Politicization and Commodification of Tourism: Implications for George Town World Heritage Site

George Town, Malaysia, has undergone a phased process of tourism commodification since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, leading to significant changes in lifestyle, property values, and land use development. While this shift from a free trading port to a 'productivist heritage-scape' has improved the economic status and quality of life for local residents, it has also triggered issues such as gentrification and outmigration. The study, based on site observations and semi-structured interviews with residents, administrative staff, and business owners, reveals that commodification does not necessarily destroy the meaning of heritage but can enhance its economic value. Future research should compare this stage of commodification with other World Heritage Sites to better understand its broader implications.

Salim, N., & Abdul Rahman, N. (2022). Politicization and Commodification of Tourism: Implications for George Town World Heritage Site. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v12-i12/14916