Heritage conservation and communities’ sense of deprivation in tourism: the case of the Hani community in Yunnan, China

Local Hani communities within China’s Honghe Hani Rice Terraces World Heritage Site report significant deprivation and reduced motivation for heritage conservation due to perceived de-empowerment and economic disparities, contrasting with non-local Hani residents who experience greater benefits and appreciation. This study highlights how tourism development can exacerbate social inequalities, leading local communities to resist imposed preservation responsibilities. The research employs qualitative methods to analyze community perceptions, revealing critical insights into the complex interplay between heritage conservation and social equity in sustainable tourism.

Qu, C., Zhang, C., Shen, S., & Olsen, D. H. (2022). Heritage conservation and communities’ sense of deprivation in tourism: the case of the Hani community in Yunnan, China. Tourism Geographies, 25(2-3), 881–898. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2021.2016936