The cultural heritage of the ethnic German community as a tool for rural sustainability

Abstract

The study explores how the ethnic identity of Swabian villages in Baranya County can serve as a distinctive and sustainable resource for rural tourism. The research focuses on the tourism potential of German minority cultural heritage and the identity-preserving and economic strategies of local communities. A mixed-methods approach was applied, including field observations, semi-structured interviews, case studies, statistical analysis, and literature review. The findings highlight that ethnic features—such as built heritage, gastronomy, festivals, and traditional crafts—represent not only cultural value but also contribute to the renewal of rural areas facing demographic and economic challenges. The study also formulates development recommendations to ensure the long-term sustainability of minority tourism.