UNESCO and the TUI Care Foundation are launching a new global partnership for sustainable tourism in World Heritage destinations, with the first projects taking place in Morocco and Zanzibar.
UNESCO and the TUI Care Foundation are at the forefront of the fight for tourism that does not deplete, but rather supports, historic destinations, launching a new global partnership focusing on World Heritage sites, local communities and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
The initiative begins with its first two projects in Morocco and Zanzibar, whilst being supported by international coordination and the exchange of know-how, with the aim of shaping more responsible tourism development practices in popular holiday destinations.
In addition to the first two projects in Morocco and Zanzibar, the collaboration envisages international dialogue, the exchange of expertise, strategic events and communication initiatives, with the aim of fostering a broader movement towards responsible and inclusive tourism in UNESCO destinations worldwide.
Morocco: Aiming to encourage visitors to stay longer
In Morocco, the project focuses on the area around Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, one of the country’s most iconic 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 brief stopover before moving on to other areas. The new programme aims to address this shortcoming: to increase the real economic benefit for the local community through longer stays, by supporting local artisans and businesses, and by developing new cultural experiences based on the identity and traditions of the area.
The plan includes training for local guides, tourism entrepreneurs and craftspeople, 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, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The initiative aims to strengthen the link between culture and tourism, providing opportunities for young people, women and cultural figures through skills development, creative entrepreneurship, the promotion of heritage and tourism initiatives based on local identity.
The programme includes activities such as Forodhani Culture Nights, Zanzibar Your Creative Markets and Youth Heritage Ambassadors, as well as traditional cultural expressions such as Taarab music. The aim is to highlight Zanzibar’s vibrant cultural heritage, whilst 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, He emphasised that sustainable tourism must benefit the communities that protect World Heritage sites and keep their traditions alive. As he noted, the collaboration with the private sector aims to develop a more responsible model of tourism, in which economic activity supports the protection of heritage and is transformed into meaningful opportunities for local residents.
Alexander Panczuk, Managing Director of the TUI Care Foundation, said that visiting cultural heritage sites is a key reason for travelling 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