Canada Joins US, Philippines, France, and Saudi Arabia at Top of the Cultural Tourism Game – The World Will Never Be the Same

Canada has officially joined the ranks of global cultural tourism giants, alongside the US, Philippines, France, and Saudi Arabia. This marks a pivotal moment for the country as it steps into the spotlight, embracing its rich heritage and diverse traditions to attract international visitors. With a growing focus on cultural experiences, Canada’s new initiatives are set to reshape the global tourism landscape. The country’s unique offerings, from indigenous art to modern multicultural celebrations, position it as a major player in the cultural tourism game.

Joining forces with cultural powerhouses like the US, Philippines, France, and Saudi Arabia, Canada is now part of an elite group that continues to define the future of global tourism. This shift is more than just a trend; it’s a cultural renaissance, driven by festivals, art exhibitions, and culinary showcases that bring people together to experience the richness of human creativity. As the world evolves, Canada’s tourism industry is embracing a new chapter, one that celebrates diversity and fosters a deeper connection between cultures.

Canada’s approach to cultural tourism, which combines traditional heritage with modern innovation, will undoubtedly set new trends, ensuring its place at the top of the global stage. This is just the beginning of a cultural transformation that will have lasting effects on tourism worldwide. The world is watching, and Canada is ready to lead the way.

Some of teh countries worldwide are increasingly recognising the power of arts and cultural tourism to strengthen their economies, preserve heritage, and build connections across borders. By promoting their rich traditions through festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural events, nations are using the global interest in culture as a tool to attract visitors, create jobs, and elevate their international reputation. This report highlights how countries like France, India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, including Canada and many others are embracing arts and cultural tourism to bring people together and celebrate their unique identities.

France: A Leader in Cultural Tourism

France is known for its long-standing cultural influence, from its art, fashion, and cuisine to its historic landmarks. It is no surprise that France remains the most visited country in the world, with millions of international tourists arriving each year to enjoy its diverse offerings. France continues to promote its cultural heritage by investing in art exhibitions, music festivals, and culinary events.

The French government launched the “Destination France Plan” to enhance its tourism industry by developing new cultural hubs and improving its existing infrastructure. A significant part of this plan includes a focus on sustainable tourism, with France developing a wide range of cultural activities such as the La Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin in Dijon. This destination, dedicated to French culinary arts, allows visitors to experience French food and wine culture in a unique setting. France also hosts global events like the Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics, providing platforms for local artists and cultural exchanges.

Moreover, France’s collaboration with India’s Madhya Pradesh is a prime example of cultural diplomacy. Through this partnership, both countries plan to organise joint cultural events, art festivals, and performances. This collaboration encourages international artists to showcase their work and engage with the public, creating lasting relationships between nations.

India: Celebrating Regional Diversity through Cultural Festivals

India’s rich and diverse cultural landscape makes it a prime destination for cultural tourism. From the vibrant festivals of Kerala to the historical monuments of Rajasthan, India offers a plethora of experiences that allow tourists to engage deeply with its traditions.

The state of Kerala, for example, uses its annual Onam festival to invite international tourists to experience the region’s traditional dance, music, and cuisine. The Onam celebrations are a way to preserve Kerala’s cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. This festival showcases the state’s local talent, from folk dancers to chefs, who share their craft with visitors. Similarly, the state of Meghalaya, which is known for its scenic beauty and indigenous culture, launched an Autumn Calendar for 2025. This calendar will feature international artists and local talent, offering daily performances and festivals throughout the state.

India also invests in preserving cultural heritage through initiatives like the restoration of temples, monuments, and the promotion of traditional arts. The country’s efforts to attract cultural tourists help boost its economy while fostering global awareness of India’s cultural legacy.

Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 and Cultural Transformation

Saudi Arabia, traditionally known for its religious significance, is undergoing a cultural transformation as part of its Vision 2030 plan. The government aims to diversify its economy and position itself as a global cultural destination. One of the most ambitious projects under Vision 2030 is the Red Sea Project, which plans to develop luxury resorts across 22 islands. These resorts will blend natural beauty with cultural experiences, including art exhibitions, traditional performances, and local crafts.

In addition to tourism, Saudi Arabia has launched several high-profile cultural initiatives. The Riyadh Art Project, for example, is one of the largest public art campaigns in the world. Over 1,000 art installations will be scattered across Riyadh, contributing to the city’s cultural vibrancy. Saudi Arabia also hosts the Islamic Arts Biennale, a significant event that celebrates Islamic art and attracts artists and tourists from around the world. These events not only provide cultural engagement for local communities but also promote Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage globally.

