???Unique Approach to Balancing Tourism and Heritage Preservation????

We have been in Valencia at the inaugural World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage Global Leaders’ Summit 2023. Two thought provoking days packed with discussions and presentations focusing on the importance of preserving cultural legacies themed around ‘Celebrating our Past – Securing our Future’.?Here are some key highlights of the sessions and we are looking forward to future summits and the planned report card that will track progress following commitments this year to ensure accountability from the leaders in attendance.

?Iceland – A Cultural Powerhouse?

Iceland, with its commitment to protecting heritage, offers a shining example of how to balance tourism growth with cultural preservation. The Land of Fire and Ice with its captivating landscapes and rich heritage, has found a way to harmonise tourism growth with cultural preservation.?

Ahead of its time, the destination created the Icelandic Pledge promoting responsible tourism back in 2017 and has recently renewed its celebration of the ancient manuscripts containing the Icelandic Sagas, described as ‘Europe’s most important book’ – a source of national pride and identity, inspiring a wealth of authors, from J.R.R. Tolkien to Terry Pratchett to create modern classics rooted in Icelandic mythology, testament to the literary achievements of the Icelandic people with their enduring impact on world literature.

Beyond its natural beauty Iceland's rich cultural tapestry is being shared with the world through a wide range of artistic exports; whether through music, film, art, fashion, design, or literature, Iceland's creative spirit continues to captivate and inspire audiences globally, reinforcing its position as a cultural powerhouse on the international stage.

In her session exploring how destinations are preserving their culture and heritage through the lens of tourism, Debbie Flynn, FINN Partners Managing Partner, Global Travel Lead concluded "Iceland is a prime example of an organised collective effort between communities, organisations and governmental decisions to preserve and?promote cultural heritage".?

Belize – Creating Cultural Corridors

Another FINN client also took centre stage as a shining example of balancing tourism and heritage preservation. The Belize Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism were active participants in the WTACH Global Leaders Summit and presented to the audience two great examples of cultural corridors in development.

The Garifuna trail – launching in 2024, the trail is a community based initiative that gives the Garifuna people a platform to share their music and dancing, artisan product, museums and food culture. This is a great example of the regeneration of the cultural heritage, but it is also a great ambitious plan to to revive the Garifuna language and keep the younger generation closer to their roots.?

The second cultural corridor is based in the north of Belize. Beyond the famous Lamanai ruins, there's a hidden gem along the river in Yo Creek, where real ancestors of the Yucatec Maya people reside.?

The exciting development by a local landowner and Mayan high priestess aims to re-create a court for the ancient ball game of Pok-ta-Pok and even host its world cup!

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