Effects of Tourism on the Preservation of Global Heritage Sites: Two Case Studies

Abstract

This thesis considers some of the affects of mass tourism on global heritage sites. This issue will be addressed by investigating how the allure of tourism and the subsequent economic benefits it can produce influences the management and thereby preservation practices and decisions of such places. Two main case studies were used along with smaller, more minor examples as supporting evidence. The first case study is the San Antonio Mission complexes in San Antonio, Texas, which is made up of a total of five mission churches including the Alamo. The second case study is an archaeological site which features the historic ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus in Selçuk, Turkey. The thesis is organized by topic with each chapter relating to both case studies within the context of that theme. The first chapter explores site management practices and how they are affected by mass tourism. Following this, the second chapter discusses how mass tourism influences site management practices and preservation decisions. The third chapter looks at how large-scale development in and around the site is handled and what are the motivating factors behind such endeavors. The fourth and final chapter centers around the World Heritage List, looking briefly at the decision-making and application process to nominate a site, and more in depth at how listing impacts global heritage sites.