Enhancing International Collaboration in Heritage Preservation Through GIS and Spatial Syntax: A Strategic Approach for Sustainable Tourism in the Medina of Sousse

Abstract

Heritage preservation in historic urban environments faces growing challenges due to rapid urbanization, unregulated tourism, and environmental pressures. UNESCO-listed sites, such as the Medina of Sousse, require strategic management approaches to ensure long-term sustainability while maintaining cultural and historical integrity.This study builds upon our previous research on this site that utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and space syntax analysis to assess tourist flow, spatial vulnerabilities, and conservation challenges in the Medina of Sousse. While these methods provided valuable insights, the study identified limitations in optimizing spatial management strategies. To address these gaps, a systematic review of ten international case studies was conducted, examining advanced GIS applications, space syntax methodologies, and digital heritage conservation techniques.The findings highlight best practices for enhancing heritage site documentation, mitigating congestion, and integrating emerging technologies such as Digital Twins, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) to balance accessibility and conservation. By refining GIS-based monitoring, predictive spatial modeling, and participatory mapping, this study demonstrates that heritage sites like Sousse can achieve more effective tourism management and long-term preservation.The proposed framework offers a scalable model for sustainable heritage conservation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, digital innovation, and participatory approaches. This research contributes to the modernization of heritage conservation practices by bridging the gap between theoretical spatial analysis and practical conservation strategies.