Tourism and heritage conservation in Singapore

Abstract

Using a survey of tourists and locals, this study investigates the success of Singapore's Civic and Cultural District as a conservation project. The survey revealed that tourists were attracted by the facades of old colonial buildings that have been carefully restored. In contrast, Singaporeans attach a great deal more to activities and lifestyles within the district that have since been removed or have disappeared because of conservation. Planning authorities have concentrated mainly on the issue of economic viability and favor commercial activities such as retail and recreation/leisure. As such, Singaporeans feel that conservation in the district, because it "museumizes" or makes "elitist" to encourage tourism, has failed to preserve their heritage. © 1995.