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Heritage Tourism in Unquiet Places: New Anthropologies of Europe

Corey Green

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Published in Jewish Poland Revisited: Heritage Tourism In Unquiet Places (New Anthropologies Of Europe)

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Heritage tourism has emerged as a significant global industry, with travelers flocking to historical sites, monuments, and cultural attractions around the world. However, much of the research on heritage tourism has focused on well-established and popular destinations. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding heritage tourism in more challenging and contested contexts, such as post-conflict areas, disputed territories, and sites associated with traumatic or violent histories.

This article explores the field of heritage tourism in "unquiet places," drawing on recent anthropological research to shed light on the complexities and challenges of managing and promoting tourism in these contexts. We discuss the ethical and practical implications of developing tourism in areas affected by conflict, displacement, and social unrest, and consider the role that heritage tourism can play in promoting reconciliation, peacebuilding, and economic recovery.

Jewish Poland Revisited: Heritage Tourism in Unquiet Places (New Anthropologies of Europe)

by Erica T. Lehrer

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Language	:	English
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Contested Heritage and the Politics of Representation

One of the key challenges of heritage tourism in unquiet places is the contested nature of heritage itself. In many post-conflict and disputed territories, different groups have competing claims over the ownership and interpretation of historical sites and monuments. These competing claims can lead to tensions and conflicts between different communities, as well as challenges in developing tourism products that are sensitive to the diverse perspectives and experiences of all stakeholders.

For example, in the former Yugoslavia, the competing claims over the heritage of the region have made it difficult to develop a coherent and inclusive tourism strategy. Different ethnic and religious groups have different perspectives on the history of the region, and these perspectives are often reflected in the way that historical sites are interpreted and presented to tourists. This has led to tensions between different communities and has made it difficult to develop tourism products that are acceptable to all.

Another challenge in developing heritage tourism in unquiet places is the politics of representation. The way that historical events and figures are represented in tourism products can have a significant impact on how they are perceived by visitors. This can be particularly sensitive in contexts where there has been a history of conflict or violence, as different groups may have different perspectives on the events of the past.

For example, in Rwanda, the genocide against the Tutsi people is a highly sensitive topic. The way that the genocide is represented in tourism products can have a significant impact on how it is perceived by visitors, and on the healing process for survivors and their families. It is important to ensure that tourism products are developed in a way that is respectful of the victims and survivors of the genocide, and that it does not promote or glorify violence.

The Role of Tourism in Peacebuilding and Reconciliation

Despite the challenges, heritage tourism can also play a positive role in peacebuilding and reconciliation in unquiet places. By bringing people together from different backgrounds and perspectives, tourism can help to foster understanding and empathy. It can also provide economic benefits to communities that have been affected by conflict, and contribute to the rebuilding of infrastructure and social cohesion.

For example, in Northern Ireland, tourism has been credited with playing a role in the peace process. The development of tourism products that focus on the region's history and culture has helped to bring people together from different backgrounds and perspectives. It has also provided economic benefits to communities that have been affected by the conflict, and contributed to the rebuilding of infrastructure and social cohesion.

Another example of the positive role that tourism can play in peacebuilding and reconciliation is the development of the Peace Parks in Africa. These parks are located in areas that have been affected by conflict, and they aim to promote peace and cooperation between different communities. The parks provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together and learn about each other's cultures. They also provide economic benefits to local communities, and help to protect endangered wildlife.

Ethical and Practical Considerations

The development of heritage tourism in unquiet places raises a number of ethical and practical considerations. It is important to ensure that tourism does not exploit or commodify the suffering of victims and survivors. It is also important to avoid promoting tourism products that glorify violence or conflict.

Another important consideration is the impact of tourism on local communities. Tourism can bring economic benefits to communities, but it can also lead to displacement, gentrification, and other negative impacts. It is important to ensure that tourism is developed in a way that is sustainable and equitable, and that it benefits local communities in the long term.

Finally, it is important to consider the practical challenges of developing tourism in unquiet places. These challenges can include lack of infrastructure, security concerns, and political instability. It is important to carefully assess the risks and benefits of developing tourism in these contexts, and to ensure that there is a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Heritage tourism in unquiet places is a complex and challenging undertaking. However, it is also an important one, as it can play a role in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and economic recovery. By carefully considering the ethical and practical implications of developing tourism in these contexts, and by working closely with local communities, it is possible to create tourism products that are respectful, sustainable, and beneficial to all.