| Abstract [eng] |
The relevance of the topic lies in the increasing importance of cultural tourism in the era of globalization and technological advancement. It contributes to economic development while preserving and promoting local cultures and heritage (Richards, 2020). Modern tourists increasingly seek authentic experiences connected to the lives and traditions of local communities. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), cultural tourism accounts for approximately 40% of the global tourism market, with growth trends indicating its expanding importance in the future (UNWTO, 2023). In Lithuania, cultural tourism is rapidly developing, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns, where tourists aim to explore the authenticity and cultural heritage of local communities. As reported by Statistics Lithuania, around 1.26 million tourists visited Lithuania in 2022, with a significant portion interested in cultural sites and events (Statistics Lithuania, 2023). The novelty of the research is highlighted by the limited studies on the sustainability of cultural tourism in Lithuania, despite its global relevance. Existing research often focuses on the economic impacts of tourism, providing little insight into how community-based cultural tourism affects sustainability. This raises the question of how such tourism can be developed to enhance economic well-being while preserving authenticity, cultural identity, and social cohesion in a sustainable way. The object of the research is the influence of community-based cultural tourism development on their sustainability. The problem addressed is: What is the impact of community-based cultural tourism development on their sustainability? The aim is to create an empirically grounded theoretical model of the influence of community-based cultural tourism development on sustainability. The research objectives are as follows: to define the concepts of cultural tourism and sustainability; to analyze the resources, categories, and sustainability elements of cultural tourism; to identify the impact of community-based cultural tourism on sustainable development; to develop a theoretical model of the influence of community-based cultural tourism development on sustainability; and to refine the empirically grounded theoretical model. The research methods include a theoretical part utilizing synthesis, comparative analysis of scientific literature, and generalization based on sources such as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Statistics Lithuania. The empirical research involves quantitative surveys to gather standardized information about the impacts of cultural tourism, qualitative semi-structured interviews to explore community perspectives on cultural tourism, and expert surveys for additional insights. Data is analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a detailed understanding of the influence of cultural tourism on community sustainability. |
