Traditional Music and Tourism Identity in Cyprus

Abstract

Music provides an important and emotional narrative for tourists as an expression of culture, a form of heritage, and a significant place. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine tourism in silence. Music defines and transcends the boundaries of destinations, while emphasizing and even challenging the concepts of tradition and helping to define the identity of visitors. Traditional music is part of the identity of each region and a global artistic language, while its wide appeal enables it to nurture the richest dialogues between different cultures. As a symbol of cultural identity in relation to the past, traditional music is used by many cultural groups and individuals, including nation states, for political empowerment and cultural diplomacy. The cultural tourist identity of a country includes traditional music, traditional dances, improvised street entertainment, tours in concerts, watching music festivals; these are what accompany the visitor-tourist.