Visitor Perception and Expectation of Heritage Tourism at Mahabalipuram Monuments

A significant gap exists between visitors' expectations and their perceived experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, highlighting challenges for sustainable heritage tourism. The study assessed tourist motives, expectations, and post-visit perceptions using structured questionnaires, focusing on five key aspects (5A's) to evaluate destination competitiveness. Findings reveal discrepancies in visitor experiences that could inform better positioning and planning strategies for the site. This research underscores the importance of aligning visitor expectations with actual heritage tourism offerings to enhance satisfaction and preservation efforts.

V. T. Nair, B., & K., S. (2020). Visitor Perception and Expectation of Heritage Tourism at Mahabalipuram Monuments. Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Services, 191–210. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4330-6.ch012