Session: #611

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
Archaeology and the European Year of Cultural Heritage
Session format:
Discussion session: round table

Title & Content

Title:
(National) perspectives on the significance and effects of the International Cultural Tourism Charter. From Theory to Practice in Archaeological Tourism
Content:
For many of those concerned with the various aspects of the relationship between archaeology and tourism, the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Charter, Managing Tourism at Places of Heritage Significance, has been a seminal document. It approached this often lacking relationship from a novel perspective, addressing issues and introducing notions and ideas designed to promote a participative approach to management of heritage places. It appealed for respect, understanding and collaboration between different stakeholders as the best, and arguably also the only way to ensure a sustainable future for heritage places. It also sought to enfranchise host communities, while at the same time championing the rights of visitors for a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.
The Charter is currently under review and the aim of this session is to provide local or national perspectives not only on the theoretical significance, but also on the reception of the Charter and the effects it has had since its adoption. To what extent have the objectives and principles of the Charter been implemented in various parts of the world, i.e. in different countries? May the tenets of the Charter be considered a standard practice today, or are they still only a vision that will take a long time to fulfil?
Practical examples show that reality often does not match the theoretical advances stipulated by the international charters and declarations. Can the development of assessment tools contribute to the sustainable development of tourism management on heritage sites?
Session organised by the EAA Working Party on Tourism.
Keywords:
archaeology; tourism; Charter; ICOMOS; management;
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no

Organisers

Main organiser:
Dr. Cynthia Dunning (Switzerland) 1
Co-organisers:
Sanjin Mihelic (Croatia) 2
Annemarie Willems (Finland) 3
Cecilie Smith-Christensen (Norway) 4
Joanna Sofaer (United Kingdom) 5
Edoardo Bedin (United Kingdom) 6
Celia Martínez Yañez (Spain) 7
Affiliations:
1. ArchaeoConcept
2. Archaeological Museum in Zagreb
3. AW Heritage Consultancy
4. World Heritage Catalysis
5. University of Southhampton
6. University College London
7. Departamento de Historia del Arte, Universidad de Granada