case in the court (Tiwari 2021 ). The CEO of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has confirmed that Rs. 262 crore was paid to the owners of the property, and another Rs. 16.54 crore was paid to the tenants, including illegal encroachers (Basu 2019 ).

2.4.4 Perspective of the Tourists

The experiences of the tourists and pilgrims who visited Vishwanath Temple in its previous condition were not very positive. Slow-moving traffic around the temple and a long queue to enter the temple were regular affairs. Due to overcrowding, people could obtain only a glimpse of the deity before being forced to move ahead even after waiting in the queue for hours or days. It is expected that after the completion of the project, this situation will improve (Pandey and Jain 2021 ). Tourists visiting Kashi again after several years are surprised by the changed landscape of the temple. A visitor from Kolkata who was visiting Kashi after seven years was astonished by the wide space at the entrance of the temple instead of narrow and cramped lanes. The visitor shared his experience from his last visit when he had a ‘tough time’ reaching the temple through a narrow, crowded lane (Pandey 2019 ). The tour companies shared great joy in the news reports about the completion of the corridor project as they predicted an enormous increase in tourism business in Kashi. According to the president of a tour company, they had already witnessed a 10% increase in travellers interested in travelling Kashi. According to another president of a renowned tour company, along with the increased interest in visiting the Kashi temple, tourists show interest in visiting Sarnath Temple and river cruises (Bhuniya 2022 ). It can be inferred that with the rejuvenation of the Vishwanath temple, other surrounding attractions of Kashi will also benefit from the tourism business.

2.4.5 Other perspectives

According to historians, some parts of the neighbouring area of the temple that were demolished for the new construction were as old as the temple itself (Ghosh 2018 ). Families have stated that they had their own temples at their family homes that were also old and had beautiful carvings, but those too were demolished along with the remaining property. Structures that were demolished for the project, such as old family temples, houses and dharamshalas, were 250–300 years old. The locals stated that these structures were equally important parts of the heritage of the old city, but they are now lost due to the tourism development project. A police officer who chose to remain anonymous shared his grief regarding the destruction of heritage buildings for the project. According to this officer, some of the iconic buildings of the area were destroyed in the process. Although he admitted that the new structure looked beautiful, the loss of old stone carvings and structures was absolutely tragic. He stated that development at the cost of heritage is never acceptable (PTI 2021 ). Demolition for the Kashi Vishwanath corridor has disrupted the balanced harmony that existed between the Vishwanath Temple and the Gayan Vapi Mosque: ‘Such exposure, and particularly the haunting sight of the object remains – detritus, scraps of the city’s fabric and broken deities – led to protest and debates…’. The residents of the area have also stated their powerlessness in fighting the government project and saving the neighbourhood from destruction (Lazzaretti 2021 ) .

3 Implication: rediscovering the ancient temples

Conservation of the ancient temples can be considered one of the positive aspects of the corridor project (Singh 2018 ). While clearing the settlements for the projected corridor, more than 40 ancient temples were rediscovered. These temples were surrounded by dense settlements; in some cases, they were completely engulfed and new settlements were built around them, covering the ancient temples. The Archaeological Survey of India has confirmed that none of the temples that were found during the destruction of personal and commercial properties along the project site were older than the 17th century (PTI 2021 ). According to the architect of the project, the goal was to increase facilities for tourists by connecting the temple with the ghat of Ganges without changing the existing formation of the temple. The architect also stated that the aim was not to tamper with the original structure of the temple and to maintain it as it was. According to Atul Tripathi of Banaras Hindu University, ‘The corridor will give glimpses of the sculptural art and architectural history of temples over 300 years because the 41 temples, which were found among the buildings purchased and demolished, have been preserved’ (Indo-Asian News Service—(IANS), 2023 ).

Rediscovering the ancient temples on which illegal construction was performed has become one of the important reasons for many people to support the project (Ghosh 2018 ). During the demolition of houses in the area, numerous old temples were found inside the properties. Religious sentiment was given priority in this case, and the temples were not demolished. The plan of the project was revised due to the discovery of the old temples. The location of the guest house and the Vedic centre were changed to accommodate these temples within the temple complex. All the temples were incorporated into the plan and restored to their former glory (Tiwari 2021 ).

4 Discussion and conclusion

A limitation of this study is that a field survey would have enhanced the quality of the work. Unfortunately, when the project was in progress, there were several restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the chance of possible health risks from a field survey were also considered. There is future potential to continue this work by interviewing the affected residents and obtaining a broader perspective of how their lives changed after the completion of the project.

The case study of Varanasi City with regard to the newly developed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project provides a clear view of the existing conflicts between heritage conservation planning and the affected community. The opinions of the people are clearly divided based on their gains or losses from the development project. Temple-centric tourism development, increased facilities and amenities for tourists and pilgrims have pleased a great number of devotees. Larger space around the temple, less congestion, and the elimination of long queues to visit the deity have created a positive effect, especially for pilgrims and tourists as well as many other residents of Varanasi. For visitors, this development project will help to provide a better experience while visiting the holy temple, but outsiders will not realise the actual effect resulting from the redevelopment of the area. The complete demolition of private properties and the loss of businesses and means of income will no doubt cause socioeconomic damage to the people of the area. Although the people received compensation for their loss, several reports have confirmed the locals’ disappointment as the sum was not sufficient to compensate what they lost. In addition to the socioeconomic damage, the loss of heritage that took place in the process is undeniable. The area was one of the oldest parts of Varanasi and was part and parcel of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The locals, along with many others around the country, have revealed their anguish about losing heritage in the name of tourism development. Some damages are measurable in terms of economic value, whereas some damages are completely unfathomable. The emotional and sentimental loss suffered by the residents due to their attachment to this area cannot be compensated.

