Intangible cultural heritage (ICH), embodied in those practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills recognised by communities and individuals as part of humanity’s cultural legacy, has become a principal motivation for global travel. The cultural interaction spurred by such tourism encounters prompts dialogue, builds understanding, and, in turn, fosters tolerance and peace.

This first UNWTO event on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism will explore ways of integrating humanity's living heritage into tourism development while fostering the responsible use of intangible assets to bolster employment, alleviate poverty, curb rural flight migration, encourage product diversification, and nurture a sense of pride among communities and destinations. The event will also feature the launch of the first UNWTO Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage, followed by a panel presenting case studies and best practices from the public sector, the tourism industry and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).