Heritage Notes PDF

Heritage Notes History in Tourism and importance of heritage - Ancient Greece (religion, events, temples) - Ancient rome (relax, wellness retreats) - pilgrimage and rise of Christianity (muslims and christians trave...

Heritage Notes History in Tourism and importance of heritage - Ancient Greece (religion, events, temples) - Ancient rome (relax, wellness retreats) - pilgrimage and rise of Christianity (muslims and christians traveling) - Great expeditions (colonizing which is not tourism it was genocide) - The grand tour (Traveling to the capitals of countries, souvenirs as in private collections which is considered the start of museums, started romaticing places) - Industrial times (so much cole, Example of universal exhibitions, people wanted to show what they were doing, showcasing all that a city has, In Barcelona 1888 and 1929, which was a huge change in tourism, Thomas Cook→ first person to ever organise a trip for a group of people to go to Liverpool) - Mass Tourism ( Fordism → first one to specialised in car, mass chain production, made a mass production of everything, Fordist Tourism, Butler's Model, goal was to get as many tourists as possible to make as much money What has been the role of cultural heritage in tourism ? → Cultural heritage plays a vital role in tourism as it serves as a key attraction that connects visitors to a destination’s history, traditions, and identity. It encompasses both tangible heritage (monuments, artifacts, historic buildings) and intangible heritage (traditions, languages, festivals). 1. Heritage classification (UNESCO, 2009) Tangible Cultural Heritage - is physical or concrete - Movable heritage: - Paintings, Crafts, Books, Furniture, Musical instruments, Jewellery - Mona Lisa, Picasso paintings - Immovable heritage: - Monuments, Architecture, Historical sites - Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Sagrada Familia Intangible heritage - is abstract and exists in the minds of people within that culture. - Traditions, Language, Folklore, Rituals, Festivals, Superstitions, Greetings - Flamenco, Carnival of Venice, Day of the Dead, La Merce, Neapolitan pizza Natural heritage - integration of natural elements into a society's cultural identity and practices. - Biosphere reserves, Natural monuments, National reserves, National parks - Cinque Terre, Loire Valley Vineyards, Amazon Rainforest, Machu Picchu Underwater heritage - all traces of human activity submerged in water - Submerged sites and structures, wreck sites, Archaeological sites - Titanic (North Atlantic Ocean), Cenotes of the Maya, Cosquer Cave (France) 2. Definitions Heritage - anything passed down from previous generations, including both natural and cultural elements, such as landscapes, monuments, traditions, or ecosystems. It encompasses everything of value inherited from the past. Culture - the shared beliefs, ideas customs, traditions, values, and practices of a group of people, passed down from one generation to the next. Cultural heritage - specifically relates to human culture, focusing on traditions, practices, art, monuments, and knowledge that define the identity of a group or community. Historical memory - collective understanding and interpretation of past events held by a group or society. Identity - is a characteristics that define a person - qualities, beliefs, personality traits, values etc. There are 3 types of them: - Social - person + social group (sport team, school, uni) - Cultural - person + nationality/ethnicity/religion - Personal - concept you develop about yourself that evolves over the course of your life (hobbies, education, partner, sexual orientation) Collective identity - a person's sense of belonging to a group Heritage conservation/preservation - the purpose is to maintain heritage in order to prevent deterioration and manage the change in a way that minimizes damage while keeping the heritage asset functional. Cultural tourism - travel that focuses on experiencing the cultural aspects of the destination. A deeper understanding and appreciation of a place's heritage and identity, 3. Uses of cultural heritage Social logic is about how heritage is experienced and valued by people and communities (subjective and emotional). Scientific logic is about systematically studying and categorizing heritage (objective and analytical).  Roigé (2014), proposes the following use of heritage: Identity and political use Identity: Heritage is used to foster a sense of belonging and shared cultural identity. For example, monuments or traditions can symbolize the history and values of a nation or group. Political: Governments or groups may use heritage to support political agendas, assert authority, or promote unity. For instance, designating national landmarks or preserving sites linked to significant historical events can reinforce national pride or political narratives. - Red Square (Russia): Often used in political events and parades to assert national strength and unity. Social and community use Social: Heritage fosters social cohesion by bringing people together to celebrate shared traditions, rituals, or histories, such as festivals or cultural events. Community: Local communities often take pride in their heritage, which strengthens communal ties. Preserving and showcasing heritage can empower communities and create a shared sense of responsibility for cultural preservation - Reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral (France): After the 2019 fire, local and international communities united to restore this symbol of Parisian heritage. Economic and tourist use Economic: Heritage can be a source of economic growth through its commercialization. For example, heritage goods, crafts, or even ticketed historical sites contribute to local economies. Tourist: Heritage is a major driver of tourism, attracting visitors to historical landmarks, museums, or cultural festivals. This use of heritage not only generates income but also raises awareness about cultural preservation. - Japanese Tea Ceremonies: Not only a cultural practice but also a service offered to tourists, generating revenue and keeping the tradition alive. 