ABSTRACT
Tangible cultural heritage includes all assets that have some physical embodiment of cultural values such as heritage cities, historic towns, buildings, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, cultural objects, collections, and museums (UNESCO WHC et al. 2013; ICOM 2014b). These assets are thought to be easier to manage than intangible heritage assets, for their condition and integrity can be more easily assessed. Even so, tangible heritage is still vulnerable to a wide range of processes that can damage or destroy the asset and its associated cultural values, with tourism recognized as one such stressor agent (Wang 1999; UNESCO and Nordic World Heritage Office 1999; Winter 2002; Staiff and Bushell 2013). This chapter introduces the reader to a number of issues relating to the management of tangible heritage. The fundamental stages in the conservation planning process are outlined, followed by a discussion of how conservation priorities are set for different types of assets with some examples of best practice in relation to management for tourism. The importance of evaluating cultural significance and its meaning for setting conservation and commodification goals is also dealt with and this leads into a discussion of authenticity and use. Finally, the issues of access to fragile assets and the role of stakeholders in the conservation process are investigated.
