Cultural Heritage Tourism and Circular Economy

Recent trends in tourism have seen a decline in the traditional mass-consumption model, accompanied by a rise in a more segmented tourism to which local communities must adapt. The tourist is increasingly interested in the region as a source of material culture and nature and demands tailor-made holidays that match their specific expectations. Tourists moreover are increasingly well informed and aware of how they approach participation and what their social and ethical responsibilities are. Satisfaction must therefore be understood holistically, and that depends on the ability to offer alternatives in terms of greater enjoyability, pleasure and expectations.

This book sits at the nexus of an increasingly localized tourism and the concept of circular economy. It highlights how considerable cultural and natural heritage and excessive tourism demand makes the destinations less sustainable and requires organizational strategies that take account of the diversification of the goods and services on offer. The book explores the value to society of its cultural inheritance and stresses the participation of regional administrations and local communities in the safeguard of cultural heritage, supporting a participatory system of governance. Particular emphasis is placed on the founding and/or promotion of companies able to contribute to an economy that respects the cultural value of the regions and the development of sustainable tourism.

The volume is divided into four sections: The first, titled Cultural Identity and Tourism, addresses how local communities can turn cultural heritage assets into tourism assets. The second, called Cultural Heritage and Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism, highlights the role of cultural heritage in order to create new value and meet the needs of tourists, using the principles of a circular economy. The third section, titled New Paradigm of Cultural and Natural Heritage for Sustainable Tourism, describes how the needs of tourists and host communities can be met in a sustainable manner. The fourth and last section, called Participatory Planning for Quality Tourism, presents case studies in engagement of communities in planning for heritage tourism.