Tourism and culture at risk

Abstract

Tourism has become and indispensable feature of archaeological sites around the world, and it is customary nowadays that archaeological conferences and congresses will include sessions on tourism, positive and adverse impacts of visitors to fragile archaeological sites, and cultural tourism in general. This paper is a summary of presentations given by the author at one such Congress1. Tourism is described as a key determinant of the future of archaeological sites worldwide. Risks at historic sites are described by the likely hazards that will have an impact on the site or artifact, the exposure of those elements at risk of damage or destruction, and the vulnerability of the resources to damage or destruction of all kinds. A systematic planning and management approach is proposed to provide a working method for identifying and managing risks at historic sites. "Cultural risk management" (or risk management for cultural tourism resources) is a critical planning and management tool for the future sustainability of historic sites and their ability to cope with increasing numbers of cultural tourists.