This paper provides a review of literature on cultural tourism and sustainable development. It begins by examining the historical development of cultural tourism, its current state, and the potential for its future. It then reviews the literature on the economic, environmental, and social impacts of cultural tourism, as well as the role of sustainable development in its promotion. Finally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities facing cultural tourism in the future, and the need for further research. Historically, cultural tourism has been defined as the practice of travelling to a location to experience its unique culture, history, and environment. This type of tourism has been around for centuries, but has grown significantly in recent years. According to the World Tourism Organization, cultural tourism accounts for over 40% of global tourism spending. Cultural tourism has a number of economic benefits, including job creation, increased revenue for local businesses, and increased tax revenue for governments. It also has environmental benefits, as it encourages people to travel to locations that are less likely to be affected by climate change. Additionally, cultural tourism can help to preserve cultural heritage and traditions, which can be lost when people move away from their traditional homes and lifestyles. The literature on the social impacts of cultural tourism is mixed. On one hand, it can bring people from different cultures together and help to promote understanding and acceptance. On the other hand, it can lead to negative consequences, such as increased exploitation of local populations and cultures, and the displacement of traditional lifestyles. Sustainable development is a key factor in promoting cultural tourism, as it seeks to balance economic, environmental, and social objectives. The literature suggests that sustainable development can help to ensure that cultural tourism is managed in a way that is beneficial to all stakeholders, including local communities and the environment. Despite the potential benefits of cultural tourism, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed. These include the need to ensure that tourists respect local cultures and traditions, the need to create regulations and policies that protect the environment, and the need to ensure that local populations benefit from the economic opportunities created by tourism. Overall, the literature on cultural tourism and sustainable development provides a comprehensive overview of the potential benefits and challenges associated with this type of tourism. It is clear that further research is needed to better understand the impacts of cultural tourism and to develop effective strategies for promoting sustainable development.