Community Development Through Craft Heritage and Creative Tourism: Prospects and Challenges

Community Development Through Craft Heritage and Creative Tourism: Prospects and Challenges explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship, cultural identity, and sustainable development. Rooted in the belief that craft heritage―both tangible and intangible―is a living reflection of community identity, the book examines how creative industries and tourism strategies can serve as tools for revitalisation and empowerment. Through critical analysis and case studies, the authors delve into the role of artisans as cultural custodians, investigate community participation in policymaking, and evaluate sustainable tourism as a vehicle for preserving artisanal knowledge and fostering social and economic resilience in marginalised areas.

A number of key issues are addressed, including: How can creativity coexist with the authenticity of traditional craft? What drives the evolving demand for craft heritage in the market? Is community engagement a byproduct of creative tourism, or does it require a more structured approach? With a focus on four key themes―craft heritage, community, creative industries, and tourism―the authors offer a global perspective on the dynamics of cultural sustainability, supply chain integration, and heritage valorisation. The work contributes a holistic framework for empowering communities through tourism-informed strategies, bridging indigenous knowledge with contemporary economic opportunities.

Surabhi Srivastava is a Senior Researcher (ICSSR Fellow) at the University of Kota, India. She holds an MBA, a PhD and has completed a UGC-sponsored Postdoctoral project on heritage tourism. With 22 years of academic experience, Surabhi has published ten books. Her research engages with evolving prospects of heritage tourism.