Destinations are increasingly focusing on fashion to enhance the tourism experiences and empower local communities, especially among indigenous populations, as well as small-scale creators and businesses.
However, as a new report from UN Tourism and Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) makes clear, tourists themselves still need to have a greater awareness of responsible behaviour and deeper appreciation for specific cultural contexts, through education and engagement.
Fashion as a connection to local culture
Despite the growth of globalization and e-commerce, fashion-related products such as textiles, jewellery, perfumes, and accessories, still hold the greatest value when purchased at their destinations of origin. These items are more than souvenirs—they are powerful storytellers that connect travellers to the culture, history, and identity of places they visit.
Drawing on case studies from 11 countries (Indonesia, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, and Tanzania), the report:
- Shows how fashion and tourism are interwoven to uplift local creators and attract diverse audiences.
- Suggests recommendations on how to create win-win synergies between fashion and tourism key players.
- Promotes tools that create an enabling environment for these stakeholders to co-create new products, while also addressing marketing strategies, branding and sustainability principles.
- Makes clear the need to raise awareness among tourists, encouraging responsible behaviour and deeper appreciation for specific cultural contexts.
By blending traditional fashion expressions with innovation, these examples show different ways the creative industries can serve as a tool for trade opportunities, inclusive growth and cultural exchange, across the globe.
About USI
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a Swiss public university, with 4,500 students and 1,400 professors and researchers from 110+ countries. USI conducts cutting-edge research and offers specialized Master’s programmes in both Fashion and Tourism. USI is also home to a UNESCO Chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites.
About UN Tourism
UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council takes all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly. UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The election for Secretary General will be in May 2025.
