Inconvenient Heritage

The major international recognition of a World Heritage Site designation can bring important preservation efforts and a wealth of tourist dollars to an impoverished areabut it can also have destructive side effects. In a revealing study with lessons for tourism and preservation projects around the world, this book examines the redevelopment and packaging of Luang Prabang, Laos, as one of UNESCOs World Heritage Sites that belong to all peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located. It tells the story of how the worlds most prestigious preservation initiative led to a management plan designed to attract tourists and global capital, which in turn developed the most appealing parts of the city while destroying or neglecting other areas. This book makes a valuable contribution to tourism and heritage studies and international development.