South Korea: Harnessing the Power of the Korean Wave

South Korea’s cultural tourism industry has seen explosive growth thanks to the global popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine, a phenomenon known as the “Korean Wave” or Hallyu. The Korea Tourism Organization has leveraged this trend by launching the “Visit Korea Year 2023–2024” campaign, which focuses on promoting Korean culture to international audiences. The initiative includes K-pop concerts, cultural festivals, and major discounts on travel and accommodation for foreign visitors.

Beyond entertainment, South Korea celebrates its rich cultural history through events like the Ansan Street Arts Festival. Held annually in Ansan, this festival showcases a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms, attracting thousands of visitors each year. These initiatives play a vital role in South Korea’s efforts to become a leading cultural hub in Asia.

Turkey: Connecting History and Modern Art

Turkey is a country that beautifully blends its rich history with modern artistic expression. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s annual Türkiye Culture Route Festival highlights this fusion by showcasing traditional Turkish music, dance, and contemporary art. The festival travels across several provinces, attracting international tourists eager to experience both Turkey’s ancient heritage and its modern cultural landscape.

Turkey’s cultural tourism offerings also include the preservation of historic sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. The country’s commitment to promoting its heritage and investing in artistic initiatives has allowed it to become a prominent destination for cultural tourists.

Qatar: Using Art to Foster Global Engagement

Qatar has emerged as a key player in the global art scene, using culture as a tool for soft power and international diplomacy. Under the leadership of Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, chair of Qatar Museums, the country has invested heavily in art collections, cultural events, and international exhibitions. Qatar is home to several world-class museums, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar.

In 2025, Qatar will host Art Basel, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs. This event, along with Qatar’s other cultural initiatives, helps attract tourists and artists from around the globe. By using art as a way to build cultural bridges, Qatar is enhancing its reputation as a cultural tourism destination.

United States: A Diverse Cultural Landscape

The United States offers a wide variety of cultural experiences, from the historic landmarks of Washington, D.C. to the vibrant arts scenes of New York, New Orleans, and Santa Fe. Cities like New York are renowned for their museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, which attract millions of tourists each year. Additionally, music festivals, theatre performances, and culinary events all contribute to the country’s thriving cultural tourism industry.

The U.S. government supports cultural tourism through grants and initiatives designed to preserve heritage sites and promote local arts. Cities and states across the country have launched campaigns to attract international tourists by highlighting their unique cultural offerings, from jazz music in New Orleans to Native American history in the Southwest.

The Philippines: Preserving and Promoting Heritage

The Philippines boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been recognised for its vibrant cultural heritage. Cities like Vigan, Baguio, and Cebu are UNESCO Creative Cities that offer a range of cultural experiences for visitors. The Philippine government has made it a priority to preserve these historical sites and promote them as cultural tourism destinations.

In addition to its historic landmarks, the Philippines celebrates its diverse traditions through festivals such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, which attracts both local and international visitors. By investing in the preservation of its cultural assets, the Philippines continues to grow as a prominent cultural tourism destination in Southeast Asia.

Arts and cultural tourism is more than just a way for countries to attract visitors – it is a means to celebrate heritage, preserve traditions, and engage with the global community. Countries around the world, including France, India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and many others, are increasingly recognising the value of cultural tourism in promoting their unique identities. By investing in arts, festivals, and heritage preservation, these nations are not only boosting their economies but also fostering international understanding and collaboration.

As global interest in culture continues to grow, it is clear that arts and cultural tourism will remain a key driver of economic development and cultural exchange. Countries that prioritise these sectors will continue to play an important role in shaping the global cultural landscape, offering tourists the chance to engage with the traditions and stories that make each nation unique.

The Government of Canada has invested $30,600 in the Sanjh Foundation to support the vibrant Sanjh Festival. This initiative, aimed at celebrating the diverse cultures of Surrey, promises to elevate the arts and bring together local communities through powerful cultural exchanges.

Promoting Cultural Diversity in Surrey Through Arts and Heritage

The Sanjh Foundation, a non-profit group founded in 2013, plays a pivotal role in fostering artistic talent and preserving diverse cultural heritage in Canada. With a focus on music, dance, and literature, the foundation works to create inclusive platforms where people from various backgrounds can appreciate and celebrate their traditions. This mission aligns with Canada’s broader commitment to promoting cultural diversity.

