Culture-tourism Entanglements: Moving from Grassroots Practices to Regenerative Cultural Policies in Smaller Communities

Abstract

Inspired by a rapidly emerging shift towards ‘regenerative tourism’ that privileges local improvement and well-being, this article considers the close connections between cultural initiatives and tourism in smaller communities and the often-missing policy frameworks to acknowledge and support these for community benefit. In practice, socio-cultural entrepreneurs develop enmeshed culture–tourism activities frequently propelled by ideas and desires concerning local revitalization. Local projects tend to entangle local heritage, activation of public space, inclusive public participation, and development of new activities by cultural actors. However, such initiatives are often developed in the absence of longer-term cultural and tourism strategies, policies, and plans. Analyzing culture–tourism initiatives in three smaller communities in Portugal linked to creative tourism, this article assesses how key principles and strategies of regenerative tourism can contribute to the development of regenerative culture–tourism policies at the local level, recognizing that culture-shaping policies should be multidimensional and cross-sectoral in nature.