The tourism and local development in world heritage context. The case of the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico

Bibliographic Data

ID5700665
AuthorsAntonio Vargas (0000-0002-5669-6460, Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume24
Issue9
Pages984-997
Publication date2018-10-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Heritage Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1352-7258 • E-ISSN: 1470-3610
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13527258.2018.1428670
OpenAlexW2792429230
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited37

This article discusses the effects of tourism on local development in the context of World Heritage sites. The ‘Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque’ in Mexico will be used as a case study, with especial attention on local Indigenous communities. It analyses the use of ‘World Heritage’ as a brand for tourism promotion and expected tourism growth, and the changes in the role of the Indigenous peoples in archaeology and UNESCO policies. Furthermore, it examines the implementation of World Heritage policies by the Mexican government and the local decision-makers in Palenque. It presents the touristic elements of the site and how other factors have impacted tourism flow. The article points out the empowerment processes of modern Mayan people, the response by the official managers and the Indigenous reaction to governmental investments in tourism infrastructure. The article concludes that a shift from the current type management model to a new, participatory one could contribute to reduce social tension, fostering local development through tourism and improving communities’ quality of life. The data used for my analysis were collected during fieldwork in Palenque in 2014 and 2016

Archaeology · Citizen journalism · Cultural heritage · Cultural heritage management · Economic growth · Empowerment · Geography · Heritage tourism · Indigenous · Local government · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Tourism · Tourism geography · World heritage · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Law · Religious Tourism and Spaces · Ecology

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