Varanasi, now known as Kashi, is a city of incredible heritage value and is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The importance of heritage in Kashi cannot be confined to heritage structures; it spreads to the people, culture, and values of the place. The area that was demolished was considered a residential area, and the properties were not declared heritage buildings or may not have contained significant heritage monuments or architecture, but the heritage value of the space was undeniable. Areas with various historical, architectural, local, artistic and aesthetic characteristics incorporated into natural urban landscapes, when taken collectively, are more valuable than their individual values. The clustering of various aspects of tangible and intangible heritage value existing in the area that was lost in the process of tourism development is the only drawback for the otherwise ambitious project.

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Abbreviations

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

Sustainable Tourism Development

Before the Christian Era

Press Trust of India

Chief Executive Officer

Indo-Asian News Service

Al-hagla, K.S. 2010. Sustainable urban development in historical areas using the tourist trail approach: A case study of the Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) project in Saida. Lebanon. Cities 27 (4): 234–248.

Article   Google Scholar  

Bakri, A. F., N. Ibrahim, S. S. Ahmad, and N. Q. Zaman. 2015. Public perception on the cultural significance of heritage buildings in Kuala Lumpur. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 202: 294–302.

Basu, J. 2019. Vishwanath Corridor will be ready by June 2021: CEO of Kashi Temple Trust. e-paper The Sunday Guardian .

Benur, A. M., and B. Bramwell. 2015. Tourism product development and product diversification in destinations. Tourism Management 50: 213–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2015.02.005 .

Bhuniya, A. 2022. Tourists flock to Kashi Vishwanath Corridor . New Delhi: The Media India.

Google Scholar  

Bigio, A. G., and G. Licciardi. 2010. The urban rehabilitation of medinas: the World Bank experience in the Middle East and North Africa . Washington: The World Bank.  https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/21285a69-9361-5d55-8a31-bc9e2e8b810c/content .

Boussema, S. B. F., F. K. Allouche, A. Bekaoui, Y. Khalifa, and H. M’Sadak. 2020. Using Google Earth™ And Geographical Information System data as method to detect Urban Sprawl and Green Spaces for better wellbeing case of a coastal landscape. International Journal of Research 8 (9): 266–276.

De Ascaniis, S., M. Gravari-Barbas, and L. Cantoni. 2018. Tourism Management at UNESCO world heritage sites. ISBN 978-88-6101-018-5

Erbas, A. E. 2018. Cultural Heritage Conservation And Culture-Led Tourism Conflict Within The Historic Site In Beyoğlu, Istanbul. WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment  217: 647–659. https://doi.org/10.2495/SDP180551 .

Fyall, A., and B. Garrod. 1998. Heritage tourism: At what price? Managing Leisure 3 (4): 213–228.

García-Hernández, María, Manuel De la Calle-Vaquero, and Claudia Yubero. 2017. Cultural Heritage and Urban Tourism: Historic City Centres under Pressure. Sustainability 9 (8): 1346. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9081346 .

Ghosh, B. 2018. Beautification plan destroys oldest neighbourhoods in Varanasi. The Hindu , December 9.

Goodwin, H. 2017. The challenge of overtourism. Responsible Tourism Partnership 4: 1–19.

IANS. 2023. Varanasi's corridor of change seamlessly merges past with future. Indo-Asian News Service. https://ians.in/index.php/iansin/d2J0bg .

Lane, B. B. 1993. Interpretation and Sustainable Tourism: The Potential and the Pitfalls. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 1: 2.

Lazzaretti, V. 2021. The boundary within: Demolitions, dream projects and the negotiation of Hinduness in Banaras. In  Spaces of Religion in Urban South Asia ,edited by István Keul. London: Routledge.

Li, Y., C. Lau, and P. Su. 2020. Heritage tourism stakeholder conflict: A case of a World Heritage Site in China. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change 18: 267–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2020.1722141 .

Nair, B. B., S. Sinha, M. R. Dileep. 2023. Who Owns the Heritage? Power and Politics of Heritage Site Management in Tourism, Hampi, India. Archaeologies 19: 276–298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11759-022-09459-w .

Napravishta, F. 2018. The Fragility of Cultural Heritage in the Era of Globalization: Skanderbeg Square Modernization. Paper presented at IFAU 2018 - 2nd International Forum on Architecture and Urbanism, Pescara, Italy, November 8–10.

Nasser, N. 2003. Planning for Urban Heritage Places: Reconciling Conservation, Tourism, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Planning Literature 17 (4): 467–479.

Pandey, N. and J. Parveen. 2021. Kashi Vishwanath makeover races to meet Nov Dadeline, blending heritage with the modern. The Print .

Pandey, S. 2019. Corridor for Kashi tourists proves a bane for locals . Varanashi: The Deccan Herald.

Porter, B. W., and N. B. Salazar. 2005. Heritage Tourism, Conflicts and the Public Interest : An Introduction. International Journal of Heritage Studies 11: 361–370.  https://doi.org/10.1080/13527250500337397 .

PTI. 2021. Kashi corridor: Section of locals unhappy over 'lost homes', demolition of iconic buildings e-paper. The Indian Express . https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ .

Seth, M. 2022. An 8-km elevated road, 3 ‘finger bridges’ to ghats: UP govt comes up with plan to transform Ganga riverfront . Lucknow: The Indian Express.

