Impact of Tourism on Cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems

Abstract ID: 3.13384 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Zunaira Mumtaz (1)

(1) Serving lecturer, Punjab house Campus, 47150 Murree, PK

Categories: Sustainable Development
Keywords: Folk wisdom, Cultural Heritage, Sustainability, Community Resilience, Indigenous knowledge

Categories: Sustainable Development
Keywords: Folk wisdom, Cultural Heritage, Sustainability, Community Resilience, Indigenous knowledge

Abstract

Tourism development in mountain communities has led to significant cultural and socio-economic transformations, often impacting indigenous knowledge systems and folk wisdom. In Galiyat, where traditional practices, oral histories, and local craftsmanship have long defined community identity, the rapid expansion of tourism has introduced external influences that challenge the transmission of folk wisdom across generations. This study explores the effects of tourism on traditional knowledge, examining shifts in storytelling, artisanal crafts, medicinal plant use, and agricultural techniques. Using qualitative methods, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and ethnographic observations, the research assesses how tourism-driven changes impact cultural heritage and community resilience. Findings highlight both challenges, such as the commercialization of traditions and the decline of intergenerational knowledge transfer, and opportunities, including the potential for cultural revitalization through sustainable tourism initiatives. The study provides insights into strategies for preserving folk wisdom while fostering tourism development that respects and integrates local heritage. These recommendations aim to support policymakers and community stakeholders in promoting culturally sensitive tourism in Galiyat’s mountain regions.