PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM CONFERENCE, Antalya, Türkiye, 22 - 27 Nisan 2008, cilt.1, ss.381-408, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
REVITALIZATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSETS WITHIN
THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT:
A PROPOSAL FOR THE REJUVENATION OF PRINKIPO PALACE
ABSTRACT
There exist a mutual interaction and a sensitive balance between cultural heritage assets and cultural tourism for the sake of sustaining each other. Cultural heritage assets, which acquire the appreciation and funds essential for their preservation, in return; take the role of the original resource itself required for the diversification and qualification of tourism. The scope of this study is Prinkipo Palace (Büyükada Greek Orphanage Building), which is a unique and expansive representative of the 19th century Ottoman timber housing art and world architectural heritage. Following a conceptual introduction on cultural heritage – sustainable tourism relationship and some general information on the building, it was suggested that the property be rejuvenated as a heritage hotel that is internationally marketable, appealing to qualified cultural tourism market and realizing the original function of its existence purpose. Throughout the paper, such proposal was built up on a preliminary destination and market overview and a product definition that conforms to the universal preservation guidelines and the contemporary requirements of the hospitality industry. As a result; there came out a product which generates the required cash flows for its sustainability, stands profitable for its investor, supports cultural development within the community and contributes to regional economy and national image. However; it has also been noted that neither this suggestion nor the survival of the structure, who is calling for urgent backing, could be realized unless the ownership issue is brought to an ultimate resolution.
KEYWORDS: Tourism, Sustainability, Cultural Heritage, Conservation, Prinkipo Palace