Page 153 - JCAU-7-3

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

4. Method its previously identified tourism potential. Understanding
this context is essential for assessing the suitability of the
4.1. Study design locality for tourism development. This case study was
The present study is classified as applied research conducted between September and November 2022.
with a quantitative approach and a non-experimental, Data collection was carried out through a survey using a
correlational-explanatory design (Hernández et al., structured questionnaire administered through Google
2010). The target population consists of 3,861 residents Forms. The questionnaire consisted of (i) 11 questions
of Uchuraccay, located in the Ayacucho region of Peru measuring opinions on cultural heritage, categorized into
(Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática, 2018). To its two dimensions, i.e., tangible heritage and intangible
determine the sample size, Equation I was applied: heritage; and (ii) 11 statements assessing perceptions of
tourism development, structured around three dimensions,
N × Z 2 ××pq
N = (I) i.e., environmental, social, and economic.
e 2 ( × N − ) 1 + Z 2 ××pq
These questions were developed based on previous
where n=sample size, N=total population, Z=confidence studies examining the conservation, valorization, and
level, E=accepted sampling error, p=probability that the tourism utilization of cultural resources. Each question was
event studied will occur, and q=probability that the event will aligned with specific cultural heritage aspects, such as the
not occur. A 95% confidence level and a 4% sampling error conservation status of tangible assets, the transmission of
were used, resulting in a final sample size of 520 residents. traditional knowledge, and the integration of local cultural
expressions in tourism.
To ensure the sample was representative of the
Uchuraccay population, stratified random sampling was In addition, the questionnaire incorporated indicators
used. This approach ensured that different subgroups, commonly employed in sustainability and tourism
such as age, sex, and length of residence, were adequately development studies, such as the preservation of natural
represented. resources, community participation in tourism activities,
and the economic impact of local tourism (Dadizadeh &
The total population (3,861 residents) was divided into Doğan, 2024; Willems et al., 2018). To assess responses,
strata according to key demographic characteristics: a three-point Likert scale (good, fair, and poor) was
• Age: Three age groups were established, i.e., youth used. This approach effectively captured respondents’
(18 – 25 years), adults (26 – 40 years), and older adults perceptions regarding the quality and state of both cultural
(41 – 55 years). heritage and tourism development in the study region.
• Gender: Both male and female participants were
considered to ensure gender balance. 4.4. Questionnaire
• Length of residence: Priority was given to residents The questionnaire used in this research was designed
who had lived in the locality for more than 3 years to with the objective of measuring the perceptions of the
ensure that they had sufficient knowledge of cultural population of Uchuraccay in relation to their cultural
heritage and tourism development in the region. heritage and tourism development in the region.
Within each stratum, individuals were randomly To ensure alignment with the research objectives,
selected to participate in the survey. This method ensured the questionnaire was structured into two main
that each person had an equal probability of being included, sections: (i) cultural heritage dimensions (tangible and
minimizing bias and enhancing the representativeness of intangible) and (ii) tourism development dimensions
the sample. (environmental, social, and economic). The formulation
of the questions was based on previous studies related
4.2. Inclusion and exclusion criteria to sustainability, heritage conservation, and tourism
The inclusion criteria for this study were (i) age between development (Ali et al., 2022; Ismaeel & Kassim, 2023;
30 and 55 years old, (ii) providing informed consent to Xiang et al., 2023).
participate, and (iii) being a resident of Uchuraccay. The The questionnaire was designed meticulously to
exclusion criteria were (i) incomplete questionnaire and ensure that each section addressed specific aspects
(ii) unwillingness to continue participation in the study. of local perceptions regarding cultural heritage and
tourism development. The following is a breakdown of its
4.3. Procedure structure and alignment with the research objectives. The
The selection of Uchuraccay as the study area was based on questionnaire consisted of 22 questions, divided into three
its significant historical and cultural importance as well as sections:

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