The transformative impact of cultural tourism from the perspective of local communities: Identity, space, and meaning

This study explores the transformative impact of cultural tourism from the perspective of local communities, focusing on the interrelated dimensions of identity, space, and meaning. Drawing on a qualitative, phenomenological approach, interviews, focus groups, and observations were conducted with residents in a heritage-rich destination. Findings reveal that cultural tourism fosters pride, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and cultural resilience, while also generating tensions around commodification, spatial reconfiguration, and contested meanings. By integrating transformative learning theory with place theory, the study extends the discourse beyond tourist-centered models to highlight community-wide transformations as embedded, ongoing processes. The research contributes theoretical insights into collective transformation and provides practical guidance for inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism planning that balances heritage preservation with sustainable community well-being.