Feasibility and Sustainability Challenges of the Süleyman’s Türbe Cultural-Tourism Centre Project in Szigetvár, Hungary

Abstract

The Süleyman’s Türbe in Szigetvár (Hungary) is a historical monument with exceptional features; the aim of the study is to present the planned cultural-tourism centre investment goals, risks and externalities. Cultural and tourism specificities significantly influence the implementation of such unique, three nations concerning projects. One of the crucial conditions of the implementation is the integration into the existing cultural heritage plans and the proper management of the related uncertainties. The authors decided to handle the Türbe as an investment project; therefore, a tourism exploratory analysis, a risk analysis, and externalities identification are discussed in this paper. The project development was carried by nominal groups between June and December of 2019 using professional experts workshops, group decision and information gathering approaches. The paper is using a case-study-based investigation. The most significant risks and their mitigation strategies are the emergences of Turkish influence: Turkish–Hungarian consultation, intensive consultation with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TCCA); problems related to expropriation: preventive communication, cultivating good relations; delay in project implementation: professional lobby, preparation of scenarios. This study aims to present the design model of this multifaceted, international-scale project. It is suggested that similar projects should be handled and considered as a whole to reach the maximum of their potential.