Perception in cultural heritage tourism: an analysis of tourists to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, China

Tourists' positive attitudes towards heritage protection significantly influence their preferences for sustainable tourism development along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, according to a study analyzing on-site surveys. The research identifies key factors—heritage attraction, cultural experience, service facilities, and market conditions—that shape these perceptions. Structural equation modeling reveals that while heritage attraction and cultural experience enhance attitudes toward protection, they also directly impact tourists' development preferences. Satisfaction is further positively affected by both attitudes and development preferences. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing management strategies to balance conservation with tourism growth, ensuring the canal's cultural legacy thrives without compromising its integrity.

Zhang, S., Liu, J., Pei, T., Chan, C.-S., Gao, C., & Meng, B. (2023). Perception in cultural heritage tourism: an analysis of tourists to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, China. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 21(5), 569–591. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2023.2222693