THE ROLE OF TOURISM IN PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE

Cultural heritage constitutes one of the most valuable assets of humanity, representing the historical, artistic, architectural, spiritual, and social achievements of previous generations. It serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future, preserving collective memory and cultural identity. In the contemporary era, tourism has emerged as a significant force influencing the preservation, promotion, and sustainable management of cultural heritage resources. Cultural heritage sites attract millions of visitors annually, generating economic benefits and increasing public awareness of the importance of conservation. At the same time, uncontrolled tourism development can create threats to the authenticity and integrity of heritage resources. This thesis examines the multifaceted relationship between tourism and cultural heritage preservation, analyzes the economic, social, cultural, and educational contributions of tourism, explores challenges associated with heritage tourism, and evaluates strategies for sustainable heritage management. The study argues that tourism, when planned and managed responsibly, can become an effective instrument for safeguarding cultural heritage while supporting sustainable development and intercultural understanding.