Section Article

Tourism and Cultural Degradation in Heritage Sites
Author(s): Ram Dass

Abstract
Tourism is often hailed as a catalyst for economic development cultural exchange and heritage conservation. However uncontrolled and unregulated tourism can also become a major agent of cultural degradation particularly at sensitive heritage sites. This paper explores the paradox of tourism development and cultural erosion through an interdisciplinary lens combining insights from cultural studies heritage management sociology and environmental science. It investigates how tourism-related commercialization infrastructural strain and performative representations of tradition compromise the authenticity sanctity and sustainability of heritage locations. Case studies from India and other global heritage destinations are examined to underscore the patterns of degradation and policy frameworks are critiqued for their inadequacy in balancing visitor access with cultural preservation. The paper concludes by recommending inclusive community-driven and ecologically informed models of heritage tourism that prioritize cultural integrity over mass commodification.