4. Declaration of heritage An element becomes heritage when it is declared so. To be declared, the element needs to be registered. Registers can be: - Local, - Regional - National - International. To be considered international heritage, the element needs to be recognized at a national level first.  5. How can we apply gender perspectives into tourism ? Gender Perspective Applied to Travelers Tailored Experiences: Recognize that travelers may have different needs and expectations based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. For example: Promote destinations that are safe and welcoming for women, LGBTQ+ travelers, or non-binary individuals.Offer women-focused tours, like female-only trekking groups or experiences celebrating women's history. Safety Measures: Address safety concerns for marginalized groups, such as women or LGBTQ+ travelers, by promoting destinations with inclusive policies and providing clear safety information. Gender Perspective Applied to Narrative Imagine a walking tour of a historic town: Traditional Narrative: Focuses only on kings, wars, and monuments. Gender-Inclusive Narrative: Adds stories about women who influenced the community, like artisans or educators, and highlights how gender roles shaped the town's culture. By applying a gender perspective, tourism narratives become richer, more inclusive, and help travelers see the full story of a place, not just a narrow version of history. Gender Perspective Applied to Local Communities Empowering Women: Create opportunities for women in the local community to participate in tourism initiatives. ○ Example: Support female-led businesses, like craft cooperatives, and promote them in tourism packages.  Preservation of Gendered Knowledge: Recognize and promote traditional practices and skills passed down by women, such as weaving, cooking, or storytelling. ○ Example: Culinary tourism experiences focusing on women-led cooking classes. Economic Inclusion: Ensure that tourism revenue benefits women and other marginalized groups within local communities. 6. Gender perspective and cultural tourism 1. Gender Perspective Applied to Travelers Example: A tour operator designs women-only travel packages to countries where solo female travelers might face safety concerns, offering guided tours and secure accommodations. 4. Gender Perspective Applied to Cultural Tourists Example: A cultural festival includes LGBTQ+-friendly events and safe spaces, ensuring that cultural tourists from diverse gender identities feel welcome and included. 2. Gender Perspective Applied to Tourism Narratives Example: A museum exhibit about ancient civilizations highlights both male and female roles, such as women’s contributions to agriculture and trade alongside men’s political leadership. 5. Gender Perspective Applied to Cultural Tourism Narratives Example: A city walking tour includes stories about prominent women in history, like female revolutionaries or artists, instead of focusing only on male leaders. 3. Gender Perspective Applied to Local Communities Example: A tourism initiative funds a women-led craft cooperative, helping local women earn income from traditional weaving and ensuring their work is recognized and valued by tourists. 6. Gender Perspective Applied to the Local Community Example: A community-led tourism project involves local women in decision-making roles and ensures that tourism revenues are distributed equitably to benefit everyone, not just men. Apropa Cultura is a program in Catalonia, Spain, that makes cultural activities like concerts, theater, and museums affordable and accessible for vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, low-income families, or the elderly. It works with cultural institutions to promote inclusion and organizes workshops and events to ensure everyone can enjoy and participate in culture. Souvenirs are keepsakes of memory, culture, and identity, making them an essential part of the travel experience. They not only remind travelers of their journey but also serve as s ymbols of the destination’s story and uniquenes  7. Gastronationalism Definition: Gastronationalism refers to the use of food as a tool to express and assert national identity. It involves promoting traditional dishes, ingredients, or culinary practices as part of a nation's cultural heritage and pride. Key Characteristics: ○ Often tied to debates about the origins of certain foods or culinary traditions. ○ Can reflect a desire to preserve authenticity and protect traditional food from globalization. ○ May involve legal protections, such as obtaining Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for certain foods (e.g., Champagne from France, Parmesan from Italy). Examples: ○ Kimchi in South Korea: Considered a symbol of Korean identity, with efforts to standardize and promote it globally. ○ Feta Cheese in Greece: Protected under EU laws as a traditional Greek product. ○ Pelmeni in Russia: Celebrated as part of Russia’s culinary tradition. Implications: Gastronationalism can foster cultural pride but may also lead to disputes over food origins, as seen in conflicts between countries over dishes like hummus (Lebanon and Israel) or baklava (Turkey and Greece). Gastrodiplomacy Definition: Gastrodiplomacy is the practice of using food as a soft power tool to build cultural bridges and foster positive international relations. Governments and organizations promote their national cuisine abroad to enhance cultural understanding and improve their country’s image. Key Characteristics: ○ Aims to create mutual respect and interest through culinary experiences. ○ Often part of broader cultural diplomacy campaigns. ○ Involves initiatives like restaurants, festivals, cooking classes, and food exhibitions. Examples: ○ Thailand’s “Global Thai” Campaign: A government initiative to promote Thai cuisine by supporting Thai restaurants worldwide. ○ Peru’s Gastronomy Diplomacy: Promoting Peruvian dishes like ceviche as part of the country’s branding. ○ Japanese Washoku Diplomacy: Showcasing traditional Japanese cuisine (washoku), which is recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Implications: Gastrodiplomacy can help countries create a positive brand identity, boost tourism, and even strengthen economic ties. Interplay Between the Two Concepts  Both gastronationalism and gastrodiplomacy revolve around food as a cultural symbol but operate at different scales: ○ Gastronationalism: More inward-focused, emphasizing domestic pride and identity. ○ Gastrodiplomacy: Outward-focused, using food to engage and influence foreign audiences. For example, while South Korea promotes kimchi as a cultural heritage item domestically (gastronationalism), it also uses kimchi and other Korean dishes in global campaigns like the Korean Wave (gastrodiplomacy). 