EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT WORLD HERITAGE SITES

This book explores how sustainable tourism can be implemented in areas designated as World Heritage Sites (WHS). Despite modernization pressures and climate change, cultural and natural heritage face challenges such as physical degradation, economic inequality, and the erosion of authenticity. The research highlights four main pillars–preservation, community access, economic benefits, and education–that must be managed collaboratively. Case studies from Borobudur, Toraja, and Angkor Wat demonstrate the importance of local community participation, cross-sector partnerships, and technology utilization to regulate visitor flow and safeguard heritage integrity. Visitor management strategies based on carrying capacity, zoning, and digital innovation help prevent overtourism while maintaining visitor satisfaction. Additionally, community empowerment, the diversification of tourist attractions, and strict regulations are key to fostering an inclusive tourism ecosystem. Consequently, WHS serve not only as historical icons but also as drivers of socio-economic development. The paper concludes with comprehensive recommendations on collaboration, oversight, data updates, and stable funding mechanisms to ensure the sites’ long-term preservation.