Heritage Tourism in Southeast Asia

This is the first book to examine heritage tourism across the Southeast Asian region and from different disciplinary perspectives. With material that is new and topical, this book makes an important contribution to the fields of tourism studies, cultural studies, development and planning studies, and beyond. Set against a backdrop of the demands, motivations and impacts of heritage tourism, the volume focuses on disputes and conflicts over what heritage is, what it means, and how it has been presented, re-presented, developed and protected. Among the questions touched upon are the ownership of heritage, its appropriate use, access to it versus conservation needs, and heritage as a commodity, as entertainment and as an educational medium. With conclusions based on credible methodologies and data, this is a key resource for both academic researchers and governmental agencies.