Cultural Tourism and Community Development

Abstract

The purpose of the current chapter is to discuss the impact of cultural tourism on the development of communities, particularly intangible cultural heritage (ICH). In addition, it highlights the ICH's property in Oman's Dhofar region. It also provides recommendations and practical guidance on how local communities can gain the most from the expansion and development of ICH tourism. It is evident that the development of cultural heritage tourism benefits the local community, but there are also some difficulties that need to be considered. In the Dhofar governorate of Oman, cultural heritage tourism, especially its intangible component, plays a vital role in the growth of the local economy. This study significantly advances the theoretical understanding of concerned academics and scholars by shedding light on the intricate connections between cultural heritage tourism and community development. Additionally, it makes contributions to practice that could affect how public policy, historical preservation, and community involvement are handled.