Today, rural areas are undergoing a transformation—both in terms of population dynamics and economic activity.
Tourism plays a vital role in rural development, but just as the nature of rural life is changing, so too is rural tourism. Traditionally associated with farming and agrarian experiences, rural tourism is now shifting toward cultural experiences, giving rise to emerging niches such as creative tourism.
Rural areas are often the custodians of rich intangible cultural heritage (ICH) that hold significant value not only for local identity but also as powerful assets for tourism.
In this context, storytelling and digital platforms have become essential tools. Digitalization enhances the visibility, accessibility, and competitiveness of rural destinations by enabling communities to share their cultural heritage with local and global audiences.
This training module explores how the promotion of ICH through digital platforms can foster both cultural tourism and rural development, offering new opportunities for sustainable growth and heritage preservation
