Sustainable tourism development strategies and practices of world heritage sites in China: A case study of Mt. Huangshan

A significant conflict exists between sustainable development and heritage tourism at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS), particularly in developing countries. A study of Mount Huangshan, a mixed WHS in China, identified seven key themes reflecting sustainable tourism practices that balance environmental conservation, inclusive social development, and economic growth. These themes highlight the challenges and opportunities in managing WHS for long-term sustainability while accommodating increasing tourist demand. The research suggests future directions, such as value-based management approaches and stakeholder coordination, to address these complexities. This work advances both theoretical understanding and practical strategies for sustainable tourism development at WHS globally.

Zhu, H., Zhang, J., Yu, X., & Hu, S. (2019). Sustainable tourism development strategies and practices of world heritage sites in China: A case study of Mt. Huangshan. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 14(04), 297–306. https://doi.org/10.2495/sdp-v14-n4-297-306