ABSTRACT
Sustainable activities, including tourism, aim at preserving the natural and cultural environment for future generations. This chapter analyzes the role of tourism in the preservation of endangered minority languages by considering two cases: Indigenous languages in British Columbia (Canada) and the Cimbrian community in Giazza (Italy). Interviews with key informants showed that these minority cultures represent an added value. Although with some considerable differences between the two cases, tourists’ interest led to an enhanced sense of pride among community members and a desire to learn more about their languages, as well as to make an effort to preserve their distinctive culture.
