Paper short abstract:

In my paper, I reconsider how the 'active voice' entailed by applied anthropology can be used in tourism planning, based upon the results of a project dedicated to mapping the intangible heritage in a region from Southern Transylvania (i.e. the CarPaTo Project).

Paper long abstract:

Based upon the results of a project dedicated to mapping the intangible heritage in a region from Southern Transylvania, in this paper I reconsider how the applications of anthropology can be used in tourism planning. The 'active voice' entailed by applied anthropology is essential for identifying new ideas and original perspectives about the local communities' actual needs. Intangible heritage can be used for tourism and to improve the lives of community members. These ideas and perspectives are in turn important for structuring an efficacious plan for touristic development. Furthermore, the 'active voice' of applied anthropology can ease to a significant extent the process of bringing together organizations, communities and agencies that will become involved in the implementation of the plan. I argue that the sharp distinction between planning and acting should be abandoned. Accordingly, the research process and the information obtained are complementary facets of community-based tourism planning. Moreover, I approach the role that applied anthropology can play in helping local residents and communities in terms of: (a) articulating their 'heritage concepts' (Mason, 2005, p. 168); (b) developing participatory strategies; (c) increasing the level of residents and communities' self-confidence in relation to various organizations and stake holders.