The Role of Cultural Heritage in Tourism Competitiveness

Cultural heritage has become a central pillar in shaping tourism experiences and enhancing the competitiveness of destinations. This study explores how cultural heritage contributes to tourism competitiveness by analyzing key factors such as destination identity, visitor engagement, and economic impact. Using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative case studies and quantitative data from tourism boards, the findings indicate that destinations that effectively preserve and promote their cultural heritage outperform others in attracting and retaining tourists. The paper concludes by recommending strategic investments in heritage conservation and community involvement as levers to sustain long-term competitiveness.