Understanding ICH-based Tourism Products and Introducing the Participants’ Tourism Product Development Process
Description:
This training activity introduces participants to the key concepts of tourism products and experiential tourism, with a specific focus on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as a resource for sustainable rural tourism development. It is used at the beginning of the training pathway to provide participants with a common conceptual basis and to launch their own tourism product development process. Through short lecture segments, guided reflection, peer exchange, and practical exercises, participants explore how local cultural heritage can be transformed into authentic and meaningful tourism experiences. The activity also helps participants begin identifying cultural elements, stories, practices, places, and services that could become part of an ICH-based tourism product in their selected rural area.
What do participants do in the activity?
Participants first attend a presentation on tourism products, experiential tourism, and the role of ICH in creating authentic visitor experiences. They reflect on key questions proposed by the trainer and discuss how cultural heritage can become part of a tourism product. In the second part, participants receive instructions for their ongoing project and begin to identify possible elements of their own ICH-based tourism product, such as target visitors, the experience offered, activities, attractions, services, and communication channels.
What do participants learn?
Participants learn how tourism products are structured and how intangible cultural heritage can be used to create meaningful, place-based tourism experiences. They also understand the main steps of the tourism product development process and begin applying these concepts to their own rural context.