21 August 2020
From July 27 to August 10, a subregional online training on “Destination management and planning” was held for 30 experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The training aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of participants so that they can collectively better manage and develop sustainable tourism in the destinations, with a greater focus on what can be achieved collectively (trans-nationally) across the Silk Road Heritage Corridor.The main focus will primarily be on communicating an understanding of the key concepts underpinning destination management – and whay they are vital to managing tourism both to minimise the negative impacts on host communities and protected heritage sites, but also to maximise the value of such tourism, and to ensure that it benefits host communities, and generates sustainable economic outcomes.
A ‘destination’ is the whole economic ecosystem that makes tourism happen in a place – all of the elements that make tourism possible. Tourism management increasingly focuses strategically on the ‘destination’ rather than individual attractions or sites. It includes a full range of services, products, and experiences, such as transport, accommodation, food, and leisure.
The training was facilitated by James Rebanks, a specialist in sustainable tourism development.
During the training, participants analyzed various case studies of cities, exchanged their experiences and suggestions, and learned to use the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Toolkit. Participants were able to practice their newly acquired skills and knowledge in group exercises and take-home assignments, and received detailed feedback from the instructor.
The program was highly rated by participants and received positive reviews.
The training is organized in the framework of the project "Silk Roads Heritage Corridors in Afghanistan, Central Asia and Iran - International Dimension of the European Year of Cultural Heritage", implemented with financial support from the European Union.
Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/subregional-online-training-on-destination-management-and-planning