Sustainable Tourism Projects

This section features specific sustainable tourism projects -- where sustainable development principles are truly put into practice – in which we participate.

Tourism Industry and World Heritage in Peru

For 2012 - 2014, a new public private partnership GO Peru is a collaborative three-year program between USA and Peruvian travel and tourism organizations to invest expertise, time and substantial financial contributions to protect Peru's cultural heritage for generations to come.

http://www.tourismcares.org/global-outreach

Tourism to Peru is increasing at an unprecedented rate, with nearly 1.7 million tourists visiting annually. Consequently, the country's 11 World Heritage Sites, most notably Machu Picchu, offer unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and unique experiences for future travelers, while at the same time facing tremendous pressure to ensure carrying capacities are not overreached and cultural heritage not exploited. With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I truly believe this to be a groundbreaking initiative. GO Peru will not only solidify the common goal of Peruvian and U.S. tourism stakeholders to conserve Peru's treasured sites, it will establish the country as a leader in sustainable destination management amongst the global travel industry.

In May 2012, as the 15 members of the GO Committee and 60 travel sponsors head to Peru for our inaugural mission, I look forward to sharing insights and successes.

Focusing on UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Central Cusco – Inscribed 1983 - Volunteer Project in Peru
• Machu Picchu - Inscribed 1983 – Archaeological wonder
• Historical Center of Lima – Inscribed 1988 – "City of Kings"
• Educational Forum – 11 World Heritage Sites

Central Vietnam – protecting World Heritage sites while promoting tourism

UNESCO's World Heritage Centre in Paris requested partnership support for its efforts in the provincial government of Quang Nam in the central coastal region of Vietnam. Robin Tauck & Partners accepted, and our work there continues under the auspices of the Quang Nam government and UNESCO's Hanoi office. For 2012, we are also supporting the UN agency International Labor Organization (ILO) in their work on sustainable tourism development within the province.

Robin Tauck & Partners aligned with UNESCO's Public-Use Planning (PUP) efforts of 2010-2013. Our efforts brought in international sustainable tourism development experts, including Sr. Partner Randy Durband, for the first phase of the project throughout 2010, providing technical expertise and project management skills. The actual planning has focused on the three UNESCO-designated sites, within the northern part of the Quang Nam Province.

The Three UNESCO-Designated Site Are:

• Hoi An – ancient town with well-preserved historic architecture; designated a World Heritage site in 1999
• My Son – archaeological site of the ancient Cham Kingdom; also designated a World Heritage site in 1999
• Cham Islands – eight islands a short distance off the coast near Hoi An; designated along with portions of the mainland as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009

Our Key Leadership of Support Includes

• Working with UESCO Vietnam Offices
• Assessing the marketability of heritage "assets" (sites and attractions) for future growth and rapidly expanding visitation by cruise and tour companies
• Tourism routes and new development recommendations
• Financial and strategic support in the marketing of the heritage site pass in order to encourage more visitation to the splendid historic buildings of Hoi An and to thereby increase funding for the preservation of those sites
• UNESCO training workshops on marketing principles, with a focus on developing visitation data gathering systems and protecting cultural heritage.

For 2012-2013 we will focus our support at My Son, with the development of a brand strategy and local infrastructure development to support economic livelihood for the communities surrounding the site.

Luang Prabang – World Heritage Site of Laos

RT&P has been engaged in strategic planning for the sustainable destination management of Luang Prabang, the most significant tourism designation in Laos. Designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is an atmospheric fusion of ancient Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture, a place where time remains unaltered and history lives in the present.

What makes Luang Prabang unique is its plethora of historic Buddhist temples, where daily rituals of alms-giving to monks continues unchanged since the 13th century. This iconic tradition however, is being threatened by tourism and the subsequent encroachment of touristic facilities.

Robin Tauck & Partners has helped to develop an initial assessment of tourism industry training needs and is interacting with regional UNESCO offices and the International Labor Organization on a three year strategic plan for this World Heritage Site.

Read more on sustainable tourism and the sustainable development services Robin Tauck & Partners offers.