I have great news for 2012.  In a lifetime of attending and receiving some of travel and tourism’s most prestigious awards, it is with great pleasure that we have chosen to sponsor the (WTTC) World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow’s Destination Stewardship Award.

As an active member of the WTTC, being a finalist judge for these awards was arguably one of the most exciting and humbling experiences of my career as not only a travel executive, but more significantly, as an avid supporter of sustainable destination management.

Why Destination Stewardship?  As destinations across the globe, particularly World Heritage sites continue to welcome a growing number of tourists, the need to manage carrying capacities and the cultural heritage authenticity is increasingly challenging.  This award honors organizations whose vision for the future recognizes that sustainable practices are vital to the heritage of the world’s destinations.

The awards will be presented in Tokyo in April 2012; and some 150 companies have stepped forward!  We recognize the growing need to support entities whose actions speak louder than words, whose efforts are spurring best practices and tangible effects.

It is time for the tourism industry to revaluate how we have responded to the call of destination stewardship and collaborate as the world’s largest industry to pursue a vision of commitment and change for the future.

It’s official ! Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley of Peru will be the site for the first Global Outreach program of Tourism Cares. The mission was unanimously voted by the Board to be supported by key member companies of the non-profit organization since 1998.

For two years, it has been my real pleasure to work as Vice Chair alongside many of travel and tourism’s leaders in the development of Global Outreach’s innovative vision; aimed at taking the American travel industry abroad to collaborate in key areas for sustainability at some of the world’s greatest treasures.

Designed to mirror Tourism Cares’ successful domestic model, Global Outreach (GO) brings together industry leaders in sharing expertise, talent and passion to assist in the conservation and preservation of iconic tourism destinations worldwide. Through public/private partnerships where travel is key to economic growth and authentic heritage development we will work to safeguard treasured sites of universal value, and their local communities; through multilateral scholarships, ongoing grants, educational forums and volunteer events.

GO Peru Inaugural launch in May 2012

Twenty committee members designed a program for some fifty American travel leaders to visit Peru and begin a 2-3 year collaborative grant-making program providing assistance to Peru’s World Heritage Sites. Having initiated the original concept of “Adopt a Country” in 2009, I am delighted to see how this groundbreaking initiative will bridge the interests of not only U.S. and Peruvian travel and tourism supporters, but gain attention from the global community at large.

Travel to Peru is growing rapidly, with 3.5 million visitors annually and diversity from the high Andes to the Amazon rainforest.  Peru has 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Machu Picchu; and 6 on the Tentative List; one in fact is designated as “the oldest civilization in all of the Americas”.

GO Peru’s effort to build partnerships among tourism stakeholders in planning for iconic World Heritage sites such as Machu Picchu and the center of Cusco (inscribed by UNESCO for “outstanding universal value” in 1985)  is more important than ever. As we kick-off this exciting inaugural project, I look forward to sharing how common goals of sustainability and preservation create positive change in the world’s most significant travel destinations. See you there!

]]> http://www.robintauck.com/blog/tourism-cares-global-outreach-peru-2012/feed/ 1 http://www.robintauck.com/blog/learning-site-management-south-france/ http://www.robintauck.com/blog/learning-site-management-south-france/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:49:09 +0000 Randy Durband http://www.robintauck.com/blog/?p=233

As an active member of the International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC) – one of some 20 committees within the International Council on Monuments and Sites  (ICOMOS) – I just participated in its highly informative three-day workshop at two phenomenal French sites.

Our committee consists of heritage architects and cultural heritage site planners and advisors, with a global membership and scope.  Our colleague and friend Anne Vourc’h, the Director of “Les Grandes Sites de France,” a network of important sites throughout France, hosted us.  She led us through visits and seminars at two very different types of sites.

We spent a full day at Pont du Gard, learning first and foremost that this magnificent site is misnamed.  The bridge over the Gardon River was added in 1742 to a 50-kilometer ancient Roman aqueduct, at the point where the Romans built a magnificent structure for the aqueduct to cross the river gorge.  The main structure we come to marvel at today is not the 18^th century bridge but the ancient aqueduct.  We really should be calling the site the Nime Aqueduct, not the Pont du Gard.

