UNWTO provides support to its members in building and strengthening cultural tourism policy framework, strategies and product development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles laid out in the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Activities undertaken by UNWTO in the field of culture and tourism stem from the very definition of cultural tourism, which is defined as:

Activities undertaken by UNWTO in the field of culture and tourism stem from the very definition of cultural tourism, which is defined as: “A type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions”.

Definition adopted during the 22nd Session of the General Assembly held in Chengdu, China (11–16 September 2017).

The action plan of the Organization is also driven by the recommendations adopted within the framework of Declarations on Tourism and Culture, as well as the studies and research on tourism and culture commissioned by UNWTO.

Declarations on Tourism and Culture

On the occasion of the UNWTO/UNESCO World Conferences on Tourism and Culture, the three Declarations on Tourism and Culture call for necessary actions in both sectors for a responsible, sustainable and inclusive development of cultural tourism.

UNWTO Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage  

The first UNWTO Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage provides comprehensive baseline research on the interlinkages between tourism and the expressions and skills that make up humanity’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH). 

The publication explores major challenges, risks and opportunities for tourism development related to ICH, while suggesting practical steps for the development and marketing of ICH-based tourism products.

Through a compendium of case studies drawn from across five continents, the report offers in-depth information on, and analysis of, government-led actions, public-private partnerships and community initiatives.

These practical examples feature tourism development projects related to six pivotal areas of ICH: handicrafts and the visual arts; gastronomy; social practices, rituals and festive events; music and the performing arts; oral traditions and expressions; and, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.

Highlighting innovative forms of policy-making, the UNWTO Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage recommends specific actions for stakeholders to foster the sustainable and responsible development of tourism by incorporating and safeguarding intangible cultural assets.

^{*Definition based on the 2003 UNESCO convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Photo credit of the Summary's cover page: www.banglanatak.com}