Ethnographic tourism - promoter of the identity of an area

Abstract

The present study aims to use the concept of identity as a tool for investigating the ability of ethnographic tourism to capitalize on the cultural heritage elements of a tourist area. Through identity one tries to discover the specificity of an area. A very important role in determining the identity of an area is played by the territory itself, which is both physical support and carrier of cultural information. The geographical location becomes a social reference point, transmitting information about the culture, nationality and attitudes of the resident community. We can also observe the connections and influences that have existed over time between the community and the other groups with which it has come into contact. Besides its role in the transmission of information, the place also gains an affective value, giving individuals feelings of belonging, “the feeling of home”, of a place in which they can encounter other individuals who share their value systems and experiences. These elements represent the main components of identity, which over time find concrete expression in tourist heritage items (for example, cultural, historical and religious sites, traditions and crafts) and become very important in creating the tourist appeal of an area.