Intangible cultural heritage represents an important part of the cultural identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is a significant factor in the development of sustainable tourism. This master's thesis examines the role of intangible cultural heritage in shaping the country's tourism offer and its contribution to the attractiveness of tourist destinations. The theoretical part presents the concepts of cultural tourism, heritage tourism and intangible cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on its importance for preserving cultural identity and supporting the development of local communities. Special attention is given to the elements of the intangible cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and their tourism potential. The empirical part is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey was conducted among residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, complemented by semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of culture, cultural heritage preservation and tourism. The findings indicate that respondents are generally familiar with the concept of intangible cultural heritage and recognise its importance for tourism development. Although they attach greater importance to factors such as price, accessibility and gastronomy when selecting a tourist destination, they believe that a richer offer of traditional cultural experiences can significantly enhance the attractiveness of tourist destinations. The interviews likewise confirmed the considerable development potential of intangible cultural heritage while highlighting the need for more effective promotion, stronger cooperation between the cultural and tourism sectors, greater support for local communities, and the development of high-quality and innovative tourism products. The findings demonstrate that properly safeguarded, preserved and interpreted intangible cultural heritage can make a significant contribution to sustainable tourism development, strengthen the international recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a tourist destination, and support the preservation of cultural identity, traditional knowledge and local cultural practices.
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