Editorial

Abstract

This editorial underscores the essential role of tourism as a fundamentally social and cultural activity, reaffirming the significance of UNESCO's policies on heritage and knowledge. The winter issue of AlmaTourism, featuring guest editor Ilaria Sabbatini, seeks to promote greater integration across various academic disciplines, starting from a strong commitment to social participation and shared methodologies. It places particular emphasis on medieval travel studies within a public history framework, exploring the interactions among local communities, pilgrims, tourists, stakeholders, and public players. The editorial addresses the ongoing challenges in the relationship between knowledge, conservation, and enhancement, underlying the process of heritage construction and contemporary usage of the past. This approach aims to foster a heightened awareness and sustainable management of cultural heritage.