Heritage and Cultural Tourism Management in the UK: A Detailed Report

This report delves into the heritage and cultural tourism industry in the UK, examining its growth, development, and significance within the broader tourism landscape. It analyzes the driving forces behind this sector, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in attracting tourists and boosting the economy. The report also addresses potential conflicts in the conservation of heritage and cultural resources, using case studies like Central Jordan and the Giant’s Causeway to illustrate challenges. Furthermore, it assesses the purpose of heritage and cultural attractions in meeting the needs of diverse customers, drawing on personal experiences from visits to the Science Museum and V&A Museum in London. The report evaluates the impact of different ownership models on site management and the roles and responsibilities of organizations within the industry. Finally, it explores various interpretation methods and media used to enhance the tourist experience within the heritage and cultural sector. This report is a valuable resource for understanding the complexities and dynamics of heritage and cultural tourism in the UK.

Heritage and Cultural
Tourism Management

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Analysing the growth and development of the heritage and cultural industry of UK.........1
1.2 Discussing potential conflicts in the conservation of heritage and cultural resources..........3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Assessing the purpose of heritage and cultural attractions in meeting the needs of different
customers.....................................................................................................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Evaluating the impact of different types of ownerships on the management of heritage and
cultural sites................................................................................................................................9
3.2 Analysing the roles and responsibilities of the organisation in the heritage and cultural
industry......................................................................................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Evaluating the methods and media used for interpretation within the heritage and cultural
industry for tourists...................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Cultural and heritage tourism plays important role in the Britain’s tourism industry as it
touches every visitor’s trip to UK. Culture and heritage is the motivation for the tourists for the
city trips. Research has proved that most of the tourists remember and are curious to the tourist
places because of the connection with a specific culture and heritage related in the past and they
have zeal to experience the culture of the destinations they visit. The culture and heritage of UK
is world renowned. (Visit Britain I, n.d.) The cultural heritage of UK is the best assets and
contributes a major portion in the nation’s tourism industry. In terms of culture, the nation’s
brand index, UK is perceived as the fourth nation out of fifty which includes the exciting
contemporary culture in terms of music, art and literature. It helps the Government as it gives a
major contribution in a better economy of the country and producing 100,000 jobs in UK and
helping in eradicating a portion of unemployment. (Visit Britain II, n.d.) This assignment will
help in understanding the role of culture and heritage in tourism industry, including its impact on
the business.
TASK 1
1.1 Analysing the growth and development of the heritage and cultural industry of UK
Culture and heritage are the driving force of development for a country. It not only
enhances the economic growth, but also promotes social cohesion and intercultural exposure.
Culture is usually associated with the artefacts, monuments and material expressions, but it also
includes the traditions, way of life, value systems and beliefs. In the current scenario the culture
and heritage industry is flourishing with a great speed and this has increased the demand of the
tourism industry towards the promotion of the culture and heritage of UK. UK’s rich and
dynamic cultural heritage, art, and multi culture population has made it an established country
for the promotion of its culture and heritage in the tourism industry (UNESCO, n.d.).
It is depicting the timeline development in the heritage and cultural industry of UK, there
exists certain below depicted phases-
 Culture and heritage tourism mainly involves distinct set of elements such as the socio-
culture, history and ethical value of the nation. These three constituents are evident to
give a major contribution in firmness, pride and economic evolution of the nation. In UK,
there exists varied such destinations for tourism which represents its heritage and culture
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norms that involves places like Big Ben, London museums and Stonehenge, etc. For
whose protection, the governmental bodies of UK along with some private institutes are
jointly operating to attain growth and development of their cultural and heritage industry.
 The planning system of UK that is believed to be based upon the principles of sustainable
tourism that is convergent about development of their cultural heritage. It is always
apparent to play a considerable role in supporting the economic condition of UK to grow
in a sustainable direction. It is right after the Second World War; there existed a wide
development in the heritage and culture industry of UK. Wherein, both these aspects have
largely focussed upon delivering acquisition about the active cultural significance of the
destinations to the upcoming number of travellers. It is from the carried interrogation that
has discovered a supportive context of UK economy where it is greatly supported by
varied culture and heritage places. In which, near about 10 million travellers are
envisioned to travel every year where 40% tourists out of them are evident to visit it with
a fundamental concern of interpreting its cultural norms.
