Preserving the intangible living heritage in the George Town World Heritage Site, Malaysia

Gentrification driven by UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) inscription has significantly undermined the intangible living heritage of George Town, Malaysia. The study reveals that while tourism and street art have boosted the local economy and revitalized the historic core, they have also displaced original inhabitants and traditional trades, replacing them with new residents and tourism-related businesses. This shift threatens the Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) of the GTWHS, as it erodes the generational socio-cultural practices that carry educational value. The research highlights the need to safeguard this living heritage for future generations and tourists, balancing economic growth with cultural preservation.

Foo, R., & Krishnapillai, G. (2018). Preserving the intangible living heritage in the George Town World Heritage Site, Malaysia. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 14(4), 358–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873x.2018.1549054