Tourism for International Understanding

Tourism for International Understanding Cordoba, 31 October 2007 Tourism can be an efficient tool to advance international peace and understanding. Tourism is growing steadily and needs to be viewed in its social, cultural and ethical dimensions and therefore in its potential contribution to the Alliance of Civilizations. This was at the heart of the three-day ‘International Conference on Tourism, Religions and the Dialogue of Cultures’, held in Cordoba, Spain. Tourism shares with religions and civilizations values such as tolerance, respect of diversity, respect of nature, rediscovery of oneself and of the others. Given its sustained growth and resilience, the sector is in fact in the ideal position to contribute to facing the main global challenges of our societies. Tourism has become an integral part of modern societies, a true mass phenomenon of out time. According to the latest UNWTO figures, 2007 is set to be the fourth year in a row with a growth rate around 5%, clearly above the long-term average of 4.1%. Thus, while 846 million international arrivals were registered in 2006, UNWTO’s 2020 forecast expects around 1.6 billion international arrivals. Against this background, the Conference explored the various dimensions of the relationship between tourism and inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue; studied national examples of religious tourism, including cross-country pilgrimages, spiritual routes and networks; and discussed the sustainability and management challenges of religious tourism destinations. Some of the main conclusions and outcomes of the Conference include: Given its present and expected growth, tourism represents a real tool to complement economic development with a real contribution to the Alliance of Civilizations. Religious and cultural tourism is clearly on the rise worldwide, as was reflected in the diversity of backgrounds of the participants, coming from every continent of the world and representatives from all faiths. The immense variety of religious tourism destinations, the diversity and specificity of sanctuaries and sacred sites calls on the importance of promoting the sustainable development of religious destinations through sound congestion management of sites and places of worship, and improved safeguard and conservation of religious heritage. A dynamic relationship between religious and cultural heritage values needs to be developed in order to serve the interests of residents, tourists and the religious community. The authenticity and the core feature of religious sites and cultural routes need to be maintained, while the importance of intangible heritage and ancient traditions must be communicated efficiently to bring visitors closer to the values and spirituality of the host community. The ‘International Conference on Tourism, Religions and the Dialogue of Cultures’ was convened by UNWTO and supported by the Government of Spain. This first ever Conference on these issues brought together around 300 participants from over 80 countries and international organizations, including public and private stakeholders, the academic community and religious leaders from all faiths. For further information please contact: UNWTO Media Section T: (34) 91-567-8194 / (34) 91-567-8100 / F: (34) 91-567-8218 comm@unwto.org - www.unwto.org