Influence of UNESCO on the Tourism World - Case Study Example

Introduction This report on UNESCO is an in depth study of how the organization has helped in various ways and contributed towards tourism. The various projects have been highlighted and UNESCOs involvement is underlined in each of them. This report covers the history of the organization, its influence and role in the tourism industry, along with a review of the special projects undertaken in this view. Some of the initial founders have been highlighted along with their contributions towards the growth of UNESCO. Involvements of the organization in the past and its current initiatives have been taken into account with clear objectives in focus. Improvements that can be implemented are written from an expert’s perspective along with a concise conclusion and recommendations which reflects the background, involvement and initiatives of UNESCO and its significant role in the tourism industry. History of UNESCO During World War II many governments of European countries met to restore their learning methods, cultural systems and concentrated on restoring the country’s resources with the hope of reestablishing when peace was restored. This project soon became popular most countries including the United States joined in. As soon as the war ended there was a conference, wherein 44 countries joined together in the quest for peace through an organization that would reinstate the educated oneness of mankind. The result, 37 countries formed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The constitution was signed on 16 November 1945, and was operational in 1946. Other major countries like the USSR, China and Germany also joined in later while a few of them disengaged themselves due to political reasons however they rejoined and are members today. Founders of UNESCO and their works Jeanne Herch the first director of UNESCOs division of Philosophy and one of the founding members helped with the publication of “Birthright of Man” which was a collection of quotes from various cultures from around the world. Jeanne Herch strongly felt that even though human rights was not recognized by everyone it certainly is a need of every culture as we are all basically humans in society. She was very much for human rights and did her best to publicize the fact. She believed that it is something one cannot specify to certain time and place but is universal for all times. Jens Boel Head Archivist of UNESCO along with Ian Wilson helped answer some of the questions concerning human rights of how UNESCO could support people have helped preserve documents under dictatorial and repressive regimes. They wanted some international organizations to put pressure on these regimes and try to recover these documents that were under threat of destruction. They highlighted the power of records in relation to human rights. Joseph Ki Zerbo was the father of modern African Historiography published books through UNESCO and was his countries National commission to UNESCO. He was instrumental in helping several African leaders to establish themselves in the education field. Influence of UNESCO on the Tourism World UNESCO as we all are aware endeavors through its involvement in the tourism industry to unite the nations and bring people closer together. UNESCO through its Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’ (1972) has helped broadened horizons in every aspect. It not only focuses on the heritage places and tourist attractions but the cultural values of each country. Role of UNESCO in the tourism industry UNESCO has played a major role through its Heritage tourism in protecting and preserving Heritage sites. It has brought about a healthy balance between protecting the sites from damage caused due to excessive visitors and managing the visitors without curbing the curious tourist. The organization has brought the sectors which gain through tourism to contribute by way of tax for the restorations and upkeep of the site. UNESCOs site preservation project is an important stepping stone to the future of world tourism. UNESCO also promotes the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism by adaptable policies that bring about certain actions. It deals with problems related to tourism like the behavior of tourists, lack of awareness of heritage preservation and ecosystem. UNESCO acts as a guide and intermediator to help bring about a balance in the tourism industry and cultural diversity. Heritage Tourism The UNESCO stamp of being a world heritage confirms and guarantees preservation of any site that is meant to be of great value to the world. However Simon Usborne in his investigations has found that this can be manipulated and even a world organization can fail in its attempts. He cites the example of The Iwami Ginzan silver mine in Japan. This was made a heritage site after a lot of push from Tokyo. The moment a site is termed Heritage the value and curiosity of travelers increase greatly. As was the case tourists thronged to Iwami Ginzan only to be disappointed, what UNESCO meant to be an education can simply be called tourism gimmick. However Michael Di Giovine (2008) a former tour operator and Anthropologist tends to disagree by stating that UNESCO’s involvement with heritage sites is with a single goal of bringing peace to the humanity. There is no commercialism involved instead it’s a creation of the mind and depends on the person and how he views the program. UNESCO on the other hand is clear with the intention of preserving and protecting these heritage sites to ensure they remain with the original glory for future generations to enjoy. Cultural Tourism The cultural heritage of a country is symbolized by its monuments as well as its culture. Festivals are a part of the culture which is a major attraction to tourists who wish to be a part of it and experience the culture in the true sense. UNESCO provides a platform to display the local talent and creativity by showcasing performances that symbolize and creates a curiosity in the tourist to find out more. Michiyo Yoneno Reyes a musicologist by training has two concerns: He feels the entire concept of preservation the culture does not signify anything specific and secondly there is no involvement o the local community in the ventures. He expresses that cultural tourism is a strategy that we need to further improvise on as the programs intended to stage the culture is set in a colonial framework. As a result the outcome is far from reality and misleading to the viewer. He gives the e.g. of The Grand Canao Festival which a wedding feast celebrated by the affluent of the Ibaloi communities and it was held in Baguio to entertain and educate tourists. This was strongly objected by the Ibalois as they found it false and was program was eventually stopped. The community was against their traditions being made public and commercialized. This activity contradicts the UNESCO policy of dialogue between the state and the community involved. It would have achieved its purpose if the community was involved directly in the decision making. Michiyo felt that UNESCO enforces their cultural tourism on vulnerable communities in the name of preserving their culture. In other words the cultures are used for