o:7435 INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE AS AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC FACTOR IN SOCIETALDEVELOPMENT en This study explores the role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Serbia as an economic factor, emphasizing its contributions to cultural tourism, local economies, and national identity. It examines how traditional practices, festivals, and crafts contribute to Serbia’s economy and evaluates strategies for maximizing these contributions. The analysis synthesizesdata from UNESCO reports, national registries, and economic assessments of cultural tourism in Serbia between 2018 and 2023.Thestudyincludesqualitativeinsightsfromgovernmentandtourismsectorpublications,combinedwithquantitative estimates of ICH-related revenues. • Serbia’sICH-relatedactivitiesgeneratedanestimated€150-270millionannually,withasignificantsharefromfestivals, traditionalcrafts,andculinarytourism. • TheGučaTrumpetFestivalandSlavacelebrationswereidentifiedaskeycontributorstoculturaltourismrevenues. • Ruralareasbenefittedsignificantlyfromtraditionalcraftsandagro-tourismlinkedtoICHpractices. Despiteitspotential,theeconomicbenefitsofICHinSerbiaremainunderutilizedduetochallengessuchaslimited funding, inadequate promotion, and threats of over-commercialization. Strengthening policies and community participation is essentialforsafeguardingandoptimizingthisresource. Intangible cultural heritage, Serbia, cultural tourism, traditional crafts, economic development, sustainable heritage. Field:CulturalHeritageManagementandEconomics 1552101 ISSN2955-2036 2025-04-09T09:32:22.492Z 44 yes 46 Ана Матовић AcademyofProfessionalStudiesofKosovoandMetohija,Leposavić,Serbia 46 Оља Арсенијевић Институт за српску културу Приштина- Лепосавић 0000-0002-0465-0508 application/pdf 1293307 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:7435 no yes 1 70 1552253 71A06 SCIENCE International journal 13 17 2025