Cultural Tourism

To create a discerning type of tourism that takes account of other people’s cultures

It is a well-known fact that tourism can be a deadly foe as much as a firm friend in the matter of development. Considering the economic might of the tourist industry—now regarded as the biggest in the world ahead of automobiles and chemicals—careful attention should be paid to this many-sided phenomenon with its global repercussions. The impact of tourism is such that progressive strategies are vitally needed in order to prepare the ground for genuinely progressive international, regional and local strategies.

It is UNESCO’s intention to assist the 191 Member States in preparing their policies while reconsidering the relationship between tourism and cultural diversity, tourism and intercultural dialogue, and tourism and development. In this way, the Organization proposes to contribute to the fight against poverty, protection of the environment and mutual appreciation of cultures.

Pilot projects in the world:

• Sustainable Tourism Programme
• Thematic Roads and Cultural Tourism
• Cultural and Eco-Tourism in the Mountainous Regions of Central Asia and in the Himalayas
• The Sahara of Cultures and People
• UNESCO Chairs on Cultural Tourism
• Preserving the Khmer Smile: Education for Lasting Tourism at Angkor, the Key to Competitive, Quality, Ethical Tourism
• Cultural Tourism in the Baltic Countries
• Youth PATH: Community-Based Tourism in the Caribbean
• Heritage Cities and Sustainable Tourism
• The Gaucho's Road
• Eco-Tourism and MAB Progamme in Brazil (in Spanish)
• Development Programme in the Aral Sea Basin