When my wife Tina and I first visited the site some fifteen years ago, we drove to a point very near the structure.  Today, the 1.4 million annual visitors park just back from it and now have the opportunity to learn about the aqueduct from one of the finest interpretation centers most of us have seen anywhere.

Recent management decisions have improved the visitor experience, encouraged repeat visits from local and regional visitors, and have enhanced the financial sustainability of the site.  Changes include an annual pass for local visitors who come not only to marvel at the aqueduct, but to swim in the river and stroll the extensive park; to charge motorcoaches on a per person basis instead of one flat fee; and to create all-inclusive pricing for visitors.  Visitors are staying longer and spending more, enhancing revenues for the site, but getting more for what they spend.

Next steps for enhanced site management will focus on encouraging visitation outside the three summer months when half the annual visitors appear.

Saint Guilhem de le Desert is a very different type of heritage site; it is a district with a variety of attractions and activities.  But most of the 600,000 annual visitors find their way up the narrow road through the gorge to the charming town.  Cars had been choking the road and the village during the peak season, so in recent years a shuttle system was successfully introduced where visitors pay merely 4 Euros per day to park, then ride a shuttle 4 kilometers to the charming village.  Better yet, they can rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles,

Site managers and regional planners have done a phenomenal job at developing paths, the shuttle parking lot, a visitors center, bridges, and all infrastructure elements to blend harmoniously into the beautiful natural environment.  And a recently opened museum/interpretation center provides and exceptional education on the local heritage of pottery-making.

I’ve got a long list of ideas to put into practice into the many projects we’re involved in the next two years in Latin American, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere.  Shuttle systems are top of mind for me, as many sites around the world would benefit greatly by following the practice many have adopted to limit motorized vehicles in congested areas.

The TGV train I’m writing this on is moving fast…..we’ll be in Paris soon, ready for the weeklong ICOMOS General Assembly.  More learning and networking to come!

Angkor Wat deserves a firm place high on the must-see list of all world travelers.  You can’t beat it for the enormity and quality of the archaeological sites of the ancient Khmer civilization.

But there are so many more Khmer sites to see.  We’ve blogged before about Banteay Chhmar in Cambodia, where our friends at the Global Heritage Fund take the lead in restoring and preserving the site.  

Interested in learning more about what is available, I recently visited three major Khmer sites — in Thailand and not in Cambodia.   Travel east from Bangkok by car or rail, a direction few international visitors choose, get close to Cambodia, and you’ll find some outstanding archaeological sites.

I chose the three sites that several travel writers and historians agree are the most important:  Phanom Rung, Muang Tam, and Phimai.  All three have been well restored by archaeologists, all have acceptable facilities available for visitors, and you nearly have them to yourselves.

Here you can walk around monuments that look like Angkor Wat, but you might be there with only twenty other visitors, or maybe just a handful, instead of the cast of thousands swarming Angkor these days.  You still meet Khmer people, as this region is a mix of Khmer (Cambodian) people and ethnic Thai people, all living in total harmony.  The nearby border dispute you may have read of is about internal Thai politics and not about ethnic tension.  You feel the usual Thailand friendliness toward visitors here that you enjoy elsewhere in the Land of Smiles.

Phimai is a classic Khmer site, very similar in layout and size to the Banteay Srei site near Angkor Wat.  Phanom Rung is set atop an extinct volcano, a Khmer religious ceremonial site with views.  Muang Tam is just 7 km below, and offers some of the best restored Khmer structures I’ve seen anywhere.  I counted five other visitors during my two-hour visit!

Your travel list should now be an item longer.

We’ve mentioned ICOMOS in past blog entries and on our website. ICOMOS is the International Council for Monuments and Sites, which is the official advisory body to UNESCO and the World Heritage committees on matters pertaining to cultural heritage.

