In the context of the debate arising from the implementation of the Master Plan for the Recovery of the Cultural Heritage of Lorca, this article provides a general approach to urban revival from a functional perspective as it considers the need for an integrated view of a cultural heritage system that is closely linked to clearly defined urban strategies and projects. Given that it allows the economic dimension of cultural heritage to be visualised, tourism can be a major ally if it is integrated into the framework of suitable and standardised planning and management instruments. A clear strategy for the multifunctionality of the historic city, adequate assessment of emerging functions and a correct interpretation of the relationship between cultural heritage and tourism, in addition to overcoming the disagreements present between planning and management in the areas of tourism and cultural heritage will enable tourism to be recruited to the cause of urban revival. The conclusion reached at both a general level and, in particular, in the case of historic locations in critical situations, whether as the result of neglect or natural disasters, is that a Strategic Plan for Urban Revival is required, which incorporates cultural heritage and tourism in the city's general planning project, while providing innovative management instruments with a significant capacity for coordinating public and private interventions.