Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage

Melodena Stephens; Filareti Kotsi; Frederik Panz

doi:10.30519/ahtr.1785907

Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage

Abstract

In an age marked by rapid modernization, globalization, increased travel, social media, and streaming, preserving a country’s heritage and culture presents significant challenges. Although, the terms ‘culture’ and ‘heritage’ are often used interchangeably, this study aims to explore how these concepts are perceived from an intergenerational perspective and to propose a theoretical framework illustrating their relationship. The research focuses on the UAE, where locals constitute less than 10% of the population; with the remaining being expatriates. Methodologically, the study employs an adapted repertory grid and photo-elicitation to gather rich, nuanced data. This paper contributes to ongoing academic discourses on heritage, while also making a significant contribution to place studies and brand heritage. The findings hold important implications for policymakers, tourism authorities and national branding efforts as they balance the fragile balance between preserving cultural elements that reflect heritage and the pursuing modernization to capitalize on economic opportunities.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Zayed University

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Tourism (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Melodena Stephens This is me
0000-0001-7933-2750
United Arab Emirates

Filareti Kotsi ^*
0000-0002-4672-3410
United Arab Emirates

Frederik Panz
0009-0003-8738-1423
Germany

Early Pub Date

March 9, 2026

Publication Date

March 9, 2026

Submission Date

September 19, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 30, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30519/ahtr.1785907

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA29NF89BW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Stephens, M., Kotsi, F., & Panz, F. (2026). Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR), Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.30519/ahtr.1785907

AMA

1.Stephens M, Kotsi F, Panz F. Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR). 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.30519/ahtr.1785907

Chicago

Stephens, Melodena, Filareti Kotsi, and Frederik Panz. 2026. “Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What It Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage”. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR), no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.30519/ahtr.1785907.

EndNote

Stephens M, Kotsi F, Panz F (March 1, 2026) Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR) Advanced Online Publication

IEEE

[1]M. Stephens, F. Kotsi, and F. Panz, “Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage”, Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR), no. Advanced Online Publication, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.30519/ahtr.1785907.

ISNAD

Stephens, Melodena - Kotsi, Filareti - Panz, Frederik. “Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What It Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage”. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR). Advanced Online Publication (March 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.30519/ahtr.1785907.

JAMA

1.Stephens M, Kotsi F, Panz F. Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR). 2026. doi:10.30519/ahtr.1785907.

MLA

Stephens, Melodena, et al. “Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What It Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage”. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR), no. Advanced Online Publication, Mar. 2026, doi:10.30519/ahtr.1785907.

Vancouver

1.Melodena Stephens, Filareti Kotsi, Frederik Panz. Narratives on Heritage and Culture: What it Means for Place Studies and Brand Heritage. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR). 2026 Mar. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.30519/ahtr.1785907