Unit 3 Heritage Tourism Management.pdf

Unit 3 Heritage Tourism Management  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 Unit 3: Heritage Tourism...

Unit 3 Heritage Tourism Management  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 Unit 3: Heritage Tourism Management Introduction: Heritage tourism refers to travel centered on cultural and historical sites, enabling visitors to experience the culture, history, and heritage of a destination. Effective management of heritage tourism is essential to ensure the conservation of cultural assets while promoting sustainable tourism practices. This chapter will explore the principles of heritage tourism management, challenges faced by site managers, and strategies for sustainable heritage site management. Learning Outcomes At the end of this Unit and after actively participating in the live and online class the student should be able to: 1. Understand key principles of managing heritage tourism sites. 2. Identify challenges in managing heritage tourism and propose solutions. 2|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 Activity Direction: Analyze the following pictures. Check the appropriate box of what is considered a safe and environmentally friendly practices for transport. 1. 6. 2. 7. 3. 8. 4. 9. 5. 10. 3|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 ANALYSIS Direction: Answer the following questions: ANSWER SECTION 1. Conservation vs. Preservation: Compare and contrast the concepts of conservation and preservation in heritage tourism. How would you apply each principle to manage a historic site in the Philippines, like Intramuros? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 2. Carrying Capacity and Overtourism: A famous heritage site in the Philippines, such as the Banaue Rice Terraces, is experiencing overtourism. How would you implement carrying capacity management to protect the site while still allowing tourists to visit? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 4|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 ABSTRACTION Unit 3: Heritage Tourism Management 1. Principles of Heritage Tourism Management Heritage tourism management is centered on balancing two critical components: preservation of the cultural and historical integrity of heritage sites and addressing the demands of tourism. Successfully managing heritage sites ensures that they remain valuable and accessible to future generations while providing enriching experiences for today’s tourists. Let's explore the principles in detail. A. Conservation and Preservation 1. Conservation: o Definition: Conservation refers to the processes aimed at maintaining and safeguarding cultural heritage sites from physical deterioration or destruction. o Factors to Consider:  Environmental threats such as natural weathering, climate change, and pollution can degrade heritage sites over time.  Tourism activities, including heavy foot traffic, improper visitor behavior, or the development of facilities, can accelerate damage. o Approach: Conservation strategies typically involve preventive measures like restoration, regular maintenance, and protective regulations. For example, architectural restorations of ancient ruins or the implementation of climate control in museums are standard conservation practices. 2. Preservation: o Definition: Preservation is focused on maintaining the authenticity and original form of a heritage site, ensuring its cultural and historical significance is not compromised. 5|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 o Importance: The aim is to prevent unnecessary alterations or reconstructions that could distort the historical value of the site. o Approach: This may involve safeguarding intangible elements, like traditions, languages, or ceremonies that form an intrinsic part of the heritage. For example, preserving the original construction materials or traditional practices tied to a site ensures that its essence is passed on to future generations. In essence, both conservation and preservation aim to protect the heritage while ensuring that it remains relevant and educational for visitors. B. Cultural Integrity  Definition: Cultural integrity refers to maintaining the original cultural and historical significance of a heritage site, resisting pressures to commercialize or alter it for the sake of tourism.  Threats to Cultural Integrity: o Commercialization: In some cases, tourism leads to the modification or commercialization of a heritage site to cater to tourist preferences, which can distort its cultural significance. o Modernization: There can be pressures to modernize the site or its surroundings, potentially diminishing the site's authentic experience.  Preserving Integrity: o Tourism practices should respect the authenticity of the site by ensuring that it reflects the original historical context and cultural values. For example, traditional festivals and religious ceremonies held at heritage sites should remain true to their roots and not become mere spectacles for tourists. Maintaining cultural integrity helps ensure that heritage sites continue to serve as educational tools for conveying the true essence of past cultures and traditions. 6|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 C. Stakeholder Involvement  Definition: Stakeholder involvement means that heritage site management should consider the perspectives, needs, and contributions of various groups affected by or interested in the site.  Key Stakeholders: o Local Communities: Often the custodians of cultural traditions and practices, they play a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and relevance of the heritage site. They can offer insights on preserving cultural practices while benefiting from tourism economically. o Governments: They are often responsible for enacting laws, providing funding, and ensuring that regulations are in place to manage the site effectively. o Tourists: Visitors contribute to the site's economy but may also pose a threat through overcrowding or harmful behavior. Their experiences and expectations are also vital to sustaining tourism at heritage sites. o Private Sector: Businesses such as hotels, tour operators, and restaurants can benefit from tourism but must align their activities with sustainable tourism practices.  