On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the PhD thesis defense of the student (Ghassan Hassan Hamoud) titled "Sustainable Tourism in Urban Heritage Sites" took place. The thesis highlighted the significant role of sustainable tourism in the development and revitalization of urban heritage sites, considering them as a primary driver for development, especially in historical areas within cities. The research emphasized the local potential of heritage tourism, as our country is rich in urban heritage sites, and heritage tourism represents an important economic sector that integrates with other sectors to promote comprehensive social, economic, environmental, and urban development.
The study utilized the knowledge base, concepts, and indicators drawn from literature and previous research, and built a theoretical framework for the study. Its key components included:
- Dimensions of sustainable cultural heritage tourism
- Sustainable tourism development strategy
- Sustainable heritage tourism industry
- Tourism management and planning
- Design elements for cultural heritage tourism
The research concluded with important findings regarding the contribution of sustainable tourism to the development of urban heritage sites by increasing economic revenues, providing job opportunities, supporting heritage industries, enhancing the cultural significance of heritage sites, respecting their uniqueness, raising tourism awareness, creating a sustainable and healthy environment, and preserving architectural landmarks and heritage buildings along with their urban surroundings. This ensures that these sites remain operational and functional without compromising their authenticity or the historical values passed on to future generations.
The defense committee consisted of the following esteemed professors:
- Prof. Dr. Mustafa Khadhir Abadi – Chair
- Prof. Dr. Sabeeh Lafta Farhan – Member
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Khansa Ghazi Rashid – Member
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Dhirgham Mazhar Kareem – Member
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Brizat Qasim Hussein Fahmi – Member
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Younis Mahmoud Saleem – Supervisor Member
