/library/oar/handle/123456789/4607 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:22:21 GMT 2025-11-03T13:22:21Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/138173 Title: Introduction [Law, humanities and tourism : interdisciplinay approaches to the restitution of cultural heritage] Authors: Jere Jakulin, Tadeja; Munro, Dane; Ekşi, Nuray Abstract: This edited volume, Law, Humanities, and Tourism: Interdisciplinary Approaches and Discussions to a Restitution of Cultural Heritage, Artworks, and Artifacts, embarks on a comprehensive exploration of these issues. Returning stolen art to its original owners or countries is motivated by ethical, legal, political, cultural, and economic factors. For instance, Slovenia's dogged pursuit of missing artworks is instructive, as many works of art were brought to safety during WWII but never returned. At the core is the ethical imperative to rectify past wrongs, particularly when art was taken during war, colonialism, or genocide. Many view the return of such works as a necessary act of justice and respect for the cultural heritage and identity of the original owners or countries. This ethical perspective is reinforced by international laws and conventions, as argued by the legal experts in this book, which prohibit illicit trade in cultural property and promote restitution. Legal obligations and proven ownership claims can compel individuals or nations to return stolen works to avoid litigation or penalties. However, from a political perspective, returning stolen art can serve as a gesture of goodwill that strengthens diplomatic ties, promotes international cooperation, and mitigates criticism. Countries or institutions often act to demonstrate their commitment to justice and to improve their global standing, especially when faced with public pressure. Cultural motivations also play a role, as restitution can foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between cultures. It is sometimes part of broader agreements that involve cultural exchange or collaboration between institutions in the form of indefinite loans. Some solutions given here are based on a perspective of tourism, marketing and branding. Economic and reputational incentives further influence these decisions. Countries that return art may benefit from increased cultural tourism and international recognition, while museums and private collectors seek to uphold or enhance their reputations as legitimate and ethical entities. By returning stolen art, they distance themselves from the stigma of possessing looted artefacts and align themselves with global heritage preservation. Essentially, the decision to return stolen art is often shaped by ethical, legal, diplomatic, cultural, and economic motivations. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/138173 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/138172 Title: Sword and poniard : a tourism-based proposal for a long-term loan of ceremonial weaponry to solve an old property issue between Malta, France, and the Order of Malta Authors: Munro, Dane Abstract: Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Malta in 1798 and the subsequent colonialisation of Malta by the French Republic resulted in looting and destruction of significant cultural artifacts. This including the ceremonial sword and dagger of Jean Parisot de Valette, Grand Master of the Order of Malta. Both artefacts are now in the Louvre. Repatriation of culturally significant art has recently been a subject of extensive global discussion, with its roots in the post-colonial ethical landscape and the shaping of national identities. There are mainly two key aspects: the legal structures within the contemporary international law and alternative, diplomatic approaches to solve disputes. This chapter explores both the legal and moral arguments that the Republic of Malta can present to have the ceremonial sword and dagger returned to Malta. In this chapter, it will be argued that in the case of Malta, the most appropriate model will be a long-term loan agreement between Malta and the Louvre. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/138172 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/137502 Title: Introduction : the journey, the destination, and the company we keep Authors: McIntosh, Ian S.; Munro, Dane; Smith, Alison; Dunn-Hensley, Susan Abstract: Throughlines emerging from the 2023 Sacred Journeys 10th Global Conference in St Elmo’s Fort, Valetta, Malta, organized by Dane Munro and Ian McIntosh—from which most of the papers in this volume are drawn—reinforce an undeniable trend. In the twenty-first century, the phenomenon of pilgrimage has expanded well beyond commonly understood and now stereotypical forms associated with the major world religions—namely a visit by an individual or individuals to a sacred place for religious purposes—where emphasis is placed on ‘being there’ in the holy cities of Jerusalem, Rome, Mecca, Bodh Gaya, Prayag (Allahabad), Amritsar, and so on. Medieval travel from Canterbury to Rome, or across the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula or the Sahara to Mecca, was a necessary and often dangerous trial for pilgrims. But their eyes were on the prize. [extract]. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/137502 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/137067 Title: Faith-based tourism vs. revenge tourism Authors: Munro, Dane; Jere Jakulin, Tadeja Abstract: This chapter examines the contrasting dynamics of faith-based tourism and the emergent phenomenon of “revenge tourism” in the post-COVID-19 era. Using Malta and Slovenia as comparative case studies, it explores how both countries experienced a sharp resurgence in tourism, yet responded in notably different ways. Revenge tourism, defined as the intense rebound in travel following pandemic lockdowns, often manifests through impulsive, disruptive, and consumer-driven behaviour. This trend has led to overcrowded streets, contested public spaces, and tensions between commercial interests and cultural traditions—particularly evident during Malta’s religious processions and festas. In contrast, Slovenia’s return to faith-based tourism at the national shrine of Brezje was marked by calm continuity and resilience. The Slovenian case highlights the strength of domestic religious tourism and the capacity of sacred spaces to adapt and endure through public health crises, including serving as vaccination centres. Meanwhile, Malta saw both a revival of festa traditions and a collision between local religious practices and the encroachment of mass tourism, driven by economic urgency and the relaxation of public space regulations. Through interpretive analysis, media reports, fieldwork, and statistical data, the chapter highlights how both forms of tourism—faith-based and revenge—reflect deep-seated human needs: one for spiritual restoration and cultural continuity, the other for liberation and fulfilment after confinement. The UNESCO recognition of the Maltese festa as intangible cultural heritage reinforces the need to protect cultural expressions from being undermined by unchecked commercialisation. The chapter concludes by warning that unless properly managed, revenge tourism may jeopardise the authenticity and sustainability of faith-based traditions. A balanced approach—recognising the spiritual, experiential, and economic values of tourism—is essential to safeguard cultural identities while revitalising post-pandemic tourism economies. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/137067 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z