An Investigation of placemaking attributes for cultural tourism in historic port cities: Using the Fuzzy Delphi method

The development of a comprehensive placemaking framework for cultural tourism in historic port cities is crucial for effective urban planning and the sustainable growth of tourism in these unique destinations. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive list of attributes and indicators that can guide decision-making processes in improving the cultural tourism experience within historic port cities. Through an extensive literature survey and expert input, a preliminary list of 16 attributes and 55 indicators that influence the placemaking for cultural tourism was compiled based on their frequency of citation in previous studies. These attributes were then categorized into four major dimensions that characterize the placemaking framework: (1) Physical; (2) Functional; (3) Social; and (4) Notional. A Fuzzy Delphi survey was conducted involving 12 selected experts, resulting in the identification of 43 significant indicators for the placemaking framework in historic port cities. Additionally, this study sheds light on important indicators that have been overlooked in previous research. The consolidated list of factors serves as a valuable resource for planners, local authorities, and government officials, enabling them to prioritize and implement relevant strategies according to the specific requirements of their historic port cities. Furthermore, this framework can serve as a reference for other destinations grappling with similar challenges in cultural tourism development.