Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Titled: “Sustainable Tourism in Urban Heritage Sites”

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Ph.D. dissertation defense of student Ghassan Hassan Hammoud was held, for his dissertation titled:
“Sustainable Tourism in Urban Heritage Sites.”

The dissertation focused on highlighting the active role of sustainable tourism in developing and revitalizing urban heritage sites, considering it a key driver of development, especially in the historical areas of cities. It also emphasized the potential for applying this concept locally, given the abundance of urban heritage sites in our country. Heritage tourism represents a significant economic sector, complementing other sectors to support comprehensive development — socially, economically, environmentally, and physically.

The study drew upon a knowledge base of concepts and indicators extracted from the literature and previous studies to build a theoretical framework, which included:

• Dimensions of sustainable cultural heritage tourism

• Strategies for sustainable tourism development

• Sustainable heritage tourism industry

• Tourism planning and management

• Design elements of cultural heritage tourism

The research concluded with key findings that define how sustainable tourism contributes to enhancing the development of urban heritage sites. These include:

• Increasing economic revenues

• Creating job opportunities

• Supporting the heritage industry

• Enhancing the cultural value of heritage sites

• Respecting local identity

• Promoting tourism awareness

• Achieving a sustainable and healthy environment

• Preserving architectural landmarks, heritage buildings, and their urban surroundings
  — all while ensuring these sites remain functionally and operationally active without compromising their authenticity or values rooted in their historical origins for future generations.

The examination committee consisted of the following esteemed professors:

• Prof. Dr. Mustafa Khudair Abadi – Chair

• Prof. Dr. Sabeeh Lafta Farhan – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Khansa Ghazi Rasheed – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Dhirgham Muzhir Kareem – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Barizat Qasim Hussein Fahmi – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Younis Mahmoud Saleem – Supervisor & Member