Now viewed as conserving and interpreting the environmental and cultural heritage of the area for the appreciation of the residents as well as tourists.

Planning for heritage attractions is a specialized discipline: must be adapted to each particular local situation

May not initially generate sufficient revenue to pay for their development and operational costs.

Often generate sufficient tourist flows to the area

Overall tourist spending in commercial enterprises more than justifies the cost of developing and operating the attraction

Economically justified if not financially justified

Designating zones for different types of conservation and use.Strict Preservation Zones – Resource conservation

and visitor use is low-intensity with only limited facilitiesInclude rare and endangered speciesImportant habitats and vulnerable ecosystemsWilderness areas

Facility Zones – Typically located near the park entrances for the convenience of the visitorsPermanent accommodation and other commercial

facilities are located outside the park but relatively near the entrance

Buffer Zones – often designated to protect conservation zones.

Use zones are connected with a circulation network of access points, roads, parking and walking and riding trails

In some parks, access by private vehicle is prohibited

Provision of access into the park by private vehicles must be evaluated for each particular situation

Best approach for development of facilities: Concentrate the major facilities in one area as an integrated complex in the form of a visitor center.Typically located near the park entrance

Visitor centers should include:Interpretative material of exhibitsMaps and brochuresHall for audio-visual and lecture presentationsRelevant books and/or craft or souvenir items for

saleSnack bar or restaurantsToilets

Personnel should be available to answer questions of visitors.

In addition to exhibits explaining park features, they should also emphasize the importance of conservation, type of conservation measures being applied in the park, and appropriate conservation-oriented use of the park by visitors

Interpretative signs, rest stations, viewing sites/decks and other small-scale facilities can be located at appropriate places in the park

Require special planning considerationsConservation measures should be applied to

the use of underwater environments in order to protect reefs and other sea life

Ecologically important underwater areas: designated as marine parks or reserves with very strict use controls

Major facilities at beach and marine parks should be set back from the beach or coastline vegetation line

The main visitor facilities should be planned as an integrated complex visitor center

Zoning for different types of uses such as swimming, boating, water skiing, board and wind surfing and diving (snorkelling and scuba diving)

Visual and performing artsCraftsTraditional dressesCeremoniesArchitecture and life styles

Can be a major source of income for residents of a tourism area

A distinction should be made between souvenir items and arts and crafts

Authenticity of arts and crafts should be retained in terms of use of local designs, materials and craft skills.

Designs can often be modified to suit the interests of tourists

Contemporary arts can be sold to tourists at art galleries.

Presentation and sale is through development of integrated craft centers or villagesDesigned in the local traditional architectural

style and contains a large number of shopsDemonstrations of art and craft productionSnack bars and restaurantsVenues for dance, music and drama

performancesLocated in attractive landscaped environmentsLocated in villages that specializes in production

of particular types of crafts.

Organize annual arts or cultural festivalsCan attract performing groups, artists and

craftsmen throughout the areaOften start as being primarily for the enjoyment

and benefit of the residents attract domestic and international tourist

Can be scheduled during typical low tourist season in order to attract more tourists during that period.

Consolidating cultural activities in a cultural centerExhibit areasPerforming stagesMeeting roomsOther tourist facilities