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Project

(World) Heritage, tourism and sustainable commodification and management

This research line is related to our membership of the UNITWIN-UNESCO network ‘Culture, Tourism, Development’. The common focus of the network members on conservation and sustainable valorization of world heritage for tourism purposes, is related to the potential and ability of (world) heritage to become a resource for local and regional development (by tourism) and even to give rise to cultural and creative industries. Problems with over-use (overcrowding) or under-use are analyzed, including the contextual (physical and social) complexity, while researching management methods and tools (management plans and systems). Apart from organizing international conferences and educational activities (refer the UNITWIN UNESCO module) the network offers expertise to local stakeholders (researchers, policy and planning agents, destination developers) in monitoring tourism development of world heritage and in formulating proposals for adjustments ( yearly workshops).  For example, in October 2017, a workshop on and in the Medina of Fez (Morocco) researched and reflected, with the stakeholders, on a more sustainable tourism development. The network fuels the development of international project proposals among the members of the network. A Horizon2020 project proposal on the significance of rural landscapes (vineyards, traditional flower and fruit production areas, rise fields and terraces)  was not honored in 2016 but it stays a research topic and focus of the network as can be seen from the workshop  on wine landscapes in Salta, Argentina in 2018.

Date:1 Nov 2011 →  31 Oct 2021
Keywords:rural heritage-scape, tourism, local development, tangible/intangible
Disciplines:Economic development, innovation, technological change and growth, Economic geography, Human geography, Recreation, leisure and tourism geography, Urban and regional geography, Other social and economic geography, Urban and regional design, development and planning