Importance of Collaboration: Creating a collaborative environment where all stakeholders are involved ensures that management decisions reflect the collective needs of all parties while prioritizing the site's preservation. For example, including local communities in decision-making can ensure that the tourism model developed for a site supports local livelihoods without compromising the cultural essence. Stakeholder collaboration fosters shared responsibility, making it more likely that the site will be managed sustainably and benefit everyone involved. D. Visitor Experience  Definition: The visitor experience principle revolves around providing an educational, engaging, and immersive tourism experience that enhances visitors’ understanding of the site's significance while protecting it from harm. 7|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203  Balancing Education and Protection: o Heritage sites offer educational value through storytelling, historical narratives, and cultural experiences. However, overcrowding or inappropriate behavior by visitors can damage the site. o Interpretation: This involves using educational materials such as guidebooks, interactive exhibits, or audio guides to explain the cultural significance of the site. Effective interpretation enriches the visitor’s experience and encourages respect for the site. o Interactive Elements: Guided tours, workshops, or live demonstrations of traditional crafts or rituals can also make the experience more engaging without harming the site’s integrity. By emphasizing the importance of education, heritage tourism managers can cultivate a sense of responsibility among visitors, ensuring they appreciate the cultural importance of the site and act as stewards of preservation. E. Sustainable Development  Definition: Sustainable development in heritage tourism is about ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are balanced with environmental and cultural conservation.  Key Dimensions: o Economic Sustainability: Tourism at heritage sites can bring significant economic benefits to local communities, but it must be managed in a way that does not lead to the site's overuse or degradation. For example, tourism revenue can fund conservation efforts or local development projects. o Environmental Sustainability: Sites should be managed to minimize environmental impact, including pollution, degradation, or excessive resource use. Heritage tourism should adopt eco-friendly practices such as limiting vehicle access, using sustainable materials in visitor facilities, and promoting waste reduction. o Social and Cultural Sustainability: Sustainable heritage management also involves ensuring that the social and cultural aspects of the site are preserved. This means supporting local 8|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 traditions, arts, and crafts, while also fostering respect for the site's cultural value.  Implementation: Site managers can implement policies such as: o Visitor Caps: Limiting the number of tourists allowed per day to avoid overcrowding and excessive wear. o Eco-friendly Infrastructure: Building sustainable facilities that blend with the local environment and use minimal resources. o Education Campaigns: Running awareness campaigns to educate both locals and tourists about the importance of sustainable tourism. Sustainable development ensures that heritage tourism can continue in a way that benefits future generations while maintaining the integrity of the site. The principles of heritage tourism management aim to create a balance between conservation, cultural integrity, stakeholder involvement, visitor experience, and sustainable development. Each principle plays a key role in ensuring that heritage sites are preserved for future generations while providing meaningful and educational experiences for visitors today. By adhering to these principles, heritage tourism can be a powerful tool for cultural preservation, economic development, and environmental protection. 2. Challenges in Managing Heritage Sites Managing heritage sites presents unique and complex challenges that often involve finding a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring the long-term preservation of the site. Below are the major challenges faced in heritage site management, along with potential solutions: A. Overtourism  Problem: Overtourism occurs when a heritage site receives more visitors than it can sustainably accommodate. This leads to several negative consequences, such as: 9|P a ge  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 o Overcrowding: Excessive visitors can diminish the quality of the visitor experience, creating a crowded and uncomfortable environment. o Physical Wear and Tear: High foot traffic can cause significant wear and tear on the infrastructure, including pathways, buildings, and fragile artifacts. For example, popular sites like the Great Wall of China or Machu Picchu have experienced erosion and structural damage due to high visitor numbers. o Disruption of Local Communities: Overtourism often strains local resources like water and transportation and can lead to the displacement of local residents or disruption of daily life.  Solution: Addressing overtourism requires proactive visitor management and the adoption of sustainable tourism practices: o Timed Entry and Reservation Systems: Sites can implement ticketing systems that limit the number of visitors per day, allowing for more controlled access. For example, popular sites like the Alhambra in Spain use timed ticketing to manage visitor flow. o Alternative Sites: Promoting alternative, less-visited heritage sites can help spread the tourist load across a broader area, relieving pressure on the most popular sites. o Visitor Education: Educating tourists on the importance of conservation and responsible behavior can encourage respectful interactions with heritage sites. By controlling visitor flow and offering alternative attractions, heritage managers can ensure that the site remains accessible without suffering the detrimental effects of overtourism. B. Funding and Resource Allocation  Problem: One of the most significant challenges for heritage site management is the lack of adequate funding. Conservation projects, maintenance, and staff salaries all require substantial financial resources, and many sites, especially in developing countries, do not receive sufficient funds. Insufficient funding leads to: 10 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 o Degraded Infrastructure: Without proper maintenance, buildings and artifacts can deteriorate, losing their cultural and historical significance. o Limited Conservation Efforts: The inability to fund conservation efforts means that sites may be vulnerable to environmental damage or decay.  