遗产旅游与社区参与--以北京慕田峪长城为例

Heritage Tourism and Community Participation:A Case Study of Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing

文章以慕田峪长城为案例,探讨了世界遗产地旅游发展与当地社区的关系。自1988年开始发展旅游以来,慕田峪长城已经成为北京著名的长城旅游景区。慕田峪村紧邻旅游区,村民也广泛参与到景区旅游发展当中。通过2008年12月对慕田峪景区经营小商铺的村民进行的问卷调查,文章评估了世界遗产地评定和旅游发展对当地的影响。同时,通过对慕田峪村管理人员的访谈,了解当地遗产保护、旅游管理和社区参与的现状。研究表明,受访者高度认可了世界遗产地评定对旅游和社区发展的促进作用,以及旅游对社区经济和社会文化的积极影响。然而,社区居民也逐渐认识到旅游对环境的一些负面影响。研究结果有助于加深对中国世界遗产地旅游发展和社区参与关系的理解。

Local communities are the most affected but often neglected stakeholder in heritage tourism, though they are equipped with rich local knowledge and experience. The need to engage local communities in heritage tourism is well recognized. This paper explores the relationships between heritage tourism and the local community at World Heritage Sites in China. Through the case study of Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, the paper intends to understand the current situation of local participation in heritage tourism and identify impacts of heritage tourism development on the local community. Mutianyu Great Wall has been one of the most popular Great Wall sites in Beijing with tourism officially developed since 1988. Mutianyu village is located beside the tourist area and most village residents are involved in tourism on site through a variety of ways. Running small business outlets on site is the primary way of participation for Mutianyu village residents. A questionnaire survey was conducted in December 2008 with small business operators to acquire their opinions concerning impacts of World Heritage designation and tourism development, as well as their experiences of tourism participation. A total of 52 questionnaires were collected. Interviews were also conducted with key officials from Mutianyu Village to understand the current status of heritage protection, tourism development and local involvement in tourism. It is identified that Mutianyu village is highly dependent economically on tourism at Mutianyu Great Wall. Although not involved in the decision-making process nor properly informed of the planning results, local residents actively and extensively participate in tourism business. Results from the questionnaire survey indicate respondents＇ high recognition of the positive impacts of World Heritage designation and positive economic, social and cultural impacts from tourism. In contrast, emerging negative environmental impacts were observed by some respondents as a price being paid for economic benefits. This study will enhance the understanding of relationships between heritage tourism and community participation at World Heritage Sites in China. Research findings should also increase the awareness of the importance of local participation in tourism and help develop policies and management strategies to facilitate effective local participation in tourism development at World Heritage Sites in China.