Robin and I have become very involved in ICOMOS. A part of our mission at “Robin Tauck & Partners” is to create linkages between the Travel & Tourism industry with public (government, NGOs, and non-profit) entities that work in sustainable tourism in general and more specifically in destination stewardship. ICOMOS and UNESCO are vital members of the public sector in this realm. Robin is now a member of the board of the US chapter of ICOMOS, and I actively participate in its International Cultural Tourism Committee.

We have given several presentations to the Travel & Tourism industry on their activities – and remain happily willing and available to do more — and have provided a private tourism sector perspective when interacting with them.

The annual meeting of the US chapter is coming up soon. We encourage you to join ICOMOS and attend the annual event, in Washington DC June 2-4. Information is available at http://www.usicomos.org/symposium

We hope to see you there!

On a clear, blue sky day reminiscent of September 11, 2001, little could prepare us for our “insider’s experience” at Ground Zero — an opportunity given only to a few individuals, due to the challenging safety environs and advance security permissions. On this day– December 8, 2010 — our group from travel and tourism was invited to visit.

The 9/11 Museum Memorial is a full 8 acres of the 16 acre site; a gold standard, sustainable LEEDS construction of 110,000 square feet. Accommodating 5 million visitors per year; it will be one of New York’s most visited – akin to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History. Here the purpose and design — is to bring together “people” to tell the stories, restore hope and shape a positive future.

I learned that the curators may see “travel and tourism” as a potential exhibit — of new realities and renewed understanding between diverse cultures. As the largest industry in the world, we were impacted — forever. And thanks to so many kind hearted people in the world, we have a good story to tell. And we pledge our support.

Touring the Site…

Our group of six – many of whom worked 24/7 in 2001 to provide shelter and safety for 13,000 Tauck travelers stranded or headed abroad — convened in the nearby One Liberty Plaza, on the 20th floor headquarters of the 9/11 Memorial. Darrell Wolff, a frequent Tauck traveler from Ohio who, in 1969, actually designed the World Trade Center Plaza and many stairways and elevators, was also with us.

As we walked through the offices where 90 people are planning this impressive museum we stood at windows high above the huge site and viewed all the action– dozens of cranes, cement trucks, massive lights, and shoring walls. Union workers in green safety vests buzzed around like ants below. We had to quickly don our safety gear and rush along to get on-site before dark closed in after 4pm.

In my 35 years in the tourism industry, this was a tour like no other. Crossing through thick wire fence, we came face to face with multiple construction projects taking place simultaneously. In our 9/11 black helmets, neon vests and work boots we walked far under Manhattan, down four levels to the actual bedrock of the WTC footprint, through cavernous tunnels and secret passageways, past hundreds of workers…..with much large equipment — digging, pouring concrete, laying granite slabs… even planting the first of 400 trees — in near freezing temperatures.

Our guide was Ron Vargas, a first responder on September 11th and now the Director of Design for the Memorial. A 30 year veteran architect, we soon learned Ron was a construction volunteer; helping victims escape that fateful day and staying on throughout the ensuing 9 months of removal of debris, restoration and redesign. He has a huge heart and a huge job now. In his words, “I will never rest … until this job is done in 2012”.

North and South Reflecting Pools — One thousand tears per minute…

These are the “heart and soul” of the site. Words can barely describe actually stepping inside of them and looking up. We were humbled and solemn. One can only imagine….how 60,000 gallons of water per minute will flow like endless tears. Looking up, we see the Freedom Tower (aka Tower #7) standing proudly over and seemingly protecting these reflecting pools.

Surrounding each side of the pools will be the Names Parapet — a backlit and etched relief of every name that died in that tower. They will be grouped — not alphabetically — but by their meaningful adjacencies — firefighters, corporate colleagues, and so on.

We are grateful to hosts Ms. Jan Ramirez, Chief Curator, to Blake Beatty, VP of Development and to Director Bobbie Greene-McCarthy at Save America’s Treasures for this day.