Singh, R. P. 2015. Varanasi, the Cultural Capital of India: Visioning Cultural Heritage and Planning. SANDHI, A Journal of Interfacing Science-Heritage and Technology-Tradition of India IIT Kharagpur, India 1 (1): 100–122.

Singh, S. 2018. Kashi Vishwanath Pathway: over 100 houses to be demolished, rehabilitation in Ramnagar. The Economic Times .

Sirima, A., and K. F. Backman. 2013. Communities’ displacement from national park and tourism development in the Usangu Plains.  Current Issues in Tourism  16 (7–8): 719–735. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2013.785484 .

Throsby, D. 2015. Investment in urban heritage conservation in developing countries: Concepts, methods and data , 1–6. City: Culture and Society.

Tiwari, O. M. 2021. Marvel of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: 314 buildings acquired, Rs 390 crore paid to owners, but zero litigation. News Nine .

UNESCO. 2014. UNESCO Culture for Development Indicators: Methodology Manual . Paris: UNSCO. www.unesco.org/creativity/cdis .

Xing, H., A. Marzuki, and A.A. Razak. 2013. Conceptualizing a Sustainable Development Model For Cultural Heritage Tourism in Asia. Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management 8 (1): 51–66.

Yang, J., C. Ryan, and L. Zhang. 2013. Social conflict in communities impacted by tourism. Tourism Management 35: 82–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.06.002 .

Zhang, S., K. Xiong, G. Fei, H. Zhang, and Y. Chen. 2023. Aesthetic value protection and tourism development of the world natural heritage sites: A literature review and implications for the world heritage karst sites. Heritage Science  11: 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-023-00872-0 .

Download references

Acknowledgements

Authors are very thankful to the Google Earth Pro for providing the open access to download the real time satellite imageries.

No fund received during this research work.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Geography, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India

Ananya Pati

BIM Plus Plus Project Consultants L.L.C, Lynx Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis, 341041, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mujahid Husain

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

First author’s contribution: writing Abstract, Literature review, Discussion and conclusion. Second Author’s contribution: Modification/Rewrite Abstract and literature review. News agencies’ reporting photos of study area. Study area Google Earth Pro work, Study area delineation and calculation in ArcMap software. Common work: Throughout the communication with the editor of the Journal Built Heritage . Both authors did revision of manuscript with discussion and common understanding in every suggestion that were received from the reviewers. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mujahid Husain .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Pati, A., Husain, M. People’s perspectives on heritage conservation and tourism development: a case study of Varanasi. Built Heritage 7 , 17 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-023-00098-w

Download citation

Received : 25 November 2022

Accepted : 23 July 2023

Published : 15 August 2023

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-023-00098-w

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Conservation
• Development

• 0 Shopping Cart

How can the growth of tourism reduce the development gap?

Jamaica Case Study

Jamaica Case Study – How can the growth of tourism reduce the development gap?

Jamaica is the fourth-largest island country in the Caribbean. It has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Jamaica is famed for its beautiful sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage. It has excellent communications and is a popular destination for cruise ships.  

A cruise ship in Jamaica

How has tourism in Jamaica grown?

Tourism has seen significant growth in Jamaica. The graph below illustrates this.

As you can see, there has been an almost exponential growth in the number of visitor arrivals to Jamaica between 1994 and 2016. However, although visitor arrivals continued to increase in 2009, the change was not in line with previous years due to the recession, which reduced many people’s disposable income.

Total visitor expenditure increased from US$128,706,000 in 1975 to US$3,400,000,000 in 2019.

How has Jamaica reduced the development gap?

Tourism is one of Jamaica’s top sources of revenue. The industry contributes over 50% of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings (approx. US$2b). Thousands of Jamaicans work directly or indirectly in tourism . Tourism employs the second largest number of Jamaicans (approximately 200,000) directly in hotels, transport and attractions and indirectly in trading, manufacturing and banking.  

Tourism in Jamaica benefits local farmers through the sale of produce to hotels. For example, Jamaica’s Sandals Resort Farmers Program grew from 10 farmers in 1996, supplying two hotels, to 80 farmers in 2004, supplying hotels island-wide. As a result, in 2018, the hotel chain provided more than $25 million in assistance, starting with the up-front purchase and distribution of $3.5 million of Irish potato seeds to five farmers in Manchester, Jamaica. Under the partnership, the five farmers will be the sole providers of Irish potatoes to the entire Sandals group, which comprises 11 resorts in Jamaica. The purpose is to enable the hotel chain to purchase potatoes locally rather than rely on imports.

There have been considerable investments in infrastructure to accommodate tourists. Port facilities have been expanded, as have airports and road infrastructure. However, the development of roads followed much later as catering for cruise ships was prioritised. Some hotel owners have not been happy with this.

Many people in key tourist areas, such as Montego Bay , have benefited from an improved quality of life due to tourism. However, pockets of poverty still exist.  

The environment has benefited from landscaping projects and the introduction of nature parks.  

Premium Resources

Please support internet geography.

If you've found the resources on this page useful please consider making a secure donation via PayPal to support the development of the site. The site is self-funded and your support is really appreciated.

Related Topics

Use the images below to explore related GeoTopics.

Strategies for reducing the development gap

Topic home, how can the growth of tourism reduce the development gap tunisia case study, share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

If you've found the resources on this site useful please consider making a secure donation via PayPal to support the development of the site. The site is self-funded and your support is really appreciated.

Search Internet Geography

Top posts and pages.

