UNWTO stresses importance of cultural tourism to safeguard living heritage

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is stressing the importance of cultural tourism in safeguarding living heritage.

This was one of the key conclusions made at the third cultural conference of the UNWTO and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“Cultural tourism policies and strategies must consider the perspectives and interests of local communities, who can also assist governance bodies in balancing tourism development with heritage conservation and safeguarding,” the UNWTO said.

The conference, which was organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, emphasized the need for a clear and strong link between tourism, culture and local community stakeholder.

“Culture is one of the drivers of tourism growth, so protecting cultural heritage and promoting tourism for sustainable development are part of the same equation,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili during the opening of the event.

He added that more than 30 plus tourism ministers were present in the event.

These ministers participated in a debate which concluded that tourism and culture are indivisible and must work together so that tourism does not suffocate cultural heritage and its benefits for visitors and locals. 

“However, the main challenge is to spread cultural tourism’s attractiveness beyond established sites whilst managing large visitor numbers,” the UNWTO said.

The first session of the conference focused on cultural tourism’s potential to help cities transform into more sustainable and creative environments and destinations. 

It ended in agreement that the creative and cultural sectors can strengthen and provide innovation in cultural tourism, forging links that turn tourism into a tool to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The second day of the event was given over to the twin influence of responsible tourism and technological advances in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. 

“It was agreed that innovation should be strengthened for better management, promotion and preservation of heritage, as well as to make cultural tourism accessible to all,” the UNWTO said.

Meanwhile, UNESCO Deputy Director-General Xing Qu affirmed tourism’s essential role in safeguarding heritage.

“Tourism provides a tremendous opportunity to support local economic development, while breaking down barriers between people. Harnessing creativity and technological innovation, as well as safeguarding heritage is essential for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism to support and unify communities for years to come,” Qu said.

The Philippine Department of Tourism earlier stressed the importance of preserving culture, particularly protecting the identity of indigenous tribes.