After long delays and emotional conflicts, it is now only one year ….until the tenth anniversary. We hope many will want to be a part of this momentous occasion and lend your support.

If you wish to reach me for information, rtauck@robintauck.com. Or the museum: www.national911museum.org

Whatever you know about Mayan Civilization – from your personal travels, readings, movie-watching, whatever – you’re about to learn something new!

Why so bold a statement?  During a recent trip to Guatemala, I was guided by the long-time chief archaeologist at a site that was far grander in scope — and significance – than the well-known sites of Tikal, Chichen Itza, or Palenque.  He taught me of discoveries that haven’t even made it into the pages of archaeological journeys, to say nothing of guide books and travel magazines.

This Mayan lost civilization is in El Mirador Basin, a large oval naturally ringed by hills, half in modern-day Mexico and half in Guatemala.  The archaeologist, Dr. Richard Hansen, has personally explored 51 cities within El Mirador Basin, and suspects there are even more to be found.  I spent three incredible days with him exploring the city within the basin, known by the same name, El Mirador.  The visit was sponsored by the Global Heritage Fund (www.globalheritagefund.org) which is providing needed support to the important work underway there.

The amazing story is not one story, but several:

1 – Have you even heard of this place?  Fewer than 3,000 tourists visit per year; most are young Europeans backpacking in two days by foot each way, and a small minority day-tripping in by helicopter.  Nearby Tikal receives a modest 240,000 visitors per year.  You think when you visit it that you’re in a remote part of Central America; but nearby Mirador is much more cut off.  It is relatively near the US but very remote.

2 – Guide books and scholarly journals refer to a “Classic” period of Mayan Civilization that began around 250 A.D.  But Mirador not only reached its zenith before the “Classic” period, it actually disappeared from view before the Classic period even began!

3 – The rainforest here is the largest north of the Amazon and is being cleared at an alarming rate, so the story of heritage preservation and natural conversation merge into one even more powerful story.

The conservation work at Mirador is a battle against time.  It desperately needs legal protections from the Guatemalan government and funding from international donors before logging and cattle grazing interests control the region in ways that prevent proper conservation.  The way out is through tourism. And it will take public-private partnerships to develop truly sustainable tourism infrastructure and marketing.

Sustainable tourism development that supports the preservation work – of the Mayan archaeology and the rainforest’s rich flora and fauna – can create an economic engine that win out over other economic activity that would ruin both the cultural and the natural heritage forever.

Please add a comment here and email me at rdurband@robintauck.com to learn of how you can help.

PATA’s Sustainability Committee is on the move. In September I attended the semi-annual committee meeting; this one held in Macau following PATA’s Travel Mart.  (PATA is the Pacific Asia Travel Association)

The committee members are leaders in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific and are passionate and knowledgeable about sustainable travel.

Committee chair John King, also well known as the Chairman of ATEC, the Australian Tourism Export Council, is providing leadership for the Indigenous Tourism Conference in Darwin, Australia September 27-28, 2011.  This is an important event that we hope you’ll consider or recommend to interested associates.

PATA will lead the way with the second Adventure and Responsible Travel conference in Nepal,  partnering with our friends at STI — Sustainable Travel International.  Dates are February 7-11.  Contact me at rdurband@robintauck.com for information.

We got a sobering report from PATA’s Chris Flynn on the rebuilding support they’ve provided following the devastating tsunami in Samoa last year.

Our chair, John King, led a panel in Macau on Corporate Social Responsibility.  I contributed with a presentation on Travelers Philanthropy, describing the growing phenomenon and making recommendations on how to get involved.  Our friends at STI have all the tools needed for travel providers, and our friends at the Global Heritage Fund are the right partners for a select few who are really serious about supporting a specific preservation project.

I’ve recently returned from a fascinating 10-day research trip to Cuba. I went there to write a case study for a project I’m involved in whose goal is to advise tourism planners about balancing the needs of historic preservation with those of tourism development. Our small team visited five out of Cuba’s nine World Heritage sites, focusing on the five that are cultural heritage sites in urban settings.