Latest Blog Entries

Pin It on Pinterest

• Click to share
• Print Friendly

Home > ETDS > Dissertations and Theses > 1184

Dissertations and Theses

The role of tourism in development: a case study of turkey.

Habib Alipouraghtapeh , Portland State University

Portland State University. School of Urban and Public Affairs

First Advisor

Seymour Adler

Date of Publication

Document type.

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Urban Studies

Urban Studies and Planning

Tourism -- Turkey -- Case studies

10.15760/etd.1183

Physical Description

5, xiii, 398 leaves: ill. 28 cm.

Until quite recently "tourism" was principally a feature of, and was largely confined to, the developed countries. During the past two decades, however, tourism has become an income earning alternative to the many Third World countries, and many have capitalized on the industry which has become known as a "passport to development." In recent years the situation has worsened for these former exporters of primary agricultural products. These products are suffering from the general fall in world commodity prices and competition from larger and more efficient agricultural producers. In addition, the world economic impact has been translated to ever-burgeoning foreign debt crisis and the further deterioration of balance of payments. The need for foreign currency has been intensified by the new export promotion policies which are replacing import substitution as the dominant development policy in Third World manufacturing. Tourism under these circumstances is a mixed blessing, and until very recently economists have pondered tourism's contribution carefully and have applied a wide range of theories to a description of the benefits of extended tourism business. In addition, with the new surge in tourism literature not only have the economic benefits of tourism been questioned, but tourism's social, cultural, and environmental impacts have become major issues of contention. The complex matrix of advantages and disadvantages ensures that governments must face an unenviable task of trying to weigh gains from new income and employment against certain less direct and long-term losses. While tourism on the one hand is blessed as the passport to development," on the other hand it has been characterized as a force which destroys uncomprehendingly and unintentionally cultural values and social customs. In order to enhance and secure the positive influences of tourism in the long run and ensure its sustainability as an alternative means of income, an elaborated national tourism policy is required. An effective policy would guide the industry through certain development plans in accordance with the overall national development policies. The current study suggests that Turkey's tourism development was subject to various deliberate influences and spontaneous dynamics without a prior policy formulation in the form of a national tourism policy. This study further suggests that the tourist boom of 1980s caught the government and private sector by surprise because of the lack of pre-planning or policy research. This is obvious when one examines the tourism organization and administration which is centrally controlled and implemented. The interaction between various levels of government is a critical point. This study also suggests that Turkey's position as a new tourist destination related positively to its new export promotion policies or the shift from an import substitution industrialization (lSI) economy to an export-oriented growth (XOG) economy. To note, motivations to develop tourism in Turkey are first, to gain foreign exchange, and second, to establish that Turkey represents a politically stable environment for foreign investment. However, the lack of a national tourism policy has confined the industry to only a "short term economic gain" objective which has ruled out any effort to measure its net economic value instead of gross economic revenue. Furthermore the "planning" process has remained limited to physical planning to the detriment of social, environmental, and territorial planning. The lack of regional planning with goals to reduce disparities are obvious signs of the failure of planning in the tourism sector. Therefore, this study suggests that tourism has not been employed in a fashion to alleviate or minimize spatial inequalities, but rather the trend has been to its intensification. "Domestic tourism" has been neglected in terms of policy and planning, and social tourism, will likely disappear because many will not be able to afford the uncontrolled tourist prices in the new crowded tourist centers. The result of the study, suggests that tourism development cannot be separated from the "development" ideologies and theories which are translated to policies in the national level. In order to achieve a better understanding of tourism's role within the national development policy, one needs to examine the extension of analysis beyond the core periphery relation which is manifested in "dependency theory." The new international division of labor will most likely devise a new pattern for capital accumulation. This new process has been manifested in "dependent development" which produced new formations (i.e., NICs) or "semiperipheral" economies. In order for tourism to be a viable economic and social sector, it must overcome the disadvantages of "dependent development." The prime task of this study was to examine the complex nature of the tourism industry in Turkey as it relates to the government's effort to tourism development. The study reveals that the government's involvement in the tourism industry was hampered by an impasse in development strategies and ideologies due to the retreatment from the etatist philosophy to the export oriented/privatization scenario. This resulted in a distortion characterized by inactivity in tourism (i.e., the absence of a national tourism policy. Tourism was perceived as a short-term remedy to the lack of foreign capital as an invisible sector (replacing worker's remittances from abroad). All told, the tourism industry, regardless of its myriad potentials, was confined to a few enclave developments as directed by market forces rather than as a derivative of formal planning decisions. The government's role remains passive at this point despite a requirement for active intervention in tourism activity_

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this dissertation or thesis and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit a request to [email protected] and include clear identification of the work, preferably with URL

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/4559

Recommended Citation

Alipouraghtapeh, Habib, "The Role of Tourism in Development: A Case Study of Turkey" (1991). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 1184. https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.1183

Since September 18, 2013

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Featured Collections
• All Authors
• Schools & Colleges
• Dissertations & Theses
• PDXOpen Textbooks
• Conferences
• Collections
• Disciplines
• Faculty Expert Gallery
• Submit Research
• Faculty Profiles
• Terms of Use
• Feedback Form

Home | About | My Account | Accessibility Statement | Portland State University

Privacy Copyright

Tourism and Economic Growth: Evidence from Cross-Country Data with Policy Insights

• Published: 08 May 2024

Cite this article

• Mohd Arshad Ansari   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6291-4137 1  