 It has been envisioned by the above revealed number of visitors every year in UK that
their governmental bodies have hereby undertaken certain actions for developing those
structures that are evident to represent their adopted culture. Apart from this, they are
together referring to work for several recreational activities for the heritage destinations
with a pivotal aim of renovating it for long term preservation. This undertaken approach
has in turn fetched a liable interest of large number of visitors from all over the world.
Reasons for growth and development of culture and heritage tourism industry:
 Growth in GDP: The GDP impact of heritage and cultural based tourism has increased
in UK by 12 million pounds than the estimation from 2007 data of Oxford economics
2010. This is a major part of the contribution in the UK economy by the tourism industry.
This shows the contribution of the culture and heritage tourism industry in enhancing the
economy rate of UK. (Beyrouty and Tessler, 2013).
 Reduces unemployment: The heritage and culture tourism has produced jobs for
393,000 employees in UK. This has reduced the unemployment rate in UK and the youth
does not need to move to the big cities for the progress in the future but have got the
opportunity to stay in their own cities and work to promote and save the country’s culture
and heritage. (Ashley and Brine, 2007).
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 Promotion of culture: Tourists travel to different places and are keen to get exposure of
the local culture. The promotion of the culture and heritage has given the open exposure
to the tourists visiting UK. The tourism industry uses many innovative ideas to let the
tourists gain the deepest knowledge and experience of their culture and heritage. The
conservation of the heritage environment like the museums, historical buildings, theme
parks, artefacts is more likely to be done. This has attracted the tourists to understand the
historical culture of UK and increased the visit of tourists to the country. (Endresen,
1999).
 Increases country’s competitiveness: The growth in the culture and heritage tourism
industry has increased the competitiveness of the UK global market. Foreign countries
are interested in developing new business opportunities which is leading UK market
towards progress. (International Trade Forum Magazine, n.d.).
 Increases the quality of life of local people: The local people of the tourist places have
got exposure to the culture and traditions of the foreign countries which has enhanced
their knowledge and have become social and welcoming, which creates good impression
on the tourists and they are willing to come back and visit the country again. (Beyrouty
and Tessler, 2013).
 New opportunities for the citizens: As the awareness of the culture and tourism is
increasing, the Government works on the infrastructure of the city and new stores,
business, restaurants and parks are constructed. This increases the opportunities for the
citizens to increase their business, get new jobs and avail maximum facilities in their own
cities. The transportation in the cities is modified and has become more convenient for
the citizens. (Beyrouty and Tessler, 2013).
1.2 Discussing potential conflicts in the conservation of heritage and cultural resources
Tourism has become an increasingly complex phenomenon due to the political,
economic, educational, social, biophysical and aesthetic dimensions. This has given rise to the
potentially conflicting expectations of visitors and host or local communities face many
challenges. Now we will discuss about the Case studies and problems arose for the conservation
of Central Jordan which is famous for its Pan Arab and Pan Islamic identity and The Giant’s
Causeway, which is famous for hexagonal rocks and columns which is said to be originated
naturally by the Molten Lava cooking down slowly and evenly. Here are some highlights for the
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potential conflicts in the conservation of heritage and cultural resources like Central Jordan and
the Giant’s Causeway:
 The lack of appropriate presentation and communication about the significance of the
Jordan and The Giant’s Causeway with the visitors and the host community which leads
to the lack of awareness of the culture and heritage that hinders and prevents the
development of governmental, political and public support and funding for the protection
and conservation of the place.
 Poorly planned and unmonitored tourism activities and the projects for development
leads to the wrong interpretation of the physical characteristics, bio diversity and ecology
of the place of the host community. Like the Jordanian Government has taken the charge
for the development of new projects for the attraction of tourists and left the
responsibility of the service economy (like hotels) on the local community with lack of
assistance.
 Interpretation, conservation and tourism programmes that are based on the understanding
about the culture and heritage of the country, the conflicting aspects of the significance of
the place loses the authenticity and reduces the appreciation of the place. Like in the
Giant’s Causeway, the UNESCO is under pressure for the publicity and the construction
of parks, villages, hotels around the place to attract the tourists and enhancing the tourism
economy and the local community is against of this activity.