We came away realizing that there is a real need in Cuba to develop a comprehensive tourism management plan for cultural tourism. Having banned tourism after experiencing the negative consequences of prostitution and gambling during the period leading up to the revolution (the reaction to which, in fact, contributed to the success of the revolution), Cuba re-introduced tourism in 1993 following the collapse of the Soviet-led trading block, upon which its economy had become dependent. The plan began with beach tourism, developing the Varadero Beach area to meet international standards.

But it seemed to us that, thus far, Cuba has done little to develop the required infrastructure to promote cultural and natural heritage tourism. We started and finished in Havana, focusing on Old Havana. In between, our group of four researchers traveled in a van with a driver and guide to visit World Heritage sites in Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, and Santiago de Cuba.

Cienfuegos’ old town features a cluster of historic buildings around a main square, established originally by French settlers from France and New Orleans, who successfully appealed to the Spanish crown for rights to establish the city. The architecture is a blend of French and Spanish, making for a unique heritage site. Nearby Trinidad is heavily influenced by Afro-Cuban heritage, with a look all its own; a delightful place to visit.

Camaguey is a large city, but the historic center is intriguing for its odd street patterns and five historic squares. Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba and a cultural center, is a vibrant Caribbean city. We timed our visit to experience a portion of its annual Fiesta del Fuego, a five-day festival that celebrates Caribbean culture. Note on a map how close Santiago de Cuba is to Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and other diverse Caribbean cultures, and you’ll appreciate how culturally distinct it is from Havana.

Cuba contains rich cultural heritage, it has a strong appreciation for its heritage, and there are many layers of heritage protection. But much of the tangible heritage is threatened by a lack of effective preservation and restoration resources. Much restoration is underway (we saw many successes!) but the extent of its restoration needs far outpaces its available resources.

In addition, the US trade embargo creates unique circumstances for Cuban preservation and tourism management. When the embargo eventually ends, either through the gradual dismantling of its many legal layers, or suddenly, the world’s second largest outbound tourist source market (and close neighbor to Cuba) will dramatically change the game for both preservation and tourism. For Cuba to retain its unique character, this must be managed and planned for.

One hopes that Cuban tourism planners are sufficiently aware of a) the opportunity their cultural and natural heritage sites offer and b) the difficult challenges the country will face as it works to preserve them. American travelers and travel professionals would do well to consider history and current realities in the country as they plan for the eventual opening up of this great destination to the US travel market.

The International Cultural Tourism (ICTC) of ICOMOS just welcomed me to their ranks. ICOMOS is the International Council on Monuments and Sites, the official advisory body to UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre on matters pertaining to cultural heritage. The ICTC committee supports ICOMOS’ mission by supplying it with expertise on tourism to cultural heritage sites.

We combined our annual meeting with a few days of learning about the World Heritage site of the Douro Valley of Portugal while traveling through it. We met with local tourism and governmental development agencies, and at the end of our time provided our recommendations for sustainable tourism development in the region.

The annual meeting and all the informal meetings of the committee were excellent. This is a passionate group of experts, committed to heritage preservation who also understand the inevitability of tourism to heritage destinations and are engaged in the process of balancing the needs of the two. The committee is truly international. Many are heritage architects, others are government planners and regulators of heritage protection of buildings and sites. All are very talented and intelligent.

As a committee, we’re in the process of writing a handbook on communicating heritage to the tourism industry, commissioned by the UNWTO. I’m one of the many who is submitting content for the handbook, which will likely be published late this year.

The meeting’s setting in the Douro Valley was delightful. I was somewhat knowledgeable of it from my days of selling the riverboat experience there with INTRAV, and enjoyed seeing it in person for the first time. The landscape is wonderful; vineyards on steep slopes, heavily terraced, with very limited numbers of visitors. A great place to taste wine and the famous port wine of the region, and to walk and bicycle in a beautiful setting. It struck us all as Provence or Tuscany before discovery.