THE ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF CULTURAL TOURISM: CONCERNS AND VIEWPOINTS

Abstract

The special issue has the objective of exploring the interconnections between cultural participation and tourism from an economic perspective. The aim is to comprehend the economic effects, emerging trends, and policy implications of these relationships. The definition of cultural tourism has become increasingly elusive due to the expanding notion of tourists' cultural consumption. Empirical investigations into the relationships between cultural participation, cultural heritage, and tourism offer intriguing insights in various directions. In this introduction, we briefly outline the premise of this special issue, review the relevant literature, and highlight the diverse perspectives taken by the included articles. These essays all delve into important economic dimensions of tourism, in addition to their cultural topics—whether general, intangible, or temporary. The authors urge cultural economists to delve deeper into these captivating areas beyond just being intellectual tourists.