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"Travel and tourism is one of the largest
sources of economic activity in the world. At the same time, it can be an
important force of sustainability by raising living standards in
under-developed areas, promoting preservation and the natural and human
environment."
–World
Travel and Tourism Council The World Heritage Tourism is the ambitious
project to promote sustainable tourism and awareness of World Heritage
sites and communities around the world. The project team believes
conscientious efforts by the travel industry and its customers can
contribute directly to nature conservation, historic preservation, and
poverty reduction through responsible tourism.
Our goal is to engage new partners, especially
in the travel industry, to join our initiative as a part of the World
Heritage Project and catalyze a collective commitment to supporting World
Heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and local economic development
for communities in and around World Heritage sites. The initiative:
About
World Heritage Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural Heritage is both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world’s heritage and are internationally recognized for their outstanding value to humanity. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.
There are currently 830 designated World
Heritage sites that span 138 countries and offer an extraordinary range of
travel experiences. These sites have been internationally recognized for
their outstanding value and are protected by the 1972 World Heritage
Convention, signed by 180 countries and administered by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage
sites include many of the most iconic travel spots on the planet. Visit Responsibly World Heritage properties attract tourists, and increased tourism always carries the risk of harming the very attributes that led to the properties' inscription on the World Heritage List.
Through sustainable tourism, visitors can enjoy discovering World Heritage destinations and learn about their natural, cultural and historical characteristics while respecting the environment and the local culture.
In addition to building environmental awareness and conserving local ecosystems, sustainable tourism can also help to generate income and employment for local communities.
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