As the research utilised text based sources and existing theory in relation to the principles of sustainability had been identified, a three stage qualitative and directed content analysis approach was employed.In the first stage, a review of the literature identified two key principles of sustainable development—a long-term and holistic planning process and the participation and empowerment of multiple stakeholders in that process. The literature also revealed increasing acceptance of sustainable development in heritage discourse. This was contrasted however, with embedded management practice that favoured the preservation of tangible physical values over the continuity of intangible cultural values.