Heritage tourism

Heritage tourism is a branch of tourism centered around the exploration and appreciation of a region's cultural, historical and environmental heritage. This form of tourism includes both tangible elements, such as historically significant sites, monuments, and artifacts, as well as intangible aspects, such as traditions, customs, and practices.

A specific subset of heritage tourism, cultural heritage tourism, emphasises on the human dimension of these sites, focusing on the traditions, practices, and values that are deeply connected to them. Likewise, heritage tourism focuses specifically on the history of a region, as well as its natural heritage.

Heritage tourism can look like visiting historically significant locations, engaging with local traditions (Folklore), and gaining insights into the historical and contemporary aspects of a community, culture or religion.

Consequently, heritage tourism also underscores the importance of preserving cultural and historical resources. This can be extremely beneficial for a region, not only by helping in the preservation of vital customs and culture, but also by contributing to the economic development and sustainability of the area.