Solution: Finding creative funding sources and securing partnerships can alleviate the financial constraints: o Partnerships: Collaborating with international organizations, such as UNESCO or the World Monuments Fund, can provide financial and technical support for heritage conservation projects. o Entry Fees: Charging entrance fees for tourists is a common way to generate revenue. The funds collected can be directly used for site maintenance and conservation efforts. o Donations and Sponsorships: Promoting donation campaigns or sponsorships from private companies can also be effective. For instance, corporate sponsorships in heritage preservation have been successful in some sites, where companies contribute in exchange for public recognition. o Government Grants: Applying for grants or funding from national and local governments is another way to ensure ongoing conservation efforts. Effective resource allocation, combined with innovative funding approaches, can ensure that heritage sites receive the necessary support for their preservation. C. Environmental Impact  Problem: The environmental impact of tourism is a pressing concern for heritage sites. Tourism-related activities can lead to: o Pollution: Tourists generate waste, air, and water pollution that can damage the local environment and threaten the ecosystem around the heritage site. o Erosion and Damage: Foot traffic, transportation, and the construction of tourism facilities can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and permanent damage to the physical site. 11 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 o Ecosystem Disruption: Some heritage sites, particularly those located in natural environments, can experience disruptions to wildlife and ecosystems caused by large numbers of visitors or improper infrastructure.  Solution: To mitigate environmental damage, site managers can implement sustainable practices: o Environmental Impact Assessments: Conducting regular environmental impact assessments helps identify and address potential threats before they escalate. o Sustainable Infrastructure: Constructing eco-friendly buildings, such as using solar energy or implementing water recycling systems, can reduce the ecological footprint of tourism facilities. o Eco-friendly Tourism Practices: Promoting responsible tourism, including waste management, recycling programs, and prohibiting littering, helps minimize the negative environmental impact. o Local Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation and environmental stewardship creates a shared sense of responsibility. For example, ecotourism initiatives often employ locals to monitor and protect sensitive environmental areas around heritage sites. By fostering environmental awareness and incorporating sustainable practices, heritage tourism can contribute to both cultural preservation and environmental protection. D. Cultural Commodification  Problem: One of the dangers of heritage tourism is the potential for cultural commodification, where cultural practices, traditions, or artifacts are commercialized for the sake of tourism. This can lead to: o Loss of Authenticity: Traditions and cultural expressions may be modified or simplified to cater to tourist expectations, losing their original meaning and significance. For instance, traditional dances or festivals might be performed out of context, turning them into mere entertainment for tourists. 12 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 o Exploitation: The commercialization of heritage can lead to the exploitation of local communities, where the cultural heritage is used for profit without benefiting the community.  Solution: Heritage site management should prioritize preserving the authenticity and integrity of cultural practices: o Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in the decision-making process ensures that they have control over how their culture is represented to tourists. This approach allows for the preservation of cultural identity while also sharing it responsibly with visitors. o Authentic Experiences: Offering visitors genuine cultural experiences rather than staged performances or activities. This can include guided tours by locals, authentic craft workshops, or participating in real cultural events. o Cultural Sensitivity: Promoting respectful tourism that educates visitors about the significance of cultural traditions helps prevent misrepresentation and exploitation. By respecting cultural heritage and creating meaningful interactions between tourists and local communities, heritage tourism can enhance understanding while maintaining authenticity. E. Political and Legal Constraints  Problem: Political instability, insufficient legal frameworks, and lack of governance are major barriers to effective heritage management. These constraints can result in: o Inadequate Protection: Without strong legal protections, heritage sites are vulnerable to illegal activities, such as looting, vandalism, or unauthorized development. o Political Instability: In regions facing political conflict, heritage sites may be at risk of destruction, neglect, or appropriation. o Corruption and Bureaucracy: In some cases, corruption and bureaucratic delays can obstruct heritage site management, leading to mismanagement or neglect. 