Inconvenient Heritage: Erasure and Global Tourism in Luang Prabang (Heritage, Tourism, and Community) - Tapa dura

The major international recognition of a World Heritage Site designation can bring important preservation efforts and a wealth of tourist dollars to an impoverished area―but it can also have destructive side effects. In a revealing study with lessons for tourism and preservation projects around the world, this book examines the redevelopment and packaging of Luang Prabang, Laos, as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites that “belong to all peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.” It tells the story of how the world’s most prestigious preservation initiative led to a management plan designed to attract tourists and global capital, which in turn developed the most “appealing” parts of the city while destroying or neglecting other areas. This book makes a valuable contribution to tourism and heritage studies and international development.

John C. Stallmeyer is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Illinois where he teaches courses in design, theory and research methods. He holds bachelors and M Arch degrees from Illinois and a PhD in Architecture from the University of California Berkeley. Professor Stallmeyer was a Fulbright Fellow in Bangalore India during his PhD work, where his research looked at the transformation of Bangalore under the influence of ICT development. Professor Stallmeyer's research interests are focused on the intersection of globalization, informatics, urban and architectural form and issues of sustainability. He is currently writing a book on the development of Bangalore, India under the influence of Information and Communications Technology during the last 20 years. Lynne M. Dearborn is an assistant professor of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Illinois where she teaches design and theory courses focused on cultural change and social justice in relation to human settlement patterns. Her research interests include the residential choices of marginalized populations, the built environment and social (in)justice, residential environments of immigrant and minority populations, and healthy, sustainable residential environments. Professor Dearborn received her professional Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a licensed architect. She received her Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.