Transformation of industrial heritage: An example of tourism industry development in the Ruhr area (Germany)

Industrial heritage represents a specific type of heritage provided by human societies which emerged as a product of industrialization when certain objects were abandoned. Environmentalists and people employed in the tourism industry implement the idea of revitalization on this locations and give new functions to abandoned factories, which is crucial for their later development. There are many industrial zones where tourism can be promoted as a useful instrument of regional restructuring and economic development. Thus, the transformation of industrial heritage in the Rhur area (Germany) is presented in this study, where significant structural changes occurred due to the decline of the mining and metallurgical industry. Key sites used as an example of this transformation of industrial heritage into tourist attractions are located in the central part of the Ruhr area, stretching across the Emscher park. The development effects (environmental, economic, socio-cultural) of industrial heritage tourism and their implementation through certain recultivation procedures within the Ruhr area are also discussed in the paper. All this stand as a good example of sustainable development, where tourism served as an instrument of revitalization and conservation of industrial heritage. This positive approach and experience from Germany could be applied to similar areas and regions across European continent.