Irit AMIT-COHEN, Dep. of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University , Israel
Irit SHMUEL, Department of Management, Hadassah Academic College, Israel
Michael SOFER, Dep. of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University , Israel
The word "crisis" has a number of meanings. The most familiar one is a critical situation, perceived as a change for the worse but also as a decision point that requires a new approach, to cope, to effect far-reaching reforms and changes. The purpose of this lecture is to present an approach that views the Covid-19 crisis as an opportunity - for tourism development in heritage sites. During April 2020 - April 2021, tourist activity was examined at 22 heritage sites managed by the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel. The examination included a number of topics; each one presents the changes that occurred in the status of the heritage site: 1. The change in the number of visitors in heritage sites in open spaces and in museums or galleries. 2. Savings in maintenance, employment, guidance and operating expenses and directing it for adaptations the heritage site to activity in time of crisis. 3. Adaptations of opening times and visiting routes in time of the Corona crisis. 4. The meaning of virtual visit in heritage sites, attitudes, creativity and innovation. 5. The advantages of the "time-out" created by the pandemic for rehabilitation the heritage site. 6. Distinguishing between tourism in a museum or gallery in historic building and in modern building. 7. Crisis-adapted educational activities in tourist attractions in historical sites and cultural landscapes in rural areas.
Conclusion - The corona crisis has long-term consequences. An examination of heritage sites and the tourist activity in them during the crisis indicates: 1. the erosion in the perception of the "tangibility" of heritage sites. 2. Digital visit replace the physical visit, and new guiding methods create new tourist experience. 3. There is an increase in demand for tourism in heritage properties located in open space. 4. The cost savings on labor is directed to improve the site image and management.
Keywords: Heritage sites|Covid-19 crisis|cultural landscape|markating|management
A104018IA