Is intangible Cultural Heritage able to promote sustainability in tourism?

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on evaluating the rich cultural intangible heritage of Sardinia Island, and how such a heritage can contribute to the implementation of tourism during the low season. The purpose is also to verify whether the enhancement of intangible heritage attractors, could be a driver for the sustainability of the island's tourism. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach is used in order to explore a multiple case study: the multifaceted expressions of the Holy Week. This is a cultural event that constitutes a part of the Christian festivity of Easter, which is characterized by traditional processions and ancient rituals widespread in various towns and cities around the island. Findings – Intangible cultural heritage provides an additional opportunity to increase the level of tourism in Sardinia Island. Research limitations/implications – This study has its limitations: it focuses only on a specific typology of event. Further studies should be taken into consideration in order to explore whether even other kinds of events are able to increase tourism in the low season, and to promote it on a sustainable perspective. Originality/value – This study about heritage tourism in islands provides information about which little has been written. Moreover, it could offer a framework for other island destinations in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.