Balancing Conservation & Commercialization at Buddhist Archaeological Sites Through the Development of Sustainable Religious Tourism

Abstract

The objective of this research is to understand how to create a balance between conservation and commercialization of Buddhist archaeological sites used to attract tourists interested in religious tourism. Although pilgrimage and heritage tourism provide an economic opportunity for the parties involved, they also come with the potential for overcrowding, as well as the possibility of physical degradation of the sites being visited, and the commodification of the cultural heritage. By outlining the criteria for site selection, as well as the potential impacts, and the need for appropriate stakeholder input in the process of developing management strategies, this study allows for tourism and heritage conservation to work together in a more sustainable manner. The examples of Borobudur and Machu Picchu demonstrate that, depending on the management strategy employed, a sacred site can be protected or endangered. Accordingly, recommendations are made for the implementation of a combination of policies that integrate preservation, spirituality, and economic development.