commercial purposes by means of tourism and other corporate funders which eventually lead to dissolution of the theme cultural diversity. On the contrary Mike Robinson & David Picard (2006) feel that UNESCOs initiatives towards cultural diversity has been not only encouraging but has been appreciated by the tourists who are treated as visitors by the locals and welcomed by them. The local community not only gets to mingle with different cultures but also is benefitted with the income generated by the inflow of these visitors. As is the case in most places, both the tourist as well as the locals appreciate the exchange and welcome the common ground of humanity. Creative Tourism UNESCO has made its mark in various projects that promote tourism: Creative Tourism is a modern concept in which the tourists are educated by way of interactive participation with the place and the culture of its citizens. This Creative city network program was started in October 2004. It provides an authentic and memorable experience as the visitor not only gets an insight into the place but also the people and their culture. UNESCO has helped develop a network of cities to enhance the economy of these places with the help of Creative Tourism. This creative program helps in encouraging the local talent of the place with regards to art, music and crafts and the creativity is tapped to further tourism and helps the economy as well. Tom Borrup 2001 feels that, the current popularity of “creative city” has more to do with the structured planning that would enable the present as well as the future state of cities handle the problems and challenges brought about by globalization. This statement is further clarified by Mike Robinson who says in his report that UNESCO has exemplified its role to act as an intermediator to all government, non government bodies, private sectors and the society in general and virtualizing its concepts, strategies and goals to encourage and establish cultural diversity. Eco Tourism Is a relatively new concept that helps in promoting globalization and preserving local eco system, which could be harmed by the influx of tourists. UNESCO helped by promoting educated programs that created awareness in the more affluent tourists However Britton (1982) would like to argue that the third world countries have lost the focus on the countries economics as the original economic framework is diverted and compromised to benefit the commercial market. To emphasize this Meethan (2001) in his report adds that the local community along with its culture becomes mere commercialized products being valued by the onlooker. The critical view is that UNESCO can be more considerate and benefit by cooperating with local government bodies in developing sustainable ecotourism as the local community would have values that they may not want to market in the name of eco tourism. However UNESCO has endeavored to preserve and maintain ecologically fragile places making them accessible without causing damage to the surrounding ecological system. Mark Robinson (2006) is very clear that UNESCO must have a planned approach when they take the initiative to make nature a product of tourism. They must take into consideration with entirety of the situation and move forward carefully in order to maintain the sensitivity of the community along with the ecological development that promotes the program. UNESCO Past Since inception the founding activities of UNESCO has been education for the culture of peace. The publication by UNESCO-CEPES was significant in propagating the education for culture of peace and human rights. As far as tourism is concerned one of UNESCO’s flagship projects was on World Heritage Centre which became very popular with almost 186 countries signing in. UNESCO’s help in relocating the awesome temple of Abu Simbel to save the monument from flooding was a milestone in stressing the fact that UNESCO can play a catalytic role in preservation of heritage sites. The past actions taken by UNESCO with relation to travel are extensive. They have implemented the latest technology with regards to visitor flow management. Urban tourism was encouraged with proper care taken towards maintaining the local heritage properties and community. UNESCO Present UNESCO has made its mark in various projects that promote tourism. All the projects involve education programs to raise awareness and getting the local communities involved in the conservation and heritage programs. It is these activities that promise to preserve the heritage sites along with its cultural heritages and make them accessible to the current tourists while making sure they remain preserved for all future visitors to enjoy as well. Mounir Bouchenaki (2006) emphasizes that “UNESCO is resolutely engaged, alongside its Member States, the private sector and civil society, and in cooperation with the relevant agencies of the United Nations, in promoting the sustainability of development in tourism, which, as we know, preserves cultural diversity and the dialogue among cultures. Recommendations According to experts improvements can be made on information available on potential tourists with better interpretation of places and sites. Conservation statistics like surveys and maps with regards to protecting the property to be made available. This would give an estimate of the tolerance of a particular heritage site with respect to the number of tourists that it can accommodate without being endangered. This can be done with the assistance of conservators. Development of tourism activity should be done with proper guidelines in collaboration with the local government. School systems should inculcate the values of heritage properties to educate the future generation about the endangered sites they need to preserve in order to carry on the culture and traditions while living in the reflection of its past glory. Conclusion UNESCO along with various other organizations has initiated an interactive dialogue between countries, brought into place policies and development procedures that has been instrumental the sustainable development. Tourism plays a vital role in bringing together diverse cultures and people and in certain ways is an exchange program that brings the world together. This intermingling and interaction needs proper planning and coordination if we need to benefit from the movement, this is where UNESCO provides for with its expertise in the industry. UNESCO is instrumental in tapping the resources of tourism through its indigenous methods and creating a special place for the current visitors and helps in preserving the sites for all future travelers as well. It strives to bring a balanced and harmonious journey through the networks which bring the places of the world closer. Works Cited RRMiller. TourismROI. March 04, 2010.The travel and tourism management and investment resource. 7th April, 2010. Available at: http://www.tourismroi.com/InteriorTemplate.aspx?ID=35224&ReturnURL2=%2FDestinationTemplate3B.aspx%3FFolder%3D2362278%26Name%3DSustainable%2520Tourism. [Accessed 7 April 2010] UNESCO Press. DIRECTOR-GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF TOURISM IN HERITAGE PRESERVATION. 7th April, 2010. 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