13 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203  Solution: Addressing these political and legal challenges requires stronger governance and international cooperation: o Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Governments should develop and enforce laws that protect heritage sites from exploitation, destruction, or unauthorized development. This can include establishing protected status for cultural sites or implementing stricter penalties for illegal activities. o International Advocacy: Organizations like UNESCO can play a critical role in advocating for stronger legal and political protections for heritage sites, especially in conflict zones or politically unstable regions. o Policy Development and Capacity Building: Training and capacity-building programs for local authorities and stakeholders can improve governance and ensure that heritage sites are managed according to international best practices. Effective policy and legal frameworks, combined with international cooperation, are essential for safeguarding heritage sites from political and legal threats. Managing heritage sites is a complex process fraught with challenges, from overtourism and environmental impacts to cultural commodification and political constraints. Each challenge requires a tailored solution, often involving a mix of stakeholder collaboration, sustainable tourism practices, and legal protections. By addressing these challenges strategically, heritage site managers can ensure that these invaluable cultural and historical treasures are preserved for future generations while still providing educational and enriching experiences for today’s tourists. 3. Strategies for Sustainable Management Heritage tourism managers face the challenge of balancing tourism development with the conservation of cultural and historical resources. To achieve long-term sustainability, several strategies can be adopted to address this delicate balance: 14 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 A. Carrying Capacity Management  Definition: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of visitors a heritage site can sustain without compromising the integrity of the site, its environment, or the visitor experience. Exceeding this capacity can result in environmental degradation, physical damage to the site, and overcrowding, all of which can diminish the site's value and long-term viability.  Approach: o Visitor Limits: One of the most direct ways to manage carrying capacity is to set limits on the number of visitors allowed at the site on a daily or hourly basis. For example, Machu Picchu has introduced visitor quotas to prevent overcrowding and reduce the impact on the site's structures and surrounding environment. o Zoning: Heritage sites can be divided into zones based on their vulnerability to damage. More fragile areas can be restricted or off- limits, while less sensitive areas may be open to higher visitor traffic. This zoning ensures that the most delicate parts of the site are preserved while still providing access to visitors. o Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of environmental conditions (e.g., air quality, erosion) and visitor behavior can help managers assess the site’s condition. By evaluating these factors, site managers can make informed decisions about adjusting visitor limits, modifying infrastructure, or introducing additional conservation measures. Effective carrying capacity management prevents overuse of heritage sites, preserving them for future generations while maintaining the quality of the visitor experience. B. Community Engagement and Empowerment  Definition: Engaging local communities in heritage tourism ensures that they benefit from tourism economically, socially, and culturally. Community involvement also helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the conservation of heritage sites, as local populations are often the custodians of these areas.  Approach: 15 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 o Community-Based Tourism Initiatives: Developing programs that encourage local entrepreneurship, such as craft markets, homestays, or guided tours led by community members, can provide economic opportunities while promoting authentic cultural exchanges. For example, indigenous communities in Peru have created eco-lodges near heritage sites, benefiting from the influx of tourists while preserving their cultural heritage. o Employment and Training: Providing training programs for local residents in tourism-related jobs, such as tour guiding, hospitality, or conservation, helps integrate them into the tourism industry. This empowers locals to participate in decision-making processes and ensures that they share in the economic benefits of tourism. o Benefit Sharing: Heritage sites should implement benefit-sharing programs to ensure that tourism revenues are reinvested in the local community. This can include funding for local schools, healthcare, or infrastructure improvements. By empowering local communities and involving them in the management process, heritage tourism can create a more equitable and sustainable system where both cultural preservation and local development thrive. C. Interpretation and Education  Definition: Interpretation refers to the process of providing visitors with information that enhances their understanding and appreciation of a heritage site. Educating visitors about the significance of the site encourages respect for cultural heritage and fosters responsible tourism behavior.  Approach: o Guided Tours: Offering guided tours led by knowledgeable staff or local experts can provide visitors with deeper insights into the historical and cultural context of the site. For example, tours at UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the Colosseum in Rome often include historical narratives, cultural stories, and information about ongoing conservation efforts. o Interpretive Signage and Materials: Creating informative signage, brochures, or digital materials can help visitors better understand the 16 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 importance of preserving the site. These materials can explain the site's history, significance, and the potential consequences of harmful behavior, such as touching artifacts or littering. o Interactive and Digital Experiences: Interactive experiences, such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) tours, can engage visitors in immersive ways. These technologies can provide a detailed understanding of the site without physically impacting sensitive areas. By focusing on education and interpretation, heritage sites can foster a deeper connection between visitors and the site, promoting responsible behavior and enhancing their overall experience. D. Technology and Innovation  Definition: Technology is increasingly playing a role in the management of heritage tourism, offering solutions that help conserve sites while enhancing the visitor experience. From virtual tours to visitor management systems, technological innovations provide efficient tools for sustainable site management.  