Rethinking Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas through Arts and Cultural Heritage: A Comparative Study of National Parks in Italy and the United States

Climate change is profoundly reshaping protected areas, altering ecosystems, landscapes, and tourism dynamics through rising temperatures, extreme events, and natural disasters. Existing research has examined vulnerability assessments and human-wildlife interactions, as well as strategies to address climate change, such as stakeholder engagement, sustainable entrepreneurship, and climate adaptation. However, limited attention has been paid to the role of arts and cultural heritage in fostering sustainable tourism transitions. This study aims to fill this gap through a comparative case analysis of the National Park of Monti Sibillini (NPMS, Italy) and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA, USA), both recently affected by major natural disasters. Drawing on document analysis and qualitative interviews with park directors and key stakeholders, the research explores how climate change affects tourism, which adaptation strategies are implemented, and how cultural resources contribute to resilience. Preliminary findings highlight culture’s dual role as both a vulnerable asset and a transformative driver, supporting integrated governance approaches that bridge environmental conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism development in protected areas.