The intersection between tourism and cultural heritage has been a topic of great interest and research for many years, as both the tourism and cultural heritage sectors are closely intertwined and mutually beneficial. A literature review of the topic can help to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between the two. First, it is important to understand the definition of tourism and cultural heritage. Tourism is defined as “the activities of people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business or other purposes” (UNWTO, 2021).

Cultural heritage, on the other hand, is defined as “the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations” (UNESCO, 2021). A review of the literature on the topic of tourism and cultural heritage reveals a number of key themes. One of the most widely discussed topics is the impact of tourism on cultural heritage. It has been suggested that tourism can have both positive and negative effects on cultural heritage. On the one hand, tourism can provide an economic boost to local communities and help to preserve cultural heritage sites. On the other hand, tourism can also lead to the destruction of cultural heritage sites, as well as the displacement of local communities.

Another key theme that emerges from the literature is the importance of tourism in promoting and preserving cultural heritage. It has been argued that tourism can help to raise awareness of cultural heritage sites and promote their conservation. Furthermore, it has been suggested that tourism can also provide an economic incentive to preserve cultural heritage sites, as the revenue generated from tourists can help to fund the preservation efforts.

Finally, a review of the literature also reveals the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving cultural heritage. It has been argued that sustainable tourism practices should be implemented in order to ensure that tourism does not lead to the destruction of cultural heritage sites. Sustainable tourism practices include the use of eco-friendly transportation, the promotion of local culture and traditions, and the implementation of policies that limit the number of visitors to cultural heritage sites. In conclusion, a literature review of tourism and cultural heritage reveals a number of key themes.

It is clear that tourism can have both positive and negative effects on cultural heritage, and that sustainable tourism practices should be implemented in order to ensure that tourism does not lead to the destruction of cultural heritage sites. Furthermore, it is important to recognize the role that tourism can play in promoting and preserving cultural heritage.