The interaction of Generation Z with intangible cultural heritage through digital platforms and their participation intentions

Generation Z, born into the digital age, differs from previous generations in their perspectives on future generations, communication styles, and online consumption habits. They view technology as an essential part of daily life. Digital environments that transfer, preserve, and make cultural heritage values accessible encourage young people to engage with these values, enabling them to pass them on to future generations and reach a broader audience. Tourism is another factor that supports the sustainability of cultural heritage. Generation Z, whose consumer habits are shaped by digital technologies, has become a key segment in the tourism market. It is believed that transforming intangible cultural heritage elements into digital media could increase Generation Z's curiosity about and interest in cultural heritage tourism. As a result, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) values can be handed down to future generations, and conservation plans can be developed. This research conceptually explores the potential impact of Generation Z's interaction with digital intangible components on their intention to participate in cultural heritage tourism. The study's focus on Generation Z's digital engagement with intangible cultural heritage within the context of cultural heritage tourism makes it unique. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Theory of Planned Behavior model be used to examine how interactions with digital intangible cultural heritage influence Generation Z's intentions to engage in cultural heritage tourism. This study could serve as a foundation for further empirical research.