ICES-4.2 Project: Tourism, an economic engine, an integral part of global, regional and national development strategies

In the economic perspective, tourism is the fastest growing and one of the most important sectors of the global economy. The European Union considers it “a driver of sustainable economic growth, job creation and social cohesion in the EU in the next decade” (CoEU, 2019: 1). However, it can have a negative impact on the physical and socio-cultural environment. Therefore, it must be practiced exclusively under conditions of sustainability (Moscardo, 2008). Tourism is indeed an important factor in stimulating economic growth and, indirectly, development, but economic growth is not an end in itself, and the goal of development is a cultural one (UNESCO, 1982). Respecting cultural identity requires the defense of traditions, history and moral, spiritual and ethical values ​​inherited over generations (UNESCO, 1982). Sustainable cultural tourism (WCED, 1987) involves the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Today, tourism as a whole is understood as a form of culture or, in other words, a “way of life” (Richards, 2003). Tourism can be economically and socially beneficial, but at the same time, it can impinge on the lifestyle and identity of a community. Cultural tourism generates economic and social benefits for local communities, but, nevertheless, it can simultaneously be the cause of heritage deterioration (Little et al., 2020). Is sustainable cultural tourism the solution? The research will try to answer this question.

–  no. of researchers: 1 full-time researcher, CS Georgia-Daniela Tacu Hârșan.

–  no. of PhD students: –

–  no. of postdoctoral students: –

Funding – source, amount: –

External collaborations (collaborators from abroad): –

Internal collaborations (collaborators from the country): –

Tema de cercetare pentru anul 2024: Impactul turismului cultural

General objective: Analysis of the positive and negative impact of cultural tourism

Specific objectives:

▪ Analysis of the impact of cultural tourism

▪ Analysis of cultural tourism in the municipality of Iași

Operational objectives:

▪ Investigation of the research topic. Documentation

▪ Systematization and dissemination of research results