8. Dark tourism - Dark tourism is a unique social phenomenon comprising the touristic consumption of places associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. Umbrella Term Concept - Just like an umbrella covers multiple areas, dark tourism encompasses different forms of niche tourism, such as: Poverty tourism Battlefield tourism Disaster tourism Examples: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland: Former Nazi concentration and extermination camp; a site of remembrance for Holocaust victims. Ground Zero, USA: The 9/11 Memorial in New York City honors victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Japan: Commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. 9. Tourism activation Infraestucrue Engagement of local community Marketing promotion Cultural and natural resources Educations and awarned for tourists Natural areas purineos Strategies that can be done to activate heritage Conservation of heritage Training of heritage professionals Increase in heritage value and the need of its conservation Plans and protofocls to protect heritage Managment of heritage Dynamization of the economy Investment of the tourism industry and its ancillary industries Territorial planning Disadvantages of this: Economy depending on tourism Heritage deteriorations Consequences of overtourism Heritage commodification Ferade enters a consumption Tourism Activation-resources into products its called tourism activation 5 stages of Tourism activation: - Infrastructure development (Public transport, Accommodation, Gastronomy, Engagement of the local community (Collaborations, "Casa Bloc" - Marketing and Promotions, - Cultural and natural resource management, - Education and raising awareness for tourists: 'Cister route Rines d'empuries Pompeii (Violent or traumatic ruins- Teatre-Museu Dali ( already activated from the beginning was built for p.5) Westminster Abbey Pyrenees ( mountains activated with routes and roads) Advantages of activating tourism: Conservation in heritage: Training professional to preserve Increase in heritage value and need of conversation Plans and protocols Dynamization of the economy: Investment on tourism industry and its ancillary industries Infrastructure development Territorial planning Disadvantages of activating tourism: Economy depending on tourism: Ending of traditional economies (for example ski resorts, Tourism is the only thing that they have, so in a few years when there is no snow there will be no tourists and the economy will drop drastically as they are fully depending on tourism Instability and fragility of tourism economy (seasonality and external factors) Disadvantages of Heritage in Tourism 1. Economic Dependency: ○ Over-reliance on tourism risks neglecting local businesses, making communities vulnerable to downturns.  2. Heritage Deterioration: ○ Increased tourist footfall damages physical heritage. ○ Example: La Mola, where heavy visitation causes wear and loss of original integrity. ○ Heritage enters consumption cycle, as just another product ○ Loss or change of certain traditio ○ Stereotypes and meaning reduction on cultural identity of a region or country 3. Heritage Commodification: ○ Selling traditions as tourist products can dilute their authenticity. ○ Example: Some Mexican cultural practices are altered to fit tourist expectations, leading to loss of genuine traditions. → Handcrafts and souvenir industry Mass production and consumption object, New uses of souvenirs (not traditional, never been bottle opener, lighters, wallets,etc.. for example they have little bulls with the Gaudi pattern on them even though there is no bullfighting, Adapting to the new use,Cultural typification, Revitalizing handicrafts VS recreating handicrafts → Tourism Fordism refers to a mass tourism model that mirrors the principles of Fordist production (standardization, mass production, and efficiency). It emerged during the mid-20th century with the rise of industrialization and economic growth, making tourism accessible to the broader public. Examples of Tourism Fordism: Large-scale beach resorts with package deals in Costa del Sol, Spain. Standardized holiday tours to destinations like Disneyland. Charter flights and cruise ships offering identical itineraries for mass travelers. Advantages and disadvantages of heritage becoming a tourism attraction Advantages 1. Economic Benefits: Boosts local economies through tourism revenue and job creation. 2. Preservation: Provides funding for maintaining and restoring heritage sites. 3. Cultural Awareness: Educates visitors about history and traditions, promoting appreciation. 4. Community Empowerment: Creates jobs and strengthens cultural pride. 5. Unique Experiences: Attracts tourists seeking authentic cultural offerings. Disadvantages 1. Overcrowding: Damages sites and reduces visitor experience. 2. Degradation: Wear, vandalism, and environmental harm from increased tourism. 3. Commercialization: Loss of authenticity as culture is commodified. 4. Dependency: Reliance on tourism makes communities vulnerable to downturns. 5. Cultural Exploitation: Heritage loses meaning when treated as a commodity.