UNESCO and the TUI Care Foundation are launching a new global partnership for sustainable tourism in World Heritage destinations, with first projects in Morocco and Zanzibar.
UNESCO and the TUI Care Foundation are at the forefront of the battle for tourism that does not deplete, but rather supports, historic destinations, inaugurating a new global partnership focusing on World Heritage sites, local communities and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
The initiative begins with two first projects in Morocco and Zanzibar, while it is accompanied by international coordination and exchange of know-how, aiming to shape more responsible tourism development practices in popular holiday destinations.
Beyond the first two projects in Morocco and Zanzibar, the collaboration foresees international dialogue, exchange of know-how, strategic events and communication actions, with the aim of shaping a broader movement of responsible and inclusive tourism in UNESCO destinations internationally.
Morocco: Aiming to make visitors stay longer
In Morocco, the project focuses on the area around Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, one of the country’s most emblematic cultural heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although the destination attracts a large number of visitors each year, many tourists only make a short stopover before continuing on to other areas. The new program aims to address this gap: to increase the real economic benefit for the local community, through longer stays, strengthening local artisans and businesses, and developing new cultural experiences based on the identity and traditions of the place.
The plan includes training for local guides, tourism entrepreneurs and artisans, the creation of cultural itineraries, as well as new storytelling and digital interpretation tools, so that visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the destination’s living heritage.
Particular emphasis is placed on women and young people, so that they can gain access to economic opportunities linked to local crafts, culture and hospitality.
Zanzibar: Culture, youth and creative entrepreneurship
In Zanzibar, UNESCO’s partnership with the TUI Care Foundation will support sustainable cultural tourism in and around Stone Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between culture and tourism, giving space to young people, women and people of culture through skills development, creative entrepreneurship, heritage promotion and tourism actions based on local identity.
The program includes activities such as Forodhani Culture Nights, Zanzibar Your Creative Markets, Youth Heritage Ambassadors, as well as traditional cultural expressions such as Taarab music. The aim is to highlight Zanzibar’s vibrant cultural heritage, while creating new opportunities for participation and income for local communities.
The message from UNESCO and the TUI Care Foundation
Julien Pellaux, Director of Partnerships at UNESCO, stressed that sustainable tourism must benefit the communities that protect World Heritage and keep its traditions alive. As he noted, the collaboration with the private sector aims to shape a more responsible tourism model, where economic activity supports the protection of heritage and is transformed into meaningful opportunities for residents.
Alexander Panczuk, Managing Director of TUI Care Foundation, said that visiting cultural heritage sites is a key reason for travel and that tourism can play an important role in preserving unique cultural elements in destinations around the world. He also noted that many communities are under pressure to preserve their traditions and ensure that the benefits of tourism actually reach their residents.
Source: tornosnews.gr