Exploring Innovative Paths for Intangible Cultural Heritage to Empower Tourism Development in Silk Road Cities

Context

The International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities (ITASRC) is a recently created public entity operating directly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and is made up of members representing over 70 Silk Road cities from 31 countries. 

Since 2023, ITASRC organizes an annual forum on best practices in tourism development for ITASRC Member Cities. This year, the forum took place from 28-29 May under the title “Silk Road Dialogue: Chengdu 2025”, coinciding with the 9th edition of the International Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chengdu, China. UN Tourism was invited to take part in the events to share our knowledge on intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and chaired a panel discussion on how exploring innovative approaches in ICH can empower tourism development. 

Highlights

The opening ceremony of the 9th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on 28 May included a parade of dance, costume and musical shows representing 15 countries which was a visual feast and a reconfirmation that intangible cultural heritage forms the very soul of communities and destinations around the world.

Over 100 delegates from 18 countries participated in the Silk Road Dialogue the next day and gained valuable insights on intangible cultural heritage preservation and tourism development and how preserving local heritage can deepen mutual learning and understanding.

The panel lead by UN Tourism discussed innovative approaches for intangible cultural heritage to empower tourism development. This includes leveraging new technologies, encouraging cultural creativity, engaging youth and communities in creative processes, and fostering collaborations to ensure heritage and traditions remain relevant and vibrant for visitors and future generations alike.

UN Tourism´s participation in the Silk Road Dialogue: Chengdu 2025 is a manifestation of the strong partnership forged with ITASRC over the years. Looking ahead, both organizations hope to expand collaboration to capacity-building projects, research and publication, and participation in other international events related to the Silk Road.