Cultural Tourism as a Resource for Memory Studies

Cultural tourism emerges as a powerful tool for preserving historical memory and strengthening national identity, particularly at sites with deep symbolic significance. Research demonstrates that direct engagement with authentic heritage locations—such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), Battle of Stalingrad Museum-Reserve, or Auschwitz-Birkenau—enhances collective remembrance while mitigating commercialization risks. Unlike passive consumption through media, experiential tourism fosters emotional connection and cultural belonging, making remote or underrepresented sites viable for educational engagement. The study suggests that targeted positioning of these places, leveraging niche tourism models, can both safeguard heritage and broaden public access to history without sacrificing authenticity.

Bugrova, E. D., & Kirillova, N. B. (2024). Cultural Tourism as a Resource for Memory Studies. Observatory of Culture, 21(4), 348–357. https://doi.org/10.25281/2072-3156-2024-21-4-348-357