Future for traditional festivals: glocalised cultural practices in global tourism development

Intangible heritage is mainly conceptualised as non-physical and immaterial forms of heritage, including festivals, rituals, language, music and oral traditions. In the academic literature, there was a sustained emphasis on tangible heritage (physical and material remnants of the past) as a main repository of national heritage, while not fully recognising the significance of intangible heritage. However, there has been an increased emphasis on the significance of intangible heritage as a fundamental means to broaden the scope and range of heritage over the recent years (Munjeri, 2004; Ahmad, 2006; Park, 2010). Substantial focus is even being placed on recognising the significance of intangible heritage as aesthetic, spiritual and symbolic values of tangible heritage. It is critical to note that intangible heritage manifests diverse symbolic meanings and national embodiments, often grounded in tangible heritage. This broader and more nuanced understanding of intangible heritage is of paramount significance in examining ways in which heritage tourism experiences are closely associated with enhancing nationalist sentiments and national belonging.