Awareness of Smart Heritage Cities: Public Engagement and Cultural Preservation Practices

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

Abstract

This study investigates the awareness of smart heritage cities, focusing on conceptual understanding, perceived benefits, and levels of community engagement. A structured questionnaire was administered to a diverse group of participants, analyzed using SPSS software. The sample included both local residents and international tourists with balanced gender representation.The findings indicate that most respondents had prior exposure to smart heritage cities, and the awareness scale recorded a relatively high mean score. Accessibility was rated as the strongest awareness dimension, while knowledge of governmental initiatives appeared weakest.The study concludes that the public acknowledges the importance of smart heritage cities in enhancing tourism and cultural management, yet gaps persist in awareness of official strategies and policies. Accordingly, it recommends the development of targeted awareness campaigns, the establishment of participatory digital platforms, and the adoption of integrated policy approaches to foster sustainable heritage management

Keywords