Page 7 - World Heritage and Tourism Innovation

Introduction

Tadeja Jere Jakulin
University of Primorska, Slovenia
tadeja.jerejakulin@fts.upr.si

Preserving and promoting our shared cultural and pressures and developmental needs. The fourth con-
natural heritage has become a complex and pressing clusion delves into community issues, probing the
challenge in a rapidly changing world. The delicate concept of ‘community’ itself and emphasising the
balance between safeguarding the past and stimulat- need to measure host communities’ Local Area Car-
ing economic growth through tourism has spurred rying Capacity (LAC). This section raises the critical
intense discussions, exchanges of ideas, and reflec- concern of how to offset the damage to the quality of
tions. In response to these evolving dynamics, the life in local communities due to tourism, seeking to
UNESCO UNITWIN conference served as a crucible strike a balance between progress and preservation.
of thought, bringing together experts, scholars, and The global pandemic, COVID-19, forms the centre
practitioners from around the globe to deliberate on of attention in the fifth conclusion, underscoring the
the nexus of World Heritage and Tourism Innovation. importance of resilience, preparedness, and risk per-
This book, titled “World Heritage and Tourism In- ception in the tourism sector. This section explores a
novation,” is a compendium of 9 insightful papers that pandemic’s global versus global handling and encour-
emerged from the conference, shedding light on the ages us to draw lessons from past experiences. The
multifaceted and intricate issues at the intersection of sixth conclusion delves into the role of creativity and
heritage and tourism. The general conclusions drawn innovation in addressing the challenges of heritage
from the conference discussions offer a framework and tourism. It poses a fundamental question – are
for exploring these complexities. The first conclusion creativity and innovation the real solutions, or have
underscores that sustainability is not an absolute term they become mere buzzwords? The section empha-
but rather a relative one, always leaving us with the sises the need to raise awareness, particularly among
pressing question of attainability. Moving from the stakeholders and the youth, fostering a sense of stabil-
noble ideology of sustainability to its practical imple- ity in the face of constant change. Lastly, the seventh
mentation remains a formidable challenge. This issue conclusion dives into digitalisation and the complex
raises questions about the feasibility of our aspirations dynamics of “smart destinations.” It highlights the
and the real-world hurdles we must surmount. The ambiguity surrounding technology gaps, issues of dig-
interrelationship between heritage and tourism forms ital literacy, and the cost and availability of technology
the focal point of the second conclusion. It delves into in heritage and tourism. This section advocates for a
the transformative processes where heritage becomes delicate balance between digital and physical services,
a commodity for tourists and, conversely, where tour- encouraging the fusion of digital tools and “soft tour-
ism begins to shape and influence the very essence of ism” experiences.
heritage. This mutual influence raises questions about As you embark on this journey through the papers
whose heritage it truly is, often turning heritage sites in this volume, you will gain a deeper understanding
into contested spaces and emphasising the dependen- of the intricate relationship between world heritage
cy on tourism income. The third conclusion empha- and tourism innovation, exploring the challenges and
sises the management and planning issues surround- opportunities of an ever-evolving world. These con-
ing World Heritage Sites and Properties. It calls for clusions represent a compass guiding our efforts to
a vigilant approach to monitoring changes and safe- navigate the dynamic landscape of heritage preserva-
guarding authenticity in the face of evolving tourist tion and sustainable tourism in the 21st century.

Proceedings of the 7th UNESCO UNITWIN Conference | 3