ABSTRACT
Peripheral and marginalized areas in Europe hold untapped potential for sustainable tourism, leveraging unique cultural and natural heritage to enhance social and territorial cohesion. This chapter introduces the concept of innovative cultural tourism, highlighting the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project, INCULTUM. Through collaborative and participatory approaches, INCULTUM aims to transform cultural tourism into a tool for local development, focusing on governance, circular economy solutions, and continuous evaluation. This chapter outlines also the content of the book, emphasizing the project’s diverse strategies and pilot studies. It underscores the significant role of local communities and innovative business models in fostering sustainable tourism.
