UNITWIN International Conference

Postcolonialism, decolonization, and post-westernism in heritage and tourism

New frameworks, theories, debates, and perspectives from the social sciences have influenced the understanding and knowledge of culture, heritage, and tourism, as well as the relationships linking them. These emerging approaches have redefined the connections between belief systems, the valuation, use, and appropriation of culture and heritage. They have sparked questions and reflections about how these concepts have been conceived, reinterpreted, and managed, recognizing them as elements charged with power, identity representations, and symbolism. The main focus of this thematic axis is to analyze the critical perspectives on the relationship between culture, heritage, world heritage and tourism.

Decolonization is evident in the way contested heritages are perceived and the multiple conflicting values that heritage can embody, namely in relation to colonial heritage. These perspectives have emerged and strengthen as different interpretations of the past are recognized and reconstructed. Today communities increasingly assert their authority over their own cultural narratives and forms of heritage appropriation.

Emerging perspectives in heritage and tourism management

The perspective of local communities has become increasingly important in the management of heritage and tourism. These communities play a crucial role in giving cultural heritage meaning and value through their ongoing interactions with it. Local residents are the ones who directly perceive the impact of tourism on their areas and its connection to heritage. Their insights and interpretations of these dynamics contribute to the development of new management approaches that address their needs and ensure the protection and preservation of their heritage.

Socio-spatial processes, narratives, imaginaries and their impact on the management of tourism places

Tourism has shown a remarkable ability to transform the social and spatial structures of the areas where it takes place. It generates new dynamics and impacts on local residents, leading to significant social, spatial, cultural, and economic changes. Once considered a marginal activity or merely an instrument to support cultural management in destinations, tourism has increasingly become a powerful tool for operationalizing the discourse of global competitiveness and economic growth.

The dynamics described have resulted in several issues, including conflicting uses of public space, increasing living costs, and the replacement of long-term residents with visitors, particularly in historic centers and areas traditionally occupied by deeply rooted social groups. This has also led to processes of gentrification, forced displacement, abandonment, and the replacement of traditional economic activities, among other challenges.

On the other hand, recent trends in contemporary tourism have significantly shaped how destinations are marketed and experienced. Tourists are increasingly motivated to visit places based on imagined experiences and social representations that resonate with the characteristics of the postmodern or hypermodern. Motivations for travel now extend beyond merely appreciating beauty; they also encompass themes such as war, death, the abject, and fear.

New heritage and locally based heritage in urban and rural areas

The recognition and preservation of local heritage must extend beyond traditionally valued historical and aesthetic elements to include the creation of new heritage. This perspective acknowledges that everyday objects and practices, often overlooked, can embody significant cultural meaning and contribute to the community’s identity. Such inclusivity challenges narrow definitions of heritage and promotes a broader understanding. The main focus of this thematic axis is to analyze the constant creation of new heritage, the revalorization and new meanings and senses through locally based heritage in urban and rural areas.

Heritage in the urban-rural frontier and rural areas encompasses diverse perspectives, uses, and values that reflect the unique contexts of these environments. In urban-rural frontiers, heritage can serve as a bridge between different cultural identities, fostering community engagement and social cohesion. In contrast, rural areas often prioritize the preservation of traditional practices and local histories, viewing heritage as a vital component of their identity and continuity. In both context the locally based development seeks to align with the needs and expectations of local populations.

Other topics related to the management of culture, heritage, World Heritage and tourism

It is also considered vital to expand this focus on the management of culture, heritage, world heritage and its relationship with tourism.