The Relationship between World Heritage Designation and Local Identity

World Heritage designation significantly enhances local identity among communities near UNESCO sites, as demonstrated by the case of Machu Picchu. The study reveals that recognition as a World Heritage Site fosters a stronger sense of pride and connection to cultural heritage, particularly through tourism-driven experiences. Researchers analyzed the interplay between immediate tourist engagement—such as photography—and long-term memory formation, showing how these interactions shape collective identity. By combining qualitative interviews with visual analysis of tourist behavior, the study highlights the dual role of World Heritage status: preserving historical significance while simultaneously influencing local narratives and self-perception.

(Ed.). (2016). The Relationship between World Heritage Designation and Local Identity. World Heritage, Tourism and Identity, 93–104. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315546315-10