Scope of the Study
Over the past few decades, globalisation has complicated cultural heritage and governance. Tourism has diversified as economic development accelerated urbanisation. Cultural goods and services and business operations based on intangible cultural heritage benefit practitioners. Communities that practice and preserve this history could benefit from this income. Job creation, foreign currency receipts, increases in household income and government revenue, improvements to the balance of payments, and an upsurge in the number of government initiatives supported by the expansion of the tourism industry are just a few of the many benefits tourism has for the economy. (Ivanova et al., 2022)
Tourism boosts Gross Domestic Production (GDP), and ICH is vital to the industry. Furthermore, tourism globalisation has also increased the demand for authentic cultural experiences, making preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage even more critical. However, balancing economic development and cultural heritage protection is crucial to ensure its sustainability for future generations. However, the influx of tourists and the commercialisation of cultural heritage also pose challenges. Although it generates significant economic benefits, mass tourism negatively impacts the environment and society. (Fang et al., 2021)
Commodification and exploitation are risks, as traditional practices may be modified or exaggerated to cater to tourist expectations. Additionally, the increased demand for cultural experiences can lead to overcrowding and degradation of heritage sites, threatening their authenticity and long-term sustainability. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between economic development through tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. An integrative idea called "slow tourism" encourages sustainability in all facets of travel. In contrast to mass tourism, slow travel promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable travel. (Oak et al., 2023)
Humans are the most significant aspect of organisational systems, notably intangible cultural assets and tourism, because other resources cannot meet goals, and many factors influence institution development. Metaphysical cultural heritage-oriented tourism growth requires sustainable HRD initiatives for tourism sector workers, host communities, and tourists. These initiatives should focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills of tourism sector workers, fostering a sense of pride and ownership within host communities, and providing enriching experiences for tourists. Continuous innovation and active public participation are essential to the scientific management and preservation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). (Li et al., 2023)
Effective HRD programs should also address the conservation and promotion of intangible cultural assets, ensuring their continued relevance and value in the tourism industry. These initiatives should focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills of tourism sector workers, fostering a sense of pride and ownership within host communities, and creating meaningful experiences for tourists. Collaboration between stakeholders, such as government bodies, local communities, and private organisations, is crucial for successfully implementing these HRD initiatives. These initiatives should focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills of tourism sector workers, fostering a sense of pride and ownership within host communities, and creating memorable experiences for tourists. Additionally, collaboration between stakeholders such as government bodies, non-profit organisations, and local communities is crucial to ensure the long-term success of these initiatives.