Approach: o Real-Time Visitor Monitoring Systems: Implementing real-time monitoring systems allows managers to track the number of visitors and their movements within a site. These systems can provide data on peak visitation times, areas of congestion, and visitor behavior, enabling managers to adjust visitor flow and reduce stress on vulnerable areas. o Digital Ticketing and Timed Entry: Using digital ticketing systems, such as apps or online platforms, enables heritage sites to manage visitor numbers more efficiently by introducing timed entry or booking systems. For example, the Louvre Museum in Paris uses timed tickets to reduce overcrowding and manage visitor flow. o Augmented Reality (AR) Tours: AR technology can create immersive experiences for visitors, allowing them to explore reconstructed versions of historical sites or interact with artifacts in a 17 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 virtual environment. This reduces the physical impact on the site while still offering an engaging experience. o Drones and 3D Mapping: Drones and 3D mapping technologies can be used for site monitoring, aerial photography, and conservation planning. These tools provide accurate data on the condition of the site and help in detecting any environmental or structural changes. Innovative technologies offer tools to manage both the visitor experience and the conservation of heritage sites more effectively, enabling sustainable tourism practices while minimizing physical impacts. E. Sustainable Tourism Practices  Definition: Sustainable tourism involves practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, promote the local economy, and ensure the conservation of cultural heritage. By adopting eco-friendly practices, heritage sites can become more resilient to the pressures of tourism.  Approach: o Green Infrastructure: Constructing environmentally friendly infrastructure, such as solar-powered lighting, water-saving systems, and sustainable waste management facilities, can help reduce the environmental footprint of tourism at heritage sites. o Renewable Energy Sources: Implementing renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can reduce a site's reliance on non-renewable resources. This contributes to both environmental conservation and cost savings over the long term. o Eco-Tourism Activities: Promoting eco-tourism activities, such as wildlife watching, nature walks, or cultural immersion programs, can attract responsible tourists who are committed to conservation and sustainable practices. For example, in the Galápagos Islands, eco- tourism practices are strictly enforced to protect the delicate ecosystem from overuse. o Visitor Education: Educating visitors about sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, respecting wildlife, and minimizing resource use, can encourage responsible behavior during their visit. This can 18 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 include providing reusable water bottles or promoting low-impact travel options like walking or cycling. By implementing sustainable tourism practices, heritage sites can reduce their environmental impact, promote local economic development, and ensure the long-term preservation of cultural and natural resources. Effective heritage site management requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates carrying capacity management, community engagement, education, technology, and sustainable practices. These strategies ensure that tourism development supports, rather than detracts from, the long-term preservation of cultural and historical heritage. By adopting these strategies, heritage tourism managers can create a balance between providing enriching visitor experiences and maintaining the integrity of heritage sites for future generations. 19 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 APPLICATION Task: Read the case study below and answer the following questions based on your understanding of heritage tourism management. Group 1. Case Study: Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their cultural and historical significance. However, the terraces face challenges from overtourism and environmental degradation due to soil erosion and deforestation. Questions:  How can community-based tourism initiatives help address the problem of over-tourism and environmental damage?  Propose sustainable tourism strategies that could encourage younger generations to return to traditional farming in the terraces.  What role could technology play in managing and preserving the site? Group 2. Case Study: Intramuros, Manila Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila, is a popular cultural site, but it faces challenges from rapid urbanization, commercialization, and insufficient funding for preservation. Questions:  What are some ways to maintain cultural integrity in Intramuros amidst ongoing urbanization and commercialization?  How can public-private partnerships be used to secure funding for the preservation of Intramuros?  Suggest visitor experience enhancements that balance education and preservation. 20 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 Group 3. Case Study: Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. However, the rise in tourism has led to commercialization and a loss of authenticity in the city’s cultural practices. Questions:  How can Vigan ensure that its cultural heritage is not diluted by commercialization?  Propose strategies for community involvement that empower locals to benefit from tourism while preserving their traditions.  