Creative Tourism as a Catalyst for Development in Silk Road Countries

The ancient Silk Road, a historical network of trade routes connecting the East and West, stands as a powerful symbol of cultural exchange and economic integration. In the contemporary era, many countries along this historic corridor face significant tourism challenges, including overdependence on cultural heritage, seasonality, and a lack of diversified tourist offerings. This paper argues that creative tourism, which shifts the focus from passive sightseeing to active participation and skill acquisition, presents a transformative strategy for sustainable tourism development in Silk Road nations. By moving beyond the traditional 'monumental' approach, creative tourism can unlock the intangible cultural heritage and living traditions of these regions, fostering deeper visitor engagement, dispersing economic benefits more widely, and empowering local communities. This paper employs a qualitative methodology, combining a literature review with illustrative case study analysis, to construct a theoretical framework and propose actionable strategies for integrating creative tourism into the Silk Road tourism model. The findings suggest that a strategic pivot towards creativity can enhance destination competitiveness, preserve cultural assets in a dynamic manner, and ensure a more resilient and inclusive tourism economy for the future.

کلیدواژه ها:

creative tourism ، development ، silk road