Sustainable Integration of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between cultural heritage preservation and tourism management and to examine sustainable management practices at world heritage sites in Sukhothai Province. The qualitative research approaches were applied; in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-seven key informants. The results showed that sustainable heritage management has made a positive impact on the local economy and social and cultural conservation of the World Heritage. The Park Authority has developed and conserved archaeological sites with various stakeholder assistance, particularly for physical management, but it has not yet utilized archaeological heritage in the park for greater tourism development. There is a gap between heritage and tourism in describing integration between what is protected in heritage and what is a sustainable use of heritage as a tourism resource. Local community had limited knowledge to participate in the decision-making process and did not have active role in development and management of the world heritage. Guidelines for sustainable integration of cultural heritage and tourism management are proposed.