What carrying capacity management strategies can Vigan implement to prevent overtourism? Group 4. Case Study: San Agustin Church, Manila The San Agustin Church is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church faces issues with maintenance due to limited funding and environmental factors like pollution and natural disasters. Questions:  How can conservation efforts be improved to protect the church from environmental degradation?  Suggest funding strategies that involve local and international support for maintaining this important heritage site.  Propose sustainable tourism practices that can ensure the longevity of the church while maintaining its cultural significance. Group 5. Case Study: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major diving destination. However, the increase in tourism has led to environmental challenges such as coral damage and overfishing. Questions:  How can environmental impact be minimized while promoting tourism in the Tubbataha Reefs?  Propose visitor management strategies that can balance tourism and conservation. 21 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203  What role can community engagement play in protecting the marine ecosystem of the site? Group 6. Case Study: Miagao Church, Iloilo Miagao Church, another UNESCO-listed Baroque Church in the Philippines, faces structural deterioration due to natural weathering and occasional earthquakes. Questions:  How can modern technology be used to monitor and protect Miagao Church from further deterioration?  Suggest sustainable funding sources for the restoration and preservation of the church.  What role should the local community and parish play in preserving this heritage site? Group 7. Case Study: Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental Mount Hamiguitan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity. However, the growing interest in eco-tourism has led to concerns about the impact of tourists on the delicate ecosystem. Questions:  What visitor education programs can be implemented to ensure that tourists respect and protect the natural environment?  Propose eco-friendly infrastructure solutions that will reduce environmental impact while promoting tourism.  How can local communities be empowered to take part in the protection and management of the sanctuary? Group 8. Case Study: Fort Santiago, Manila Fort Santiago is a historic Spanish fortress located within Intramuros. The site faces challenges related to visitor overcrowding and insufficient conservation efforts due to budget constraints. Questions:  What visitor management strategies could be employed to reduce the impact of overcrowding at Fort Santiago? 22 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203  Propose ways to integrate interpretation and education in the visitor experience to deepen understanding of the site’s historical significance.  How can Fort Santiago develop fundraising campaigns or partnerships to support ongoing conservation? Group 9. Case Study: Corregidor Island, Cavite Corregidor Island is a historic military fortress that played a significant role in World War II. Tourism on the island has increased, but the physical remnants of the war are deteriorating due to natural elements and limited funding for conservation. Questions:  How can sustainable tourism practices help preserve the historical ruins while promoting educational tours?  Propose visitor management techniques to ensure that tourism does not further damage the site.  What role can digital technology (e.g., virtual tours or augmented reality) play in enhancing the visitor experience without harming the physical site? Group 10. Case Study: Mayon Volcano Natural Park, Albay Mayon Volcano is both a natural and cultural icon in the Philippines. The park surrounding the volcano has become a popular destination for tourists, which has led to environmental stress and safety concerns due to volcanic activity. Questions:  How can visitor safety be ensured while promoting tourism in an active volcanic area?  Propose environmental conservation strategies to minimize the ecological impact of tourism on Mayon Volcano’s surroundings.  How can the local government and communities develop a disaster risk management plan that incorporates sustainable tourism?. 23 | P a g e  Module : Heritage Tourism TME 203 Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Weight Improvement (1) Understanding of Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates 30% Concepts a a good partial limited or unclear comprehensive understanding understanding, understanding of understanding of concepts with some concepts, with of key heritage but with significant major tourism minor inaccuracies in inaccuracies. management inaccuracies applying concepts and in application. concepts. applies them accurately to the case study. Problem-Solving Identifies Identifies Identifies Struggles to 30% challenges challenges some identify clearly and and proposes challenges but challenges or proposes well- adequate provides only propose viable reasoned, solutions, but basic or solutions. innovative, some may incomplete and realistic lack depth or solutions. solutions. realism. Use of Effectively Provides Provides Does not provide 20% Evidence/Examples supports relevant minimal or less relevant evidence answers with evidence or relevant or examples to detailed, examples, evidence or support answers. relevant though some examples to evidence or may be less support examples from detailed. answers. the case and heritage tourism principles. Clarity of Information is Information is Presentation is Presentation is 10% Presentation presented presented somewhat unclear, clearly, clearly but clear but lacks disorganized, and logically, and may have logical flow or difficult to follow. with excellent minor issues has major organization. in organization organization. issues. Creativity/Originality Demonstrates Demonstrates Provides basic Lacks originality 10% creative and some answers with and creativity in original creativity in little addressing the thinking in solutions but originality. case study. addressing the relies on case study. conventional ideas. Total Score: / 100 24 | P a g e