Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)
(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).
Accor Ahead | When Cultural Immersion and Preservation Go Hand in Hand
How Hospitality Can Foster Cultural Immersion and
Preserve Heritage
Travel is undergoing a meaningful transformation, with travelers' expectations increasingly shifting from simple sightseeing to the genuine connection with the essence of each destination.
The hospitality sector can play a vital role as both protector and promoter of cultural heritage, ensuring that local traditions and community well-being are preserved amid growing interest from visitors, as travelers themselves are seeking more immersive, authentic experiences - eager to engage with the stories, customs, and daily life that define a place’s unique character.
According to Skift, 82% of travelers feel engaging with the local culture and community significantly enhances their experience, and more than 50% of upscale travelers describe authentic cultural immersion as a key motivator.
This evolving landscape, where culturally immersive experiences offer travelers unique opportunities to connect authentically with local culture and history, is reshaping travel. With heritage sites worldwide increasingly threatened by challenges such as extreme weather and neglect, the imperative to safeguard their legacy has become more pressing than ever.
The hospitality and tourism sectors are uniquely positioned to foster the sustainable growth and resilience of cultural destinations while delivering the immersive experiences that modern travelers crave. This can be achieved, first, by deeply engaging with and celebrating the distinctive heritage of each location, ensuring that its unique story is both valued and shared. Additionally, these sectors can drive meaningful change through strategic initiatives and partnerships that support preservation efforts. At Accor, a prime example of this effort is the three-year collaboration between Accor and the World Monuments Fund (WMF), to raise awareness and support for cultural heritage sites at risk.
Such efforts not only protect invaluable legacies but also enrich the travel experience for generations to come.
