Contemporary tourism heritage as heritage tourism: Evidence from Las Vegas and Gold Coast

Four categories of contemporary tourism heritage were identified in this exploratory study of Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) and Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia) based on location, originality and scale: (1) in situ representations that memorialize tourism and related phenomena through plaques, statues and/or festivals, (2) ex situ original items displayed and interpreted in museums, (3) in situ original nodes represented by preserved hotels and other facilities, and (4) in situ original corridors represented by preserved tourism strips. All are only partially articulated as heritage tourism, though potential for elaboration derives from its authenticity within tourism cities, its serious and interesting character, possibilities for accurate presentation due to artefact survival and personal experience, and the potential for current examples as foundations.

Research highlights► Describes contemporary tourism heritage’s articulation as heritage tourism. ► Identifies four types of tourism heritage. ► Rationalizes contemporary tourism heritage as a viable attraction in tourism cities.