Socio-economic development and cultural preservation: the role of Tourism Archaeological

Abstract

Tourism is a fast-growing global economic activity, recognized for its ability to generate jobs and promote local development. This article investigates how tourism can be an effective tool for socio-economic development and the preservation of archaeological heritage. The research problem centers on the duality of tourism: while it can provide resources for the maintenance of archaeological sites, poorly managed tourism can cause significant damage. The aim is to discuss the interactions between tourism and heritage preservation, identifying challenges, opportunities and strategies for sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and visitors while preserving archaeological heritage. The methodology used is a literature review, analyzing published materials to provide a theoretical basis for the study and contextualize the research. The results indicate that tourism, when well planned, can generate employment and income, strengthen cultural and social identity, and contribute to the conservation of archaeological sites. Examples such as Monte Alegre State Park (PEMA) demonstrate that integrating tourism with heritage preservation can generate significant economic and social benefits. The main conclusions highlight the need for public policies, heritage education and sustainable management to ensure that the benefits of tourism are long-lasting and widely distributed.