TOURISM AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN SINGAPORE

Using a survey of tourists and locals, this study investigates the suc cess of Singapore's Civic and Cultural District as a conservation proj ect. The survey revealed that tourists were attracted by the facades o f old colonial buildings that have been carefully restored. In contras t, Singaporeans attach a great deal more to activities and lifestyles within the district that have since been removed or have disappeared b ecause of conservation. Planning authorities have concentrated mainly on the issue of economic viability and favor commercial activities suc h as retail and recreation/leisure. As such, Singaporeans feel that co nservation in the district, because it ''museumizes'' or makes ''eliti st'' to encourage tourism, has failed to preserve their heritage.