 Inadequate knowledge and recognition of potential conflicts between the tourism projects
that lead to the poor planning about the conservation of the culture and heritage which
puts the adverse impact of the lifestyles of the host community. The Government rules
and projects for the attraction of the tourists to the places like Jordan and The Giant’s
causeway is planned by taking care and in the favour of the eco system and these plans
should be clearly discussed with the local community to reduce the conflicts.
 If the tourism industry does not take account of the aesthetic, natural and cultural
landscapes, social and cultural dimensions, it results in the adverse impact on the tourist
places.
 The poorly managed sale, promotion and local crafts in Jordan cannot provide the
economic return to the host community and degrades the cultural integrity.
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 The unattractive promotional programmes do not encourage the visitors to experience the
cultural and natural heritage and narrows the benefits (BBC Home, n.d.).
 The conflicts between the brown field sites and green field sites are also a major problem
for the conservation of the culture and heritage. The economic legislative problems arise
when the construction is done on the green field that is the untouched land like The
Giant’s Causeway and the brown field, that is the touched land or the work is done for the
renovation like Jordan (Graham Books, 2002).
TASK 2
2.1 Assessing the purpose of heritage and cultural attractions in meeting the needs of different
customers
This task is based on the personal experience of the visit to the Science museum and V &
A museum, London.
Science Museum London
(Source: http://www.travelgeeze.com/?attachment_id=519)
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Science museum London was established in 1857 and now is the major destination of attraction
where 2.7 million visitors visit annually. It does not charge any fees for entry like other museum
in UK but may charge some admission fees for temporary exhibitions held in the science
museum. It is merged with the museum of science and industry Manchester in 2012.
The museum has a wide variety of collection with 300,000 items that includes the first jet engine,
Stephenson’s rocket, remaining of steam engines and lot of things. It also has a dedicated library
which has stored runs of periodicals, manuscripts and early books which is open for the scholars
worldwide. The fourth floor is called glimpse of medical history where the reconstruction of the
history of practiced medicine is showed. The fifth floor is called the science and art of the
medicine which is displayed with the medical instruments and practices of ancient medicine
from many countries.
Recently IMAX 3 D cinema hall is added which shows science and nature’s documentaries,
which are usually 3D and focuses on the digital technology to let the visitors have a practical
experience (Science Museum, n.d.).
Victoria & Albert Museum London:
(Source: http://www.lth-hotels.com/victoria_albert_museum_london.html)
V&A museum London is world’s largest museum for decorative arts and design which consists
of the collection of 4.5 million objects. It was established in 1852 in the name of Queen Victoria
and Prince Albert. This museum is now days sponsored by department of culture, media and
sports. Like the science museum the entrance of V&A museum is also free.
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The museum is divided into four collection departments, the collection departments are further
divided into 16 display areas and the whole museum is consist of 145 galleries. It has a collection
span of 5000 years from ancient to recent times from the cultures of Europe, Asia, North
American and North Africa with a wide variety of glass, costumes, textiles, jewellery, and
ceramics. Silver, ironworks, furniture, sculptures, drawing, paintings, photographs, medieval
objects, and prints which are the most comprehensive in this whole world. The museum regularly
organise different types of exhibitions on different topics for the practical information and
enhancing the knowledge of the visitors on a nominal exhibition entrance fees and many
concession programmes for different categories of people (Visit London, n.d.).
The purpose of heritage and cultural attractions in meeting the needs of different customers
visiting to Science Museum and V&A museum London:
Educational needs: The knowledge attained with practical experiences always retained in the
mind. The science museum and V&A museum play a vital role in improving the educational
knowledge for the students and the visitors visiting there. The students of science visit science
museum and attain the knowledge regarding science and technology, whereas the V&A museum
is the focus of attraction for the students interested in Arts and designs. For the hassle free visit
to these places the culture and heritage tourism industry prefer to support in bookings and
provide the clock room and lunch facilities to make it a memorable and educational trip.
Need for research: The researchers related to the science and arts field visit to Science museum
and V&A museum as they are the asset of research material for the candidates perusing PhD and
the researchers. My visit to these two museums made me to observe that the visitors visiting to
science museums were the researchers who visited there to collect material for the research on
the particular topic and some visitors went there as the curious spectators for the recreations
displayed in the museum.
