Page 151 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural tourism and lessons from China

Figure 1. Map of Uchuraccay, Ayacucho, Peru
Source: Map by Google Maps (n. d.).

between the jungle and the valleys of Huanta and Tambo encompassing both tangible and intangible dimensions
and has a population of 3,861 residents. Temperatures in – can significantly enhance tourism development by
the area range from −3.3°C to 2°C in May and June and can contributing to its environmental, social, and economic
reach as high as 23.2°C in summer. Poverty remains one dimensions.
of the most pressing challenges in communities such as
Uchuraccay, where employment opportunities are scarce 3. Comparison of cultural heritage
and income generation is limited. As a result, tourism conservation strategies in Latin America
has been recognized as a potential driver of economic and China
development, creating jobs and increasing income to
improve the standard of living for residents (Instituto 3.1. Strategies in Latin America
Nacional de Estadística e Informática, 2018; Marapara & Cultural heritage conservation in Latin America faces
Ramos, 2018; Seda Ayacucho Sucursal Huanta, n.d.). significant challenges arising from tensions between
In the Uchuraccay district, surveys conducted among economic development, tourism, and the preservation
local residents indicate that both authorities and the of cultural identity. Addressing these tensions requires
community fail to fully utilize the natural resources regulatory planning, cultural management, and active
provided by their cultural heritage. In addition, there citizen participation. Ramírez-Rosete et al. (2020)
is a lack of tourism awareness and strategic planning to highlight the importance of conservation policies in cities
promote sustainable tourism as a long-term economic such as Puebla, Havana, and Quito, where tourism-driven
activity (Donayre, 2020). As a result, the quality of life of interventions pose threats to both tangible and intangible
local residents is negatively affected, as natural resources heritage. They propose strengthening urban planning tools
are used inefficiently without generating additional income to balance commodification with cultural rehabilitation.
or employment opportunities (Lin, 2020). To address Similarly, Jesús and Latocca (2021) stress the need for
innovative approaches in the management of historic
this issue, it is necessary to foster greater community centers to ensure sustainable development, highlighting the
engagement in tourism-related activities to improve
household economies. This includes raising awareness of role of public spaces as key venues for citizen interaction
tourism’s potential and encouraging local participation in and heritage socialization. Sánchez-Miranda et al.
(2022b) emphasize the significance of cultural heritage
conservation initiatives (Ekayani et al., 2019).
as a reflection of Latin American identity, rather than
This article highlights the importance of cultural heritage merely an economic resource. They advocate for inclusive
in promoting tourism development in rural communities, cultural management, involving the state, private entities,
aiming to create new economic opportunities, revalue and citizens in heritage conservation efforts, recognizing
local resources, and strengthen tourism awareness in the its role in preserving local identities and globalization.
area. A survey conducted among the residents of Huanta Meanwhile, Rodríguez et al. (2022) explore community
province revealed that a diagnosis of cultural heritage – participation as a key element in heritage conservation

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.5862