This book investigates the complex, often conflicting relationship between the tourism industry and the management of cultural heritage sites. Bob McKercher and Hilary du Cros, both established academics in the field of tourism management, provide a framework for understanding how these two sectors can coexist sustainably. They argue that while tourism provides necessary economic support for heritage preservation, it also introduces significant risks that require careful, strategic management to mitigate.

Experts in the field of tourism studies frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the operational challenges of heritage sites. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which makes it a standard reference for graduate-level coursework and professional planning.