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Heritage tourism is a branch of tourism centered around the exploration and appreciation of a region's cultural, historical and environmental heritage.[1] This form of tourism includes both tangible elements, such as historically significant sites, monuments, and artefacts, as well as intangible aspects, such as traditions, customs, and practices.[2]
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.[3] 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, and gaining insights into this historical and contemporary aspects of a community, culture or religion.[4]
Consequently, heritage tourisms 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.[5]