How can tourism be reconciled with the sustainable development of World Heritage sites? What role do local communities play in the design of visitor centers? Those interested can find case studies and recommendations on these issues in the newly published final report of the 4th Regional Workshop organized by the UNESCO Regional Office for Europe. In addition to insights from participants on promoting sustainability in tourism, the report also offers guidance for effective visitor management at World Heritage sites. The workshop, which took place in November 2022 in Buzau (Romania), brought together World Heritage managers from 22 UNESCO sites across 16 European countries and provided a platform for exchanging valuable experiences and perspectives.
Some of the sites designated by UNESCO, including World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves, and Global Geoparks, attract a large number of visitors. Striking a balance between high visitor numbers and a level of visitors compatible with World Heritage status is not always easy. Based on the experiences of the workshop participants, including Diana Büttner, acting director of the Bamberg World Heritage Center, the report contains recommendations for sustainable visitor guidance and effective visitor management, as well as insights into how the potential of tourism can be harnessed for ecologically and socially sustainable local development.
The series of workshops organized by UNESCO through its Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe was prompted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented World Heritage sites with unprecedented challenges and risks. The fourth and final event in the series, held from November 7 to 9, 2022, in Buzău, Romania, was organized by the Buzău County Council in collaboration with the UNESCO Global Geopark Buzău Land, the University of Bucharest, the UNESCO Global Geopark Hațeg County, and the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO.
The post-event report can be viewed and downloaded free of charge at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385769.
Photo credit: Buzau Land UGGp | Maria Milea
Caption: The World Heritage managers during a visit to the UNESCO Tinutul Buzaului Geopark with its mud volcanoes. Far right: Diana Büttner, acting director of the Bamberg World Heritage Center.
