Patrimonio cultural inmaterial de la humanidad y turismo

Abstract

In recent years, we have observed, and different research has highlighted, the wide potential of UNESCO's heritage declarations as a value for the promotion of tourist destinations. It constitutes a powerful instrument for local economic development and a beneficial incentive for tourist activity. With the General Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) and the incorporation of this new categorization of heritage assets to be preserved, UNESCO is not limited to recognizing the assets -materials / real estate- of the Convention of 1972, the Sites of the World Heritage (WHS), but it extends it considerably to the immaterial aspects of the culture and the different manifestations of the "living culture" (traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, knowledge, handicrafts, etc.). Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO are identified with their own logo and considerations and treatments different from those used for World Heritage Sites. Our communication proposes to show how the recognition of intangible heritage assets of UNESCO influences tourism, to what extent is used, promoted and disseminated the new brand of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and what consequences this type of goods, its protagonists and agents.