A Methodology for Eliciting Public Preferences for Managing Cultural Heritage Sites: An Application to the Temples of Paestum

Public willingness to pay for enhanced cultural heritage experiences at the Temples of Paestum, part of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), can serve as a key indicator for guiding sustainable management strategies. This study applies contingent valuation—a participatory survey-based method—to quantify latent demand for non-market goods like museum services. Findings reveal significant public support for improvements in accessibility, conservation, and innovative offerings such as multimedia services, with monetary values attached to these enhancements. Unlike traditional museum studies focused solely on exhibition purposes, this approach integrates market dynamics into heritage management, providing data-driven insights for balancing financial investments with public fruition goals.

Riganti, P., Nese, A., & Columbino, U. (2017). A Methodology for Eliciting Public Preferences for Managing Cultural Heritage Sites: An Application to the Temples of Paestum. Tourism and Regional Development, 201–216. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315235967-12