Tourism, an Underestimated Driving Force for the Creative Economy

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between tourism and the creative economy. An increasing number of countries, regions and cities are developing policies to link tourism and creativity to economic growth and support cultural and creative activities. As a result, different models of “creative tourism” have emerged. Case studies of creative tourism development are described from different parts of the world, and their effects are examined. Particular attention is paid to the role of knowledge, which the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) sees as central to the development of creative tourism. Because tourism can be a tool for the circulation of knowledge and creation of links between creative individuals, it can arguably support the development of the creative economy.