01323nas a2200145   4500000000100000000000100001008004100002260003400043100001500077245008500092856011800177300001200295520084500307020002501152       2008                            d  bNova Science Publishers, Inc.1 aM.M. Friel00aHeritage-led development of rural regions: A case study of south-western Romania  uhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84892943131&partnerID=40&md5=b37e41720a695c20edba7dad5e1ef59b  a111-1243 aAmong different tourism markets, cultural tourism is of primary importance for many European countries, not only in terms of economic drive but also as a contributing factor in the construction of new identities for certain regions. Romania - a country that possesses a rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including numerous fortified and painted churches, castles, conjuncts of medieval architecture, as well as important cultural traditions - constitutes one such example, where the valorization of cultural heritage could lead to territorial development and economic regeneration. The chapter addresses this topic by analyzing the ways in which the religious built heritage of Romania s south-western Regions could provide an opportunity for encouraging tourismbased business development, especially in rural destinations. ©  a9781604569704 (ISBN)