Project Publication on Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites of Portuguese Origin and Influence

In January 2013, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Turismo de Portugal (the Portuguese Tourism Authority) concluded their joint project on capacity-building for tourism management in World Heritage sites of Portuguese origin and influence. The project culminated in a final event at the School of Tourism in Lisbon, Portugal, where were showcased the project’s publication and case studies.

As often stated World Heritage sites frequently face challenges concerning uncontrolled tourism and associated infrastructures. This joint project was designed to enhance a shared understanding of how the conservation of each site’s Outstanding Universal Value and tourism planning needs can be addressed and managed in a sustainable way.

This project is part of the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme which was adopted by the World Heritage Committee on its 36th session in June 2012.

Building upon the Network of World Heritage of Portuguese Origin and Influence (WHPO) the project workshops involved site managers and experts from over 14 countries such as Brazil, India, Kenya and Portugal . The training workshops were completed by practical experience from Évora (Portugal), Côa Valley (Portugal) and Fort Jesus, Mombasa (Kenya). These experiences are detailed in the project publication, which is available electronically in English and Portuguese.

For more information on this initiative please consult the project’s website: http://www.tour-whpo.org.