Since the commentator deals only in practicalities and would be immune to the "what's the point of music, philosophy, art etc." point-of-view then I would direct him to an article on the BBC News website for Wiltshire with the heading "Stonehenge made ?30 million from tourism in 5 years". He may argue that this is tourism, but the tourism would not exist without the archaeology.
P.S. Does this mean we are in a Herit-Ice-Age?
P.S. Does this mean we are in a Herit-Ice-Age?