35 Accesses

Explore all metrics

This work analyzes whether tourism development affects the economic growth. Using yearly data of 1995–2017 for the sample of 35 countries, the empirical findings reveal that tourism arrivals and tourism receipts stimulate the economic growth. Similarly, renewable and non-renewable energy consumption enhance economic growth in the selected countries. Further, human capital positively affects economic growth in case of developed countries, African, and European regions. However, the coefficients of human capital are negative on economic growth in case of aggregate panel as well as for developing countries, Asian and Latin American regions. The pairwise causality test performed mixed results in case of direction of causality. Notwithstanding, the empirical outcomes vary across various subpanels. Thus, policy should focus on enhancing cognitive skills, knowledge, high-quality educational infrastructure, and increasing school enrolment which are key to achieve higher economic growth in developing countries, Asian and Latin American regions. Moreover, for sustainable economic growth, use of more renewable energy with protective environmental quality is a win-win position in the long run.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

An empirical investigation of tourism-led growth hypothesis in the European countries: evidence from augmented mean group estimator

The nexus of tourism, renewable energy, income, and environmental quality: an empirical analysis of Pakistan

The Impact of Tourism and Renewable Energy Use Over Economic Growth in Top 10 Tourism Destinations

Data availability.

Data will be made available upon request.

See Table 1 for more details about tourism contribution to GDP and employment.

The readers should not get confused that there are 35 countries, we have first arranged these countries on the basis of income into subpanels namely developing and developed countries collected from the WDI ( 2018 ). Later we have arranged these 35 countries from same developing and developed nation into four other sub panels namely Latin American, European, African, and Asian based on their regional level (UNWTO, 2018 ). It is also to be noticed that while dividing them into regional blocks we have mentioned only 29 countries out of 35 countries. This is because other 4 countries (Australia and New Zealand comes under Oceania region; Canada and US are the part of North America) do not come under selected regions; therefore, we could not include them here.

Consequently, the prominent method is to consider the assumption and condition of each estimator. DFE technique is similar to PMG method in that it restricts the coefficient of the co-integrating vector to be equal across all panels across time. Furthermore, the DFE estimator requires that the short-term coefficient and the speed of the adjustment and be the same or equal, and panel-specific intercepts are permitted. MG technique was revealed by Pesaran and Smith ( 1995 ) including the distinct regressions for each nation, as well as the coefficients as the unweighted averages of the estimated coefficients for each country.

This is because the characteristic of all these three estimators is almost similar

The argument here is that the usage of non-renewable energy is very small that it may have no or very less impact on economic growth, for which developed countries should not be much worried about their environmental consequences. This is one case where environmental Kuznets curve can be valid for developed countries which depicts that better technology and renewable energy consumption could support green economy and at the same time reduction in carbon emission.

Except human capital which is found to be insignificant on economic growth in case of FMOLS model

Abdouli, M., & Omri, A. (2021). Exploring the nexus among FDI inflows, environmental quality, human capital, and economic growth in the Mediterranean region. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12 (2), 788–810.

Article   Google Scholar  

Affandi, Y., Anugrah, D. F., & Bary, P. (2019). Human capital and economic growth across regions: A case study in Indonesia. Eurasian Economic Review, 9 (3), 331–347.

Ahmed, E. M., & Krishnasamy, G. (2013). Human capital investment to achieve knowledge-based economy in ASEAN5: DEA applications. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 4 (4), 331–342.

Akadiri, S. S., Bekun, F. V., Taheri, E., & Akadiri, A. C. (2019). Carbon emissions, energy consumption and economic growth: A causality evidence. International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 15 (2-3), 320–336.

Amin, S. B., Kabir, F. A., & Khan, F. (2020). Tourism and energy nexus in selected South Asian countries: A panel study. Current Issues in Tourism, 23 (16), 1963–1967.

Amna Intisar, R., Yaseen, M. R., Kousar, R., Usman, M., & Makhdum, M. S. A. (2020). Impact of trade openness and human capital on economic growth: A comparative investigation of Asian countries. Sustainability, 12 (7), 2930.

Ansari, M. A., Haider, S., & Masood, T. (2021). Do renewable energy and globalization enhance ecological footprint: An analysis of top renewable energy countries? Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28 (6), 6719–6732.

Antonakakis, N., Dragouni, M., & Filis, G. (2015). How strong is the linkage between tourism and economic growth in Europe? Economic Modelling, 44 , 142–155.

Apergis, N., & Payne, J. E. (2010). Renewable energy consumption and growth in Eurasia. Energy Economics, 32 (6), 1392–1397.

Apergis, N., & Payne, J. E. (2011). The renewable energy consumption– Growth nexus in Central America. Applied Energy, 88 (1), 343–347.

Archer, E. (1984). Estimating the relationship between tourism and economic growth in Barbados. Journal of Travel Research, 22 (4), 8–12.

Arslanturk, Y., Balcilar, M., & Ozdemir, Z. A. (2011). Time-varying linkages between tourism receipts and economic growth in a small open economy. Economic Modelling, 28 (1-2), 664–671.

Awad, A. (2021). Which contributes more to economic growth in the MENA region: Health or education? An empirical investigation. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12 (3), 1119–1133.

Azam, M., & Abdullah, H. (2022). Dynamic links among tourism, energy consumption, and economic growth: Empirical evidences from top tourist destination countries in Asia. Journal of Public Affairs, 22 (4), e2629.

Azam, M., & Ahmed, A. M. (2015). Role of human capital and foreign direct investment in promoting economic growth: Evidence from Commonwealth of Independent States. International Journal of Social Economics, 42 (2), 98–111.

Baharumshah, A. Z., & Almasaied, S. W. (2009). Foreign direct investment and economic growth in Malaysia: Interactions with human capital and financial deepening. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, 45 (1), 90–102.