Surrey, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, has long been a hub for cultural diversity. The Sanjh Festival, which takes place every year, showcases this rich mix of traditions, allowing both residents and visitors to experience the full range of cultural expressions that Surrey has to offer. The recent investment from the Canadian government through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program is a vital contribution to continuing this cultural journey.

Government Funding to Enhance Local Arts and Heritage

On behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey Newton, recently announced the $30,600 investment. This funding is designed to support the Sanjh Festival, which is held annually at the Surrey Civic Plaza. The festival is a celebration of South Asian culture, featuring live music, poetry, dance, and more. It allows artists to display their work to local audiences, promoting mutual understanding and community pride.

The Canadian government’s dedication to supporting arts and heritage initiatives like this one is essential for encouraging local engagement with the arts. It strengthens Canada’s cultural fabric, empowering diverse communities to express themselves freely. By investing in festivals such as the Sanjh Festival, the government ensures that multicultural expressions are not only preserved but also thrive.

Support for Artists from Equity-Deserving Communities

The $30,600 funding is part of a broader strategy to support artists from equity-deserving communities. This initiative enables local talent to thrive, providing them with the necessary resources to explore new ideas, collaborate with others, and push the boundaries of their artistic expressions. The Sanjh Foundation’s programs are critical in creating spaces for these artists to connect with their audience, both locally and globally.

Artists benefit from these government-supported platforms, where they are given the opportunity to create work that reflects their cultural background. This not only nurtures their artistic journey but also fosters a deeper understanding of cultural diversity among the audience. It’s an important step in building stronger, more inclusive communities, and it also helps to enrich the local cultural landscape.

A Celebration of Surrey’s Diverse Cultural Heritage

Surrey’s growing cultural diversity is a central theme of the Sanjh Festival. By celebrating this diversity through the arts, the festival serves as a bridge between different communities. It offers a chance for people from various cultural backgrounds to share their stories and traditions in a welcoming environment. This fosters connection, dialogue, and mutual respect.

The festival features various activities, including traditional South Asian folk and classical dances, poetry readings, and live music performances. These offerings reflect Surrey’s multicultural makeup and are designed to engage the local population in a meaningful way. With the government’s support, the Sanjh Foundation can continue offering a platform for these artistic expressions, enriching the cultural fabric of the community.

Earlier Investments in the Sanjh Foundation’s Cultural Initiatives

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada also invested $15,000 in the Sanjh Foundation’s project, Interactive Learning at Nagar Kirtan, as part of the celebrations for Sikh Heritage Month. This initiative, funded through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program’s Events component, further underscores the government’s commitment to supporting cultural heritage projects that celebrate diverse traditions.

The focus of these investments is clear: to create opportunities for intercultural dialogue, promote understanding, and build a strong sense of community. By supporting events like the Sanjh Festival and Sikh Heritage Month, the Canadian government helps to ensure that cultural diversity remains at the heart of the country’s identity.

Impact on Local Communities and Global Audiences

The Sanjh Festival isn’t just an event for local attendees; it has a far-reaching impact. By creating opportunities for artists to perform, interact, and collaborate, the festival enhances the cultural offerings available to the community. It also attracts global attention, with artists and visitors from around the world keen to experience Surrey’s unique cultural atmosphere.

For local audiences, these events provide a chance to engage with new cultural practices and learn about traditions they might not otherwise encounter. The impact is particularly significant for youth, who can see firsthand the value of cultural diversity and how art can serve as a tool for building understanding and breaking down barriers. This also enhances their appreciation of the rich, multicultural society they are part of.

A Foundation for the Future of Cultural Arts in Canada

Looking ahead, the Sanjh Foundation’s ability to continue its work in promoting arts and culture in Surrey depends on continued investment and support from both the government and the local community. The recent funding announcement from the Canadian government is an important step in ensuring that the foundation can continue offering its wide array of arts programming and cultural events.

As Canada continues to grow as one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, initiatives like the Sanjh Festival are vital in keeping its rich artistic traditions alive. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to celebrate heritage, preserve cultural identity, and create spaces for meaningful intercultural exchanges. They are essential in fostering a deeper sense of pride and belonging within the community.

The Sanjh Foundation’s ongoing success is a testament to the power of community-driven arts and culture initiatives. With continued support from the Canadian government, the festival will continue to thrive and play an integral role in celebrating Surrey’s diverse cultural heritage. By investing in arts and heritage, Canada ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to experience and contribute to the nation’s rich cultural landscape.

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