Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants as a Tourism Resource

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants constitutes a vital component of indigenous cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation. Rooted in centuries-old practices, this knowledge has recently gained prominence as a potential tourism resource, particularly within wellness tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism frameworks. The growing global demand for holistic health experiences and authentic cultural engagement has positioned traditional medicinal systems as valuable attractions. This paper examines the role of traditional medicinal plant knowledge as a tourism resource, highlighting its socio-economic, cultural, and environmental significance. It also discusses ethical and sustainability challenges associated with its commercialization. A qualitative research methodology supported by secondary data analysis is adopted to assess how traditional medicinal knowledge can be responsibly integrated into tourism development. The study concludes that community-led and ethically regulated tourism models can transform traditional medicinal knowledge into a sustainable tourism asset while safeguarding cultural integrity and ecological balance.