Exploring the suitability of Egypt as a heritage tourism destination for tourists with dementia: Community awareness

Authors

Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - University of Sadat City

Abstract

Cultural heritage tourism for dementia helps heritage sites and the local community culturally, socially and economically. This economic potential, in turn, is a significant motivator for local communities to cherish and conserve heritage. However, the development potential and good influence of cultural tourism are not taken for granted. Good management is critical to accomplishing cultural tourism objectives while minimizing potential dangers. To survive, any archeological site must be cared for, preserved, and maintained. In many parts of the world, particularly developing countries, maintaining cultural heritage and devoting resources for this purpose is considered as a luxury and hence not a priority, and leveraging tourism to produce revenue could be a solution to this funding gap. When a site is closed to the public and visitors, it tends to degrade more. A facility that generates no money is less likely to obtain funds for maintenance, preservation, and conservation efforts. Furthermore, because closed facilities are frequently abandoned, they are more susceptible to looting. Perhaps more importantly, as a result of this desertion, the local community may forget the value and significance of the location. As a result, boosting knowledge of dementia's tourism at heritage sites has a significant positive impact.

Keywords