Archaeology and Ecotourism

Heritage Tourism, Archaeology, & Ecotourism: An Example From Lamanai In Northern BELIZE
By Laura J. Howard

Cultural tourism, public archaeology, heritage tourism, ecotourism, or whatever vocabulary you believe best describes this growing segment of the tourism sector and the field of archaeology, is made up of a global industry that has significant magnitude. The Travel Industry Association of America and Smithsonian Magazine (2003) revealed that 81% of traveling adults from the United States were considered historic/cultural travelers – a 13% increase since 1996. And according to Belize’s Immigration Department, in 2004 over half of 230,000 visitors to Belize were from the U.S., and a good portion of them certainly would be part of that 81% who consider themselves cultural travelers.

Although heritage tourism can have a negative impact on a community and its surrounding area, if it is planned, executed properly, and numerous partnerships are established it can provide many benefits including:

~ creating jobs and businesses;

~ increasing tax revenues;

~ diversifying the local economy;

~ creating opportunities for partnerships;

~ attracting visitors interested in history and preservation;

~ increasing prehistoric and historic attraction revenues;

~ preserving local traditions and culture;

~ generating local investment in historic resources;

~ building community pride in heritage;

~ and increasing awareness of the site or area’s significance.

FROM: www.nationaltrust.org, National Trust for Historic Preservation, October 2006.

Through emphasis on the integration of cultural education, archaeological interpretations, community health, and tourism these benefits can be accomplished.