The
development of a ‘Silk Road Heritage Corridors’ tourism strategy
for Central Asia and China is among the main outcomes of the 3rd
UNWTO Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting held at ITB Travel Trade Show.
With
the support of ITB Berlin, the 3rd Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting
brought together Ministers and Vice Ministers of Tourism from over 20
Silk Road countries and international experts to discuss how to join
forces to further raise the profile of Silk Road tourism, while
safeguarding its exceptional heritage sites and intangible cultural
heritage.
The
event was the ideal backdrop for the announcement of the new joint
UNWTO/UNESCO ‘Silk Road Heritage Corridors’ tourism strategy
project, which will commence in 2013 with the support of UNESCO
Netherlands Funds-in-Trust.
Advancing
collaboration on heritage protection and visa facilitation
The
Meeting emphasised the importance of collaboration between Ministries
of Tourism and Ministries of Culture in managing heritage effectively
and sustainably and underscored the importance of engaging the local
community and stakeholders in building levels of coordination and
dialogue. Community involvement in this framework was highlighted as
a key element in fighting poverty and supporting the UN Millennium
Development Goal (MDGs).
Participants
presented the latest technology in 3D laser scanning and digital
modelling, demonstrating the role that this technology plays in
preserving and maintaining the authenticity of heritage sites while
enhancing the visitor experience.
Furthermore,
the 3rd Silk Road Ministers Meeting represented a milestone in the
promotion of travel facilitation as Ministers expressed their
commitment to improve visa policies and border crossings. In this
regard, Tajikistan announced the opening of the Kulma pass on the
border with China to international visitors, while Kazakhstan stated
its intention to pursue a visa-free Central Asia.
On
7 March, private sector stakeholders had the opportunity to share
best practices and debate key issues at the UNWTO Silk Road Tour
Operators´ Forum, another key annual meeting taking place as part of
the UNWTO programme of Silk Road events supported by ITB Berlin.
