This paper firstly recognises the importance of the port heritage and suggests the economic value of ports can be assessable only if the port heritage is restored to 'economics'. There would not be an economic problem if the port heritage is treated as ethically oriented. This paper then emphasises that the historical heritage element of port is considered to be a common potential to develop tourist activities. The tourist-historic pattern may provide an incentive for other developments which in turn may boost the local economy. As a result, social and cultural impacts of ports can be assessed in terms of economic value through the tourist-historic pattern.