Consuming the Cultural Past

Responsible heritage tourists follow the rules and respect the historical resources. Photo by Dallen J. Timothy

Enjoying responsible heritage tourism

MBY LINSI HE & DALLEN J. TIMOTHY, PH.D., WITH ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Most leisure travel includes visiting some element of cultural heritage. World-famous cultural attractions regularly draw large masses of tourists. Smaller-scale heritage sites and destinations tend to attract niche tourist markets that are fewer in number. Most of us have participated in both mass and specialized visits to heritage places and events.

Similar to nature-based forms of tourism, uncontrolled heritage tourism can have unfortunate impacts on built and living environments. Yet, this should not dissuade us from enjoying the cultural landscapes and historic environments found in every corner of the world. However, we should all be more cognizant of what we can do to minimize our impacts.

Whether our travels include visiting iconic places such as the Great Wall of China or Machu Picchu, or more regional and local heritage such as attending an Eagle dance performance on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, there are certain behaviors and protocols to follow to be more responsible heritage visitors and support the principles of sustainable tourism. We should be more cognizant of our physical interactions with historic resources and living cultures, and behave accordingly. Our behavioral choices will determine what sorts of effects we will have on the cultural destination.

RESPONSIBLE VISITORS OBEY ESTABLISHED RULES OF BEHAVIOR Many archaeological sites, for example, are extremely delicate. Careless visitor actions and the sheer volume of tourists can destabilize soils and structures before, during, and after excavations.

Likewise, climbing on historic buildings, touching delicate features, and worst of all, desecrating heritage with graffiti and other forms of vandalism, all cause irreversible damage.

Built heritage cannot regenerate. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. As for living culture, it is important to seek permission before taking photographs. Some residents, especially native peoples, prefer not to be photographed. Asking permission is a sign of respect, which will go a long way in maintaining positive resident-tourist relations. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE VISITING Understanding an area’s history, geography, and cultural heritage not only enhances our experience, it also shows the local inhabitants that we are interested in who they are and where they live. They will be more inclined to engage in conversations and share their lifestyles with those outsiders who are more attentive and aware. Many people have much to share about their community’s heritage. A prepared and willing tourist can be the lucky recipient of local knowledge, storytelling and deeper levels of hospitality.

Consider going during the off-peak season. This will help minimize your social and environmental impacts. It will provide more time and space for you to appreciate what the cultural destination has to offer. It may also be more conducive to deeper interactions with residents, who might feel less pressured and more willing to interact directly by sharing their lifestyles and culture.

DO YOUR BEST TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY For example, buying souvenirs that are locally produced rather than mass-manufactured overseas will help sustain local jobs, minimize economic leakage to areas outside the community, preserve indigenous knowledge, train younger generations in the cultural arena, and sustain the original values that were traditionally imbued in ancient art forms and handicrafts. If there are opportunities to donate money for site maintenance or museum staff support, you might consider doing so. Much public funding for heritage conservation has dried up over the past 30 years, resulting in heritage places now being more dependent than ever on grants, sponsorships, entrance fees, and donations.

BE WILLING TO TRY NEW THINGS AND TO BE FLEXIBLE Participating in cultural activities enhances the heritage experience. For instance, traditional cuisines are one of the most important markers of a destination’s heritage identity. A tourist’s willingness to try local food without complaining is a sign of a “good tourist.” A willingness to be flexible in your travel plans might result in unexpected detours that will lead you to new places to explore and unforgettable experiences that were not listed in your guidebook.

Being a responsible heritage tourist also means showing tolerance towards what we might consider to be inauthentic cultures or places

Many tourists make the mistake of believing that destination communities should remain undeveloped or unmodernized so that visitors can enjoy the “authentic” culture of the place. People everywhere desire to enjoy the benefits of modern living, not only residents of the so-called “first world.” Thus, changes to village forms, traditional houses, using modern technology, and some communities’

Responsible heritage tourists ask permission from local residents before taking photographs. Photo by Dallen J. Timothy

desires to conceal certain elements of culture from the tourist gaze must not be points of tourist frustration and intolerance. Residents of heritage destinations have the same rights and needs as everyone else, including the right to enjoy modern conveniences and the right to choose which parts of their heritage they wish to share with outsiders.

As we practice responsible heritage tourism, site managers and destination residents can better maintain their cultural heritage in ways that are best for them. Responsible tourism can minimize tourists’ impacts and heighten the joys and pleasures of visiting cultural places and heritage attractions throughout the world, which are both important considerations in developing sustainable forms of tourism.

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