The researchers for the archaeology and arts and designs were present in the V&A museum. The
tourism industry is working on these museums with the purpose that this property is to preserve
the heritage and culture so that the researchers can work efficiently and utilise this treasure in
their studies.
Need for entertainment: The science museum and V&A museum conduct exhibitions, cultural
events, dance and music regularly to attract the visitors and take them out from the monotony of
the regular museum visits. The addition of the 3D cinema with the 3D documentaries related to
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science and technologies give an impression of going through the live experience of the recreated
research. In the same way V&A regularly organise the exhibitions and events to give the self -
experienced knowledge to the customers.
Merge of different cultures of people: In both the museums the visitors visit from different part
of the world and feel the language and culture problems. Both the museums have provided the
guides with different languages who translate the knowledge related to every topic in the mother
tongue or language of the visitor. The purpose for this facility is to make the visitor feel
important and connect themselves to the heritage and culture of the host country.
Needs for disabled visitors: The science museum London is established on different floors and
V&A museum London is a huge place having 145 Galleries, the heritage and tourism industry
provide facility for the disabled visitors by constructing ramps, lifts and by providing attendants
with complete information so that they are not lacked behind in any case.
For visually impaired visitors, the audio guide is provided with every minute detail regarding the
property they are visiting.
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(Source: http://www.twingrouptravel.co.uk/news/free-things-to-do-in-london)
Needs for hearing impaired and deaf visitors: Heritage and culture tourism industry in science
museum as well as the V&A museum take the complete responsibilities of the visitors who can’t
hear properly. For the deaf visitors the lecture theatres with special audio installations are
provided within the property perimeter. In various events, the special section of sign language is
provided so that the deaf visitors can also participate in the events and are not felt left behind.
To eradicate the financial barriers: The heritage and tourism industry of UK is working on the
path that to gain knowledge is the right for every person of any financial status. So to eradicate
the financial barriers the Science museum and V&A museum London has made the entry free of
cost for every visitor. They charge for specific events and exhibitions in which special discounts
are offered to the disabled, old, unemployed and students (Huh, 2009).
TASK 3
3.1 Evaluating the impact of different types of ownerships on the management of heritage and
cultural sites
The heritage sites in UK has to be conserved and protected for the transmission to the future
generation, UNESCO is working for this and special planning systems are organised for the task
because world Heritage sites are important for the social Cohesion and is the pride of the nation.
For the conservation and preservation of the heritage and cultural assets, the sites are in private
ownerships. It is advisable that when the owner of the heritage property is not able to or willing
to take care of it, the property should be handed over to the public or some charitable ownership
to protect it for the coming generations. So the buildings or sites are repaired, maintained and are
monitored by the financers. It is not compulsory for the charitable ownership to acquire the
property but can be taken care through the agreement with the owner or sell it at less than market
value and hand over it for the social, economic and environmental benefits of that area.
The ownerships take care of all the policies related to the conservation of the heritage sites and
have a right for the amendments and analysing the local, regional and minority heritage policies
if they are in the favour of the heritage and cultural sites. The reason for such interference is that
the future of the heritage and cultural tourism is based on the preservation of the sites.
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All over UK, the community based organisations are taking the responsibilities on their
shoulders to maintain the assets which were in the hands of the local authorities that could not
take care of it and help to protect them from falling from decaying. (Anon I, n.d.)
Here we will discuss the ownership of the tower of London and Leeds castle.
The tower of London:
(Source: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/?gclid=CJ-r_8HciL4CFUGSjgodroQAsA)
The take care of the tower of London is the responsibility of the Government through the
secretary of the state of cultural sports and media, but it is still owned by the crown. The whole
tower of London is still not free for the public but the ownership exists till Victoria Garden,
Tower Hills, moat and the wide area that surrounds the beautiful Gardens.
The ownership is not in one hands but it is the collective efforts of different agencies,
departments and authorities which work together and create strategic policies and management
for the conservation of the property.
As the tower of London has multiple ownerships, the tower hill station is under trust and public
ownerships. The underground and the surface part are managed by the transport of London, the
elevated part is maintained by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. River Thames is
managed by the port of London author. The developers and property investors, financial
institutions, charitable trusts, the Crown estate committee and the public institutions own the
buildings around the tower. (Lammy, 2007)
Leeds Castle:
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