Forget about just taking photos of popular landmarks and checking off tourist hotspots. There’s a new way to experience the world, and it’s called creative tourism.

Creative tourism is a sustainable form of tourism that has become a key player in the global market. It allows travellers to develop their creative potential through active participation in learning experiences at their destination, strengthening the link between culture and tourism. According to UNESCO, creative tourism offers authentic, participatory experiences in areas like art and heritage, going beyond traditional sightseeing to meet the desires of modern travellers seeking authenticity.

As a form of cultural tourism, creative tourism opens opportunities for small-scale businesses and emphasises local uniqueness, cultural sustainability, and social inclusion. Nowadays, travellers seek meaningful, quality experiences, which in turn can positively impact local communities and socio-economic development of the visited area. 

This type of tourism has grown popular because it’s the perfect mix of cultural adventure and personal growth, rather than just traditional sightseeing. Travellers are increasingly drawn to alternative vacations, including culinary tours and adventures that challenge them physically and mentally.

Hotels offering creative childcare services further improve the family travel experience. For instance, creative tourism programmes for children integrate fun and education by offering activities that blend creativity with local culture. In my city’s cultural club, for example, we recently hosted families from Germany, taking them on a tour of the city and nearby villages. Families participated together in planting trees in local forests, painting vases, and filling them with local herbs from Kirki, a village 25 kilometres from Alexandroupolis. In addition parents and children tried local delicacies and danced traditional dances with the traditional dance groups of the area. These services improve family-oriented hospitality, allowing parents to relax while their children engage in art workshops, games, and interactive programmes that promote both fun and learning.

Additionally, creative tourism aligns with the growing “Do It Yourself” trend, encouraging tourists to create items like ceramics and jewellery. This not only promotes personal engagement but also benefits local communities by preserving cultural traditions and supporting creative workshops that educate visitors about the area’s heritage.

Creative tourism is more than a trend. It’s a new, sustainable way to explore the world. It’s travel with purpose, letting you discover the local scene, connect with communities, and learn skills you didn’t know you needed. So next time you plan a trip, try something new and make memories that last.

Tania Karaouli

Sources: 

https://www.tornosnews.gr/permalink/4440.html ,

https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCHM-03-2019-0272/full/html ,

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/tourism-and-the-creative-economy_9789264207875-en.html .

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254786284_Creative_tourism_and_local_development

https://www.academia.edu/1295560/Tourism_Creativity_and_Development .