Resetting Cultural Heritage Policy and Management Practice - Moderating Mass Tourism in Post-Pandemic Times

Mass tourism, a significant driver of growth in tourist accommodations within World Heritage Cities (WHC), was effectively moderated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposes that the pandemic-induced pause offers an opportunity to reset cultural heritage policy and management practices. Focusing on the Historic Centers of Siena and Florence, it highlights their rapid increase in tourism before 2020. The research argues for a new framework that combines multi-sectoral and multi-level approaches to planning, aiming to mitigate tourist flows in vulnerable WHC. Key recommendations include creating dynamic tourism maps at the macro level, implementing regional directives to monitor accommodation growth, and engaging local communities in decision-making processes to address social and environmental challenges collaboratively.

Dastgerdi, A. S., & De Luca, G. (2021). Resetting Cultural Heritage Policy and Management Practice - Moderating Mass Tourism in Post-Pandemic Times. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 13(1), 28–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2022.2010922