Balaguer, J., & Cantavella-Jorda, M. (2002). Tourism as a long-run economic growth factor: The Spanish case. Applied Economics, 34 (7), 877–884.

Balsalobre-Lorente, D., & Leitão, N. C. (2020). The role of tourism, trade, renewable energy use and carbon dioxide emissions on economic growth: Evidence of tourism-led growth hypothesis in EU-28. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27 (36), 45883–45896.

Bano, S., Zhao, Y., Ahmad, A., Wang, S., & Liu, Y. (2018). Identifying the impacts of human capital on carbon emissions in Pakistan. Journal of Cleaner Production, 183 , 1082–1092.

Baum, C. (2001). XTTEST3: Stata module to compute modified Wald statistic for groupwise heteroskedasticity .

Becker, G. S. (1993). Human capital . University of Chicago Press. United States.

Book   Google Scholar  

Ben Mbarek, M., Abdelkafi, I., & Feki, R. (2018). Nonlinear causality between renewable energy, economic growth, and unemployment: Evidence from Tunisia. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 9 (2), 694–702.

Bhat, J. A. (2018). Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption—Impact on economic growth and CO 2 emissions in five emerging market economies. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25 (35), 35515–35530.

Bhattacharya, M., Paramati, S. R., Ozturk, I., & Bhattacharya, S. (2016). The effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth: Evidence from top 38 countries. Applied Energy, 162 , 733–741.

Boissevain, J. (1978). Tourism and development in Malta. Studies in Third World Societies, 6 , 37–56.

Google Scholar  

Boyd, G. A., & Pang, J. X. (2000). Estimating the linkage between energy efficiency and productivity. Energy Policy, 28 (5), 289–296.

Breusch, T. S., & Pagan, A. R. (1980). The Lagrange multiplier test and its applications to model specification in econometrics. The Review of Economic Studies, 47 (1), 239–253.

BS Statistical Review. (2018). World Energy . bp-stats-review-2018-full-report.pdf.

Demetriades, P., & Hook Law, S. (2006). Finance, institutions and economic development. International Journal of Finance and Economics, 11 (3), 245–260.

Dhrifi, A., Alnahdi, S., & Jaziri, R. (2021). The causal links among economic growth, education and health: Evidence from developed and developing Countries. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12 (3), 1477–1493.

Dogru, T., & Bulut, U. (2018). Is tourism an engine for economic recovery? Theory and empirical evidence. Tourism Management, 67 , 425–434.

Dumitrescu, E. I., & Hurlin, C. (2012). Testing for Granger non-causality in heterogeneous panels. Economic Modelling, 29 (4), 1450–1460.

Empora, N., & Mamuneas, T. (2011). The effect of emissions on US state total factor productivity growth. Review of Economic Analysis, 3 (2), 149–172.

Engle, R. F., & Granger, C. W. (1987). Co-integration and error correction: representation, estimation, and testing. Econometrica: Journal of the Econometric Society , 251–276.

Enilov, M., & Wang, Y. (2022). Tourism and economic growth: Multi-country evidence from mixed-frequency Granger causality tests. Tourism Economics, 28 (5), 1216–1239.

Eugenio-Martin, J. L., Martín Morales, N., & Scarpa, R. (2004). Tourism and economic growth in Latin American countries: A panel data approach .

Eyuboglu, S., & Eyuboglu, K. (2020). Tourism development and economic growth: An asymmetric panel causality test. Current Issues in Tourism, 23 (6), 659–665.

Fahimi, A., Saint Akadiri, S., Seraj, M., & Akadiri, A. C. (2018). Testing the role of tourism and human capital development in economic growth. A panel causality study of micro states. Tourism Management Perspectives, 28 , 62–70.

Fang, Z., & Wolski, M. (2021). Human capital, energy and economic growth in China: Evidence from multivariate nonlinear Granger causality tests. Empirical Economics, 60 (2), 607–632.

Fayissa, B., Nsiah, C., & Tadasse, B. (2008). Impact of tourism on economic growth and development in Africa. Tourism Economics, 14 (4), 807–818.

Garces, E., & Daim, T. U. (2012). Impact of renewable energy technology on the economic growth of the USA. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 3 (3), 233–249.

Garza-Rodriguez, J., Almeida-Velasco, N., Gonzalez-Morales, S., & Leal-Ornelas, A. P. (2020). The impact of human capital on economic growth: The case of Mexico. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 11 (2), 660–675.

Gossling, S. (2000). Sustainable tourism development in developing countries: Some aspects of energy use. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 8 (5), 410–425.

Grimaud, A., & Rougé, L. (2005). Polluting non-renewable resources, innovation and growth: Welfare and environmental policy. Resource and Energy Economics, 27 (2), 109–129.

Haini, H. (2019). Internet penetration, human capital and economic growth in the ASEAN economies: Evidence from a translog production function. Applied Economics Letters, 26 (21), 1774–1778.

Islam, M. (2020). Human capital and per capita income linkage in South Asia: A heterogeneous dynamic panel analysis. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 11 (4), 1614–1629.

Johansen, S. (1995). Identifying restrictions of linear equations with applications to simultaneous equations and cointegration. Journal of Econometrics, 69 (1), 111–132.

Kao, C. (1999). Spurious regression and residual-based tests for cointegration in panel data. Journal of Econometrics, 90 (1), 1–44.

Katircioglu, S., Gokmenoglu, K. K., & Eren, B. M. (2018). Testing the role of tourism development in ecological footprint quality: Evidence from top 10 tourist destinations. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25 (33), 33611–33619.

Khan, M. T. I., Yaseen, M. R., & Ali, Q. (2019). Nexus between financial development, tourism, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas emission in high-income countries: A continent-wise analysis. Energy Economics, 83 , 293–310.

Kounetas, K., Mourtos, I., & Tsekouras, K. (2012). Is energy intensity important for the productivity growth of EET adopters? Energy Economics, 34 (4), 930–941.

Leitao, N. C., & Shahbaz, M. (2016). Economic growth, tourism arrivals and climate change. Bulletin of Energy Economics (BEE) The Economics and Social Development. Organization, 4 (1), 35–43.

Lewis, J. I., & Wiser, R. H. (2007). Fostering a renewable energy technology industry: An international comparison of wind industry policy support mechanisms. Energy Policy, 35 (3), 1844–1857.

Li, K. X., Jin, M., & Shi, W. (2018). Tourism as an important impetus to promoting economic growth: A critical review. Tourism Management Perspectives, 26 , 135–142.

Loayza, N. V., & Ranciere, R. (2006). Financial development, financial fragility, and growth. Journal of Money, Credit and Banking , 1051–1076.

Louca, C. (2006). Income and expenditure in the tourism industry: Time series evidence from Cyprus. Tourism Economics, 12 (4), 603–617.

Mabrouki, M. (2023). Patent, education, human capital, and economic growth in Scandinavian countries: A dynamic panel CS-ARDL analysis. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 14 (3), 3028–3043.

Malik, M. A., & Masood, T. (2022). Dynamics of output growth and convergence in the Middle East and North African Countries: Heterogeneous panel ARDL approach. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 13 (2), 1444–1469.

Mark, N. C., & Sul, D. (2001). Nominal exchange rates and monetary fundamentals: Evidence from a small post-Bretton Woods panel. Journal of International Economics, 53 (1), 29–52.

Martinot, E., Wiser, R., & Hamrin, J. (2005). Renewable energy policies and markets in the United States. Center for Resource Solutions .

McCoskey, S., & Kao, C. (1999). Comparing panel data cointegration tests with an application.

Miketa, A., & Mulder, P. (2005). Energy productivity across developed and developing countries in 10 manufacturing sectors: Patterns of growth and convergence. Energy Economics, 27 (3), 429–453.

Nantharath, P., & Kang, E. (2019). The effects of foreign direct investment and economic absorptive capabilities on the economic growth of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics, and Business, 6 (3), 151–162.

Narukatpichai, K. (1993). The Granger causality relationships among physical infrastructure, tourism, and economic development in Thailand .

OECD. (2018). Organization for economic cooperation and development . List of most educated countries in 2018. https://www.oecd.org/

Ogbeifun, L., & Shobande, O. A. (2022). A reevaluation of human capital accumulation and economic growth in OECD. Journal of Public Affairs, 22 (4), e2602.

Ohlan, R. (2017). The relationship between tourism, financial development and economic growth in India. Future Business Journal, 3 (1), 9–22.

Pablo-Romero, M. D. P., & Molina, J. A. (2013). Tourism and economic growth: A review of empirical literature. Tourism Management Perspectives, 8 , 28–41.

Paramati, S. R., Sinha, A., & Dogan, E. (2017). The significance of renewable energy use for economic output and environmental protection: Evidence from the next 11 developing economies. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24 (15), 13546–13560.

Pedroni, P. (1999). Critical values for cointegration tests in heterogeneous panels with multiple regressors. Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 61 (S1), 653–670.

Pedroni, P. (2000). Fully modified OLS for heterogeneous cointegrated panels. Advances in Econometrics, 15 , 93–130.

Pedroni, P. (2004). Panel cointegration: Asymptotic and finite sample properties of pooled time series tests with an application to the PPP hypothesis. Econometric Theory, 20 (3), 597–625.

Pesaran, M. H. (2004). General diagnostic tests for cross section dependence .

Pesaran, M. H. (2007). A simple panel unit root test in the presence of cross section dependence. Journal of Applied Econometrics, 22 (2), 265–312.

Pesaran, M. H., Shin, Y., & Smith, R. P. (1999). Pooled mean group estimation of dynamic heterogeneous panels. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 94 (446), 621–634.

Pesaran, M. H., & Smith, R. (1995). Estimating long-run relationships from dynamic heterogeneous panels. Journal of Econometrics, 68 (1), 79–113.

Phillips, P. C., & Hansen, B. E. (1990). Statistical inference in instrumental variables regression with I (1) processes. The Review of Economic Studies, 57 (1), 99–125.

Phiri, A. C. (2016). Tourism and economic growth in South Africa: Evidence from linear and nonlinear cointegration frameworks.

Pradana, M., Pérez-Luño, A., & Fuentes-Blasco, M. (2020). Innovation as the key to gain performance from absorptive capacity and human capital. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 32 (7), 822–834.

Proenca, S., & Soukiazis, E. (2008). Tourism as an economic growth factor: A case study for Southern European countries. Tourism Economics, 14 (4), 791–806.

Rath, B. N., Akram, V., Bal, D. P., & Mahalik, M. K. (2019). Do fossil fuel and renewable energy consumption affect total factor productivity growth? Evidence from cross-country data with policy insights. Energy Policy, 127 , 186–199.

Rauf, A., Liu, X., Amin, W., Ozturk, I., Rehman, O. U., & Hafeez, M. (2018). Testing EKC hypothesis with energy and sustainable development challenges: A fresh evidence from belt and road initiative economies. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25 (32), 32066–32080.

REN21. (2017). http://www.ren21.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/17-8399_GSR_2017_Full_Report_0621_Opt.pdf

Samimi, A. J., Sadeghi, S., & Sadeghi, S. (2011). Tourism and economic growth in developing countries: P-VAR approach. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 10 (1), 28–32.

Sims, R. E. (2004). Renewable energy: A response to climate change. Solar Energy, 76 (1-3), 9–17.

Simundic, B., & Kulis, Z. (2016). Tourism and economic growth in Mediterranean region: Dynamic panel data approach. Acta Economica Et Turistica, 2 (1), 65–84.

Sinha, A., & Shahbaz, M. (2018). Estimation of environmental Kuznets curve for CO2 emission: Role of renewable energy generation in India. Renewable Energy, 119 , 703–711.

Sokhanvar, A. (2019). Does foreign direct investment accelerate tourism and economic growth within Europe? Tourism Management Perspectives, 29 , 86–96.

Sokhanvar, A., Çiftçioglu, S., & Javid, E. (2018). Another look at tourism-economic development nexus. Tourism Management Perspectives, 26 , 97–106.

Sun, X., Li, H., & Ghosal, V. (2020). Firm-level human capital and innovation: Evidence from China. China Economic Review, 59 , 101388.

Suresh, J., & Senthilnathan, S. (2014). Relationship between tourism and economic growth in Sri Lanka . Published as the 7th chapter of a book entitled "Economic Issues in Sri Lanka" compiled by Dr. S. Vijayakumar, 115–132. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2373931

Suresh, K. G., & Tiwari, A. K. (2018). Does international tourism affect international trade and economic growth? The Indian experience. Empirical Economics, 54 (3), 945–957.

Tang, C. F., & Abosedra, S. (2014). Small sample evidence on the tourism-led growth hypothesis in Lebanon. Current Issues in Tourism, 17 (3), 234–246.

Tsamadias, C., & Prontzas, P. (2012). The effect of education on economic growth in Greece over the 1960–2000 period. Education Economics, 20 (5), 522–537.

Tugcu, C. T. (2014). Tourism and economic growth nexus revisited: A panel causality analysis for the case of the Mediterranean Region. Tourism Management, 42 , 207–212.

Tugcu, C. T., Ozturk, I., & Aslan, A. (2012). Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and economic growth relationship revisited: Evidence from G7 countries. Energy Economics, 34 (6), 1942–1950.

Tugcu, C. T., & Tiwari, A. K. (2016). Does renewable and/or non-renewable energy consumption matter for total factor productivity (TFP) growth? Evidence from the BRICS. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 65 , 610–616.

Umurzakov, U., Tosheva, S., & Salahodjaev, R. (2023). Tourism and sustainable economic development: Evidence from belt and road countries. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 14 (1), 503–516.

UNWTO. (2018). Tourism Highlights 2018 Edition International Tourism Trends 2017 . https://doi.org/10.18111/9789284419876

Usman, M., Makhdum, M. S. A., & Kousar, R. (2021). Does financial inclusion, renewable and non-renewable energy utilization accelerate ecological footprints and economic growth? Fresh evidence from 15 highest emitting countries. Sustainable Cities and Society, 65 , 102590.

Usmani, G., Akram, V., & Praveen, B. (2021). Tourist arrivals, international tourist expenditure, and economic growth in BRIC countries. Journal of Public Affairs, 21 (2), e2202.

Vellas, F. (2016). The international marketing of travel and tourism: A strategic approach . Macmillan International Higher Education.

WDI. (2018). World Development Indicators . World Bank, Washington DC. https://datacatalog.worldbank.org/dataset/worlddevelopmentindicators

Wooldridge, J. M. (2010). Econometric analysis of cross section and panel data . MIT Press.

WTTC. (2019). World Travel and Tourism Council . Retrieved from http://mddb.apec.org/Documents/2019/TWG/TWG1/19_twg44_021.pdf

WTTC. (2021). Retrieved from https://wttc.org/Research/Economic-Impact

Wu, L., Wei, L., & Hui, C. (2011). Dispositional antecedents and consequences of workplace ostracism: An empirical examination. Frontiers of Business Research in China, 5 , 23–44.

Zafar, M. W., Zaidi, S. A. H., Khan, N. R., Mirza, F. M., Hou, F., & Kirmani, S. A. A. (2019). The impact of natural resources, human capital, and foreign direct investment on the ecological footprint: The case of the United States. Resources Policy, 63 , 101428.

Zaman, K., Shahbaz, M., Loganathan, N., & Raza, S. A. (2016). Tourism development, energy consumption and Environmental Kuznets Curve: Trivariate analysis in the panel of developed and developing countries. Tourism Management, 54 , 275–283.

Zuo, B., & Huang, S. (2018). Revisiting the tourism-led economic growth hypothesis: The case of China. Journal of Travel Research, 57 (2), 151–163.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Economics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Rudraram, Hyderabad, Telangana, 502329, India

Mohd Arshad Ansari

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

I have contributed to the whole manuscript. I have read and approved the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohd Arshad Ansari .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

Not applicable.

Consent for Publication

Competing interests.

The author declares no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Ansari, M.A. Tourism and Economic Growth: Evidence from Cross-Country Data with Policy Insights. J Knowl Econ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-02031-7

Download citation

Received : 06 May 2021

Accepted : 22 April 2024

Published : 08 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-02031-7

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• International tourism
• Economic growth
• Human capital
• Renewable energy
• CADF unit root test

JEL Classification

• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research