Brand new, Interpret Europe’s Tourism Team has just entered the stage. We are looking for members who would like to join forces in order to develop the wide and promising field of heritage interpretation and tourism.
Memorable visits to heritage sites (cultural and natural) are sought by tourists and other heritage visitors. But high quality visits depend on skilful interpretation. Heritage interpretation, heritage conservation and heritage tourism are bedfellows and mutually dependant though. As it is understood, the link between heritage and tourism seeks for cultural significance and people’s willingness to search for a deeper meaning in their heritage.
That is why I cordially invite you to participate in the recently created Tourism Team. It is aimed at highlighting the social and educational value of interpreting heritage as a key component of sustainable tourism. Along with sensation, perception and representation of tourism sites, heritage interpretation is a crucial step in processing information as part of the communication process between legacy and people shared in their free time.
In 2018, the European Year of Cultural Heritage will generate many spaces to deeply discuss and walk further into related links between heritage, sustainable tourism and social cohesion. A big motivation for collaboration in a collective road map and a chance to be part of the new path towards heritage and tourism.
Therefore, we will work on the basis of building knowledge and inspiring innovation. Promoting excellence in the practice of heritage interpretation and gaining wider recognition of interpretation as a professional activity within cultural tourism. The Tourism Team aims to be a key forum for anyone interested in naturally and culturally significant features and how to enrich their relation to tourism.
Together we will stay current to the latest related information, we will put all efforts into strengthening Interpret Europe and be part of a paradigm change on how heritage plays an important role in getting people engaged with their local community and connecting them with their past as part of the tourism phenomenon.
I really appreciate the effort you have put in since you became a member of Interpret Europe. I know you have been putting in a lot of extra time, and you are truly inspiring and getting the most out of it. Today I am calling new members to be part of the Tourism Team in order to facilitate discussion and exchange of ideas, encourage excellence in heritage interpretation and develop and recognise best practices.
I am looking forward to your participation, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Nuria Mohedano is Interpret Europe’s Tourism Coordinator. She is a Sustainable Tourism Project Consultant for rural areas and an active part of Ecoturismo CLM, a non-profit organisation that promotes and develops ecotourism in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain).
You can get in touch with her at: nuria.mohedano@interpret-europe.net
