Gammelstad Church Town in Sweden marks its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the official inclusion having taken place on December 7, 1996. Since then, the area has seen a fourfold increase in tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe. The locals and stakeholders, while pleased with increased interest, emphasize the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect and preserve the site. They are committed to ensuring the balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining the integrity of the heritage site.

Maria Junkka Bideke, involved in coordinating various interests for the site, highlighted the collaborative efforts among numerous parties, including Luleå Municipality, transportation authorities, church congregations, and local stakeholders who own the church cabins. They have agreed upon a management plan to address the needs and concerns surrounding the area. The goal is to ensure that the site remains a living heritage, serving both the tourist influx and the local community.

Visitors are particularly fascinated by the fact that Gammelstad is not just a relic of the past but a vibrant community where people actually live and work. Despite the traditional view that the church cabins are used only during church weekends, the modern dynamics of the site as a living heritage intrigues many. The local community recognizes the responsibility that comes with the UNESCO designation, seeing it both as an honor and a challenge to maintain Gammelstad's cultural significance for future generations.