Date Available
12-18-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Financial Management
College
Graduate School
Department/School/Program
Public Policy and Administration
Faculty
Dr. Douglas Appler
Committee Member
Dr. Emily Bergeron
Faculty
Dr. Rhonda Trautman
Abstract
Savannah’s historic city plan, Charleston’s colonial architecture, and New Orleans’ Creole and Cajun culture and cuisine all have a commonality: they tangibly and intangibly connect the past to the present. Each city has a distinct and recognizable landscape, shaped by its built environment, history, and culture, which is listed as a National Historic Landmark District (NHLD) – the most prestigious recognition a historic district can receive in the United States. Heritage tourists are drawn to these places by their history, culture, and authenticity. In 2022, a combined 42,320,000 million tourists poured into the streets of Savannah, Charleston, and New Orleans. Meanwhile, the 682,004 locals residing in these cities recognize themselves in each place’s symbolic meanings and cultural values, creating a sense of belonging. This is all made possible through the preservation of history and heritage, yet this preservation often comes into tension with the demands of heritage tourism. With staggering annual tourist-to-local ratios of approximately 115:1 in Savannah, 52:1 in Charleston, and 46:1 in New Orleans in 2022, the strain of overtourism on these districts has led to a loss of long-term residents and, with them, a loss of community, culture, and authenticity.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage tourism as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present” (Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, n.d.). While heritage tourism can promote economic development, it also places pressures on historic sites and local communities. This paper explores how American heritage tourism destinations balance the benefits of tourism with the protection of their historic districts by investigating three iconic heritage tourism destinations – Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans – to identify policy 2 approaches, preservation strategies, and continuing challenges that speak to balancing tourism with the need to protect and preserve historic districts.
Recommended Citation
Frew Sexauer, Kyra, "Ensuring a Future for the Past: Balancing Heritage Tourism and Historic Preservation" (2025). MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects. 467.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mpampp_etds/467
