An aproach to the key success factors for heritage sites management

Abstract

Cultural tourism is based on the management and operation of goods as cultural heritage. The need for positive outcomes has generated a growing emphasis on identifying key success factors. The main objective of this study was to identify these factors through a literature review. We understand that the management of cultural heritage assets should address the need for continuous improvement and an interdisciplinary and strategic business perspective, taking into account different stakeholders –with special attention given to tourists – as well as conditions resulting from budgetary constraints, innovation and volume of public visits. As important factors, we have identified the following: (1) integrated quality management, (2) financial-economic control, (3) visitor segmentation, (4) the public nature of management bodies, (5) competition, and (6) the global economic situation.