Perceived value in a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the case of Quito, Ecuador

Research on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito, Ecuador, identifies five key factors that shape perceived value for tourists: monetary and non-monetary costs, staff service quality, tourist offer accessibility, destination attractiveness, and information accessibility. Notably, this study introduces two new dimensions of accessibility—tourist offer and information—which have not been previously integrated into the measurement of consumer value at World Heritage Sites (WHS). Using exploratory factorial analysis on data from 381 tourists, the findings challenge traditional separations between perceived value and accessibility in academic literature, offering both theoretical and practical insights for WHS management. The study highlights how these factors collectively influence tourist experiences and underscores their significance for sustainable cultural tourism.

Moreno-Manzo, J., Gassiot-Melian, A., & Coromina, L. (2022). Perceived value in a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the case of Quito, Ecuador. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-03-2022-0049