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Paper long abstract:

Tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the production of heritage. Various groups are aware that heritage in the form of attractions, centres, and museums can become a magnet for tourists and consequently bring money into a community, region or nation. However, the production of this heritage, in terms of choice of topic, interpretation and manufacture will usually be in the hands of a few people who are already in positions of relative power.

This paper examines three distinct regions and focuses on specific heritage developments that illustrate the cultural context of heritage, especially the relevance of social groups and their power to shape representations through heritage material. Furthermore, it looks at how an awareness of tourism impacts on heritage representation and development.

1. The burgeoning commodification of folk culture and festivals on a Canary Island, driven largely by national and commercial interests, is contrasted to the heartfelt disappearance of a way of life among local inhabitants.

2. In the Dominican Republic, the public presentation of cultural history and the official agency representation of a fishing village are contrasted with the indigenous celebration of local history by a family which claims ownership of the land.

3. A growth of small 'Theme Towns' and heritage centres in South West Scotland with or without public agency support is examined, demonstrating a grassroots desire to preserve and represent culture while developing the economy.

These three examples show the increasing complexity of heritage interpretation and the growing inclusion of multiple viewpoints. They also illustrate the contest over resources and representation through the production of heritage in which different groups, locals and agencies, compete or cooperate against the backdrop of tourism.

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