Introduction

Historical towns have long been popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. The economic impact of heritage tourism has been widely studied, with research focusing on the ecological, economic, political, and cultural effects. However, there is a lack of research examining the extent to which heritage tourism fosters community participation and enhances long-term economic development in historical towns. This systematic review aims to assess the economic impact of heritage tourism on sustainable community development in historical towns.

Methods

To conduct this review, we searched for articles published between January 2000 and March 2021 that examined the impact of heritage tourism on sustainable community development in historical towns. We included studies that were published in English and used qualitative and/or quantitative methods. The search identified 5292 articles, of which 102 met the inclusion criteria. These studies covered historical towns in various regions, including the Western Pacific, Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Findings

The studies included in this review revealed both positive and negative impacts of heritage tourism on the economic development of historical towns. Positive impacts included economic gains, rejuvenation of culture, infrastructure development, and improved social services. Heritage tourism has been shown to be a poverty-reducing strategy, particularly in low-income countries. It has the potential to create employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

However, heritage tourism also has negative effects on the economic development of historical towns. These include restrictions placed on local community participation and access to land, loss of livelihood, relocation and fragmentation of communities, increased outmigration, increases in crime, and erosion of culture. These negative impacts can hinder the economic growth and long-term sustainability of historical towns.

Discussion

The findings of this systematic review highlight the need for a more holistic approach to understanding the economic impact of heritage tourism in historical towns. While economic benefits are important, they should not be the sole focus of research. Other factors, such as social, cultural, and environmental determinants of health, should also be considered.

It is essential to involve host communities in heritage tourism governance and decision-making processes. This includes giving them access to resources and programs that can support their economic development and improve their livelihoods. Community participation is crucial for ensuring that heritage tourism benefits all members of the community and promotes sustainable economic growth.

Future research should also explore the cultural impact of heritage tourism in historical towns. Cultural sustainability is an important aspect of community wellbeing, and it should be considered alongside economic factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand how the economic and cultural impacts of heritage tourism change over time.

Additionally, researchers should adopt qualitative research methods to explore the socio-cultural dimensions of health and wellbeing in historical towns. This will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of heritage tourism on host communities.

Policy Implications

Based on the findings of this review, policymakers should prioritize the inclusion of host communities in heritage tourism governance and decision-making processes. This includes providing them with the necessary resources, training, and support to actively participate in tourism development. It is important to ensure that the benefits of heritage tourism are accessible to all members of the community, and that they are distributed in a way that promotes economic diversity and cultural sustainability.

Furthermore, policymakers should create guidelines and regulations that protect the rights of local communities and ensure transparency in tourism development. This will help prevent the negative impacts of heritage tourism, such as displacement and cultural erosion.

In conclusion, heritage tourism has both positive and negative economic impacts on historical towns. While it has the potential to contribute to sustainable community development and poverty reduction, its success depends on the inclusion of host communities in decision-making processes and access to resources. Future research should adopt a holistic approach to studying the economic impact of heritage tourism in historical towns, considering social, cultural, and environmental factors. This will help inform policies and strategies that promote the long-term economic development and wellbeing of host communities in historical towns.

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