The idea of national identity is sometimes seen through a paradoxical lens in our increasingly globalized world: as a source of separation or  a unifying factor.  Far from being a rigid concept, national identity can be a dynamic framework that evolves through diverse influences, such as heritage, religion, or cultural consumption. Tourism, in particular, offers a powerful way to explore how national identity can celebrate diversity by connecting visitors to a nation’s history and culture in memorable ways or advancing diversity, cross-cultural dialogue, and international understanding (Yang et al., 2020).

Cultural and Natural Heritage as a Foundation for Diversity

Cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is deeply connected to the present and shapes the future. What we choose to protect as heritage reflects the values and needs of today’s society, making it a living, evolving part of our identity. From historic sites to traditions and customs, cultural heritage helps individuals and communities understand who they are and where they come from. By passing these meanings from one generation to the next, heritage fosters diversity by celebrating unique and shared expressions of human creativity (Albert, 2020). With tourism shifting towards more individualistic and specialized forms—such as eco-tourism and cultural tourism—heritage offers opportunities for deeper engagement, connecting travelers to the “experience of a place” (Coccossis, 2017). Protecting heritage is essential because it forms the foundation of our identities and promotes a sense of belonging in an ever-changing world (Albert, 2020).

Furthermore, natural landscapes and shared public spaces are often closely linked to the national identity of a culture. They reflect the values, culture, and history of a community. However, spaces like mountains, coastlines, or cultural landmarks are more than just physical areas or part of our national heritage; they also act as symbols of collective memory (Miller, 2024). They are dynamic common grounds where diverse groups of people meet, interact, and engage with the environment. The identity of a landscape changes as a result of ongoing interactions between people and their surroundings (Miller, 2024 · Ramos et al., 2016). Therefore, conservation efforts should not merely aim to preserve landscapes unchanged but should support their sustainable development in ways that maintain their cultural and ecological relevance.

Educating the Youth

Education is essential to using national identity as a vehicle for diversity. By teaching the next generation about the many facets of their history, we may promote an inclusive rather than divisive sense of pride (Eden et al., 2024). A primary function of education is to assist people in developing a more profound comprehension of themselves. It should give students the information and abilities they need to participate fully in society, contribute to the development of common values, and create a feeling of identity (Idris et al., 2012).

Learning about national identity should help youth honor their roots while acknowledging the influence of diverse communities in shaping them. The key takeaway should be that national identity symbolizes a vehicle for shared values rather than a reason to exclude or feel superior to others (Idris et al., 2012). Projects like ECOROUTES are initiatives that can engage young people in learning about these topics and help them realize how diversity enhances their country’s character by learning about the contributions of different cultures while exploring a country’s cultural routes. 

In conclusion, education on topics related to national identity is crucial and should be integrated from a young age, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity. This is because, at times, the education system conveys rigid and narrow narratives about history and identity that can foster harmful beliefs. Such teachings can lead to the adoption of dangerous ideologies, resulting in hate and discrimination against those perceived as ‘different.’ Additionally, they can promote the misguided idea of superiority over others. In today’s increasingly globalized world, these views are incompatible with the goal of unity and mutual understanding.

References: 

Albert, M.-T. (2020). Culture, heritage, and identity. Series of lectures on Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century, Opportunities and Challenges. Institute Heritage Studies. Retrieved from https://heritagestudies.eu/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Culture-Heritage-and-Identity-txt.pdf 

Coccossis, H. (2017). Cultural heritage and sustainable tourism: The challenges. In G. Mergos & N. Patsavos (Eds.), Cultural heritage and sustainable development: Economic benefits, social opportunities, and policy challenges (pp.143-150). Springer. https://ayla.culture.gr/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/INHERIT-BOOK-PRINT-2.pdf 

Miller, J. (2024, August 14). How cultural landmarks influence national identities. Historical Travel Destinations. https://historicaltraveldestinations.info/how-cultural-landmarks-influence-national-identities/ 

Eden, C. A., Chisom, O. N., & Adeniyi, I. S. (2024). Cultural competence in education: strategies for fostering inclusivity and diversity awareness. International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences, 6(3), 383-392. https://doi.org/10.51594/ijarss.v6i3.895

Idris, F., Hassan, Z., Ya’acob, A., Gill, S. K., & Awal, N. A. M. (2012). The role of education in shaping youth’s national identity. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 59, 443-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.299

Ramos, I. L., Bernardo, F., Ribeiro, S. C., & Van Eetvelde, V. (2016). Landscape identity: Implications for policy making. Land Use Policy, 53, 36-43.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.01.030 

Yang, I. C. M., French, J. A., Lee, C., & Watabe, M. (2020). The symbolism of international tourism in national identity. Annals of Tourism Research, 83, 102966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2020.102966