Hubei Jingzhou Historic Town Conservation Project

Tourism in rural East Asia has been hindered due to a variety of factors. This paper identified and investigated several factors, such as poor transportation, poor marketing, and lack of consumer services, and determined them to have a shared root cause of poor or unsustainable infrastructure development. In particular, this study found the relationship between ethical development and economic success in rural East Asian communities, especially in reference to cultural freedom and economic well-being. The paper can be used by policymakers, businesses, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to profitably and sustainably develop rural East Asian towns with potential for tourism development in a way that preserves the cultural freedom of the inhabitants and incorporates them into the economic benefits of tourism. The study found that community involvement is a vital aspect of sustainable development, aligning the interests of local businesses and leaders with the tourism industry and promoting innovation and competition. Additionally, infrastructure is critical for tourism development, as the tourism industry relies heavily on physical infrastructure to make the location accessible, and personal infrastructure like hotels and restaurants to make it attractive. One side effect of infrastructure development is the increased quality of life and sustainability of the community, promoting both SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The major takeaways from this case study are the idea of using cultural heritage as a tool and an asset to promoting tourism rather than attempting to change or monetize a culture. Cultural freedom is important for a positive and safe environment. Improving access to water supply and water sanitation increases people’s well being and is more attractive to the tourism industry. Improving infrastructure related to transportation can increase tourism dramatically, particularly in rural areas. With this information, this case study gives insight into specific ways to improve tourism and promote sustainable development in ways that also positively influence the people in these communities and preserve their cultural freedom and basic human rights.

Case Study Evaluation using Project Evaluation Tool

Exemplary

(given from an average score of 4.1 across the 7 values of worthwhile development)

Well-Being

Score: 4/5

The project enhanced infrastructure, conserved cultural heritage, and promoted tourism in Jingzhou Municipality, resulting in improved water quality and wellbeing for local communities.

Equality

Score: 3/5

The case study enhances cultural heritage and tourism experiences, promoting cultural freedom, expression, and infrastructure for inhabitants, ultimately influencing equality.

Human Rights

Score: 4/5

The project promotes tourism, upholds human rights, and improves infrastructure, including water supply and sanitation, while promoting cultural freedom and preserving rights like healthcare and education.

Cultural Freedom

Score: 5/5

A main theme of this project is to promote cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of conserving a heritage in order to promote tourism and a general sense of cultural freedom for inhabitants.

Agency and Empowerment

Score: 5/5

The project enhances cultural heritage and infrastructure, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment among the people and enhancing tourism satisfaction.

Responsibility

Score: 4/5

The Hubei Jingzhou PMO is the implementing agency and manages and monitors the project. The key stakeholder’s are kept in the loop and participate in workshops and study tours.

Sustainability

Score: 3/5

This project aims to develop infrastructure, improve tourism, and conserve cultural heritage by improving transportation and water services, while tracking progress over time for sustainable development in other areas.

Learn more about the Project Evaluation Tool