Leveraging heritage, tourism and partnerships in development

![CDATA[This chapter critically examines the intersection of heritage, tourism and development. Through case studies in Viet Nam, it considers if heritage tourism is able to deliver on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the promise of a better future, in particular to assist with poverty alleviation. Throughout the developing world, tourism as one of the fastest growing economic sectors has been successful at achieving broad national economic development goals through the growth of Gross Domestic Product. It has also gained regard by aid and development agencies, as an important driver for inclusive socio-economic development due to the significant capacity to stimulate enterprise and job creation, particularly for women and young people. Despite the potential, local tourism planning and management generally lacks policies specific to ensuring local community development goals and objectives are achieved. Examples drawn from the work of UNESCO in World Heritage areas, with very strategic partnerships between international bodies, state, industry and community stakeholders, highlights the potential of partnerships, focussed training and employment opportunities, but points also to numerous challenges to achieving equity and avoiding unintended outcomes from tourism development.]]