WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE SITES IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE BALKAN REGION AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

GEORGI GEORGIEV

MARIA VASILEVA

 

Abstract

The World Heritage Sites are properties which bear testimony to outstanding values in terms of their cultural and natural significance for the people all over the world. They represent a living relation with the past and will be the testament of the mankind for the future generations. Their promotion and popularization by means of sustainable tourism can result in positive effects in two ways – on the one hand it will enhance tourism development and profitability while on the other hand it will ensure site conservation at the very same time. The aim of this paper is to emphasize on the opportunities for the countries within the Balkan region to integrate the world heritage they possess into their overall tourism vision. By means of cross-border coordination and cohesive efforts in sustainable tourism policy and management, the Balkan countries could turn into attractive destination thanks to their cultural and natural authenticity and uniqueness.

 

Key words

World Heritage Convention, World Heritage List, World Heritage area, World Heritage itinerary

 

References

Georgiev, G., 2008, National and Natural Parks and Reserves in Bulgaria, Sofia, pp.24-28
Krastev, T., 2000, International Workshop “Cultural Itineraries of South-Eastern Europe”, Sofia,
Pedersen Arthur, 2002, