However, as Leonard points out (2010, 12) after the announcement of the restoration project, a petition has been signed by archaeologists and professors from all over the world. This petition rejected the restoration plan and claimed that it would alter the character of this archaeological site. The controversy over the …show more content…
The revenues that it can generate though facilitate the ability of the authorities to preserve archaeological sites. This is a very important element given the economic crisis that Greek economy currently deals with. Moreover, the restoration project has been approved by a large number of experts and committees. Bureaucracy in that occasion ensures that the plausible limits of restoration are taking into consideration. So, the restoration plan represents an agreement over archaeologists and bureaucrats that ensures that the ancient theater of Dionysus will be restored, preserved and maintained in a way that is compatible to a comprehensible and historically precise presentation and visitor attraction as well. The restoration plan of the ancient theater of Dionysus seems to counterbalance culture and tourism. Indeed, the restoration and the marketing of this archeological site is a mean of further promoting the Greek cultural identity and contributing to its economic development through increased tourist attraction. So, it becomes apparent that in the case of the ancient theater of Dionysus official cultural tourism considerations are a stimulus for the restoration and preservation of this particular archeological site which in other circumstances could be under threat. Indeed, the preservation of this site can attract tourists and foster local economy generating the resources that can finance the protection of cultural