The Pros and Cons for Utilizing Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development

Heritage is a multifaceted concept and it is difficult to precisely define, due to the fact that it is based on societies' values and interpretations. We have learnt in the class that heritage can be interpreted differently between and within cultures. In addition, the interpretation and the representation of heritage resources are usually decided by the demands in the current situation. In addition, a society’s definition and care of its heritage can be characterized by its value judgements.

Urban development and maintenance, which are often involved with cultural heritage are highly connected to revitalization efforts within communities. It is necessary for every one of the community members to understand that communities always change, and the changes are always compatible. The cultural heritage constitutes not only the historical sites, properties and monuments but also the oral traditions and culture of the community. By conserving the local heritage, it can be beneficial to promote the cultural commodification and it helps to encourage to develop economically and raise the responsibility of economy among its rural area by applying the tourism.

By making a use of tourism, it can be a big part of economic growth contributor and improved political representation through the heritage expansion. In addition, the use of cultural heritage for development has an important implication for the local communities. By utilizing the heritage, it is easier to understand and administer district change and development through implementing design guidelines. In addition, it can be a useful implication to an ongoing heritage management. Since 2000s, in Yim Tin Tsai, the villagers have put a big effort on heritage conservation, including the conservation of Catholic Church, which has brought the remarkable success to their village. However, in contrast, heritage conservation and tourism can often cause environmental damage with things like pollution and forest fires. Even if tourists behave responsibly, the sheer number of the them can cause problems. Even though the community members take responsibility to take care of cultural heritage within the community, such as ancient buildings, monuments, and temples, people often struggle to cope with the vast amounts of tourist traffic and they suffer wear and tear or damage.

Moreover, the economic imbalance may occur when only partial area in the country becomes successful that other forms of income generation are neglected. and an economic dependence on tourism forms. This can eventually bring the country an economic ruin. Furthermore, it can lead to political upheaval or natural disasters if severe.