| dc.description.abstract | The link between heritage and hospitality dates back hundreds of years. However, there
are no firm rules that manage this old relationship. The research tackles the concept of ‘heritage
hospitality’ as a new concept; which represents a managed heritage-hospitality link through the
application of traditional heritage and traditional hospitality in hotels.
This study addresses the relationship between heritage and hospitality at selected hotels
in Siwa oasis in Egypt. Relationships between indigenous peoples and hotels, heritage and
hospitality, hotels and heritage tourism, the possibility of applying the ‘heritage hospitality’
concept and the present status of heritage application in Siwan hotels were explored to achieve
the research goal of providing a balance between commercialization and authenticity in
hospitality. Field observations, a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, and a focus
group discussion were conducted in Siwa from October 2, 2010 to October 21, 2010.
The present status of heritage application in Siwan hotels has been documented in this
study. Although Siwa oasis is rich in both cultural and natural heritage, Siwan hotels utilize only
one aspect of the cultural heritage: tangible cultural heritage. Thus, Siwan hotel operators may
invest more in quality heritage presentation in order to contribute to the preservation of Siwan
heritage and to earn more money. Authenticity is important to the enhancement of the link
between heritage and hospitality. However, it is necessary to combine both old and modern
practices in a balanced approach. This research contributes to practice and to conceptual and
empirical understanding of heritage-hospitality nexus and, hopefully, will inspire more research
on balancing authenticity and commercialization in hotels, particularly in developing countries
like Egypt. | en |
