Intangible cultural heritage listing and tourism growth in China

Using city-level data over the 2000–2018 period, we examine the impact of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) listing on international tourism (i.e. international tourist arrivals and income from international tourism) in China. China uses two parallel ICH classifications: ICH projects and ICH inheritors. Empirical evaluation based on difference-in-difference (DID) methodology shows that both ICH projects and ICH inheritors listing used in China have a positive and statistically significant effect on international tourism. Trend analysis shows that ICH listing contributes to a long-term positive trend in international tourism in China. Finally, based on the positive relationship between ICH listing and the probability of being designated as an excellent tourism city (and its positive effect on international tourism), we argue that city-level cultural brand development is a plausible mechanism behind the positive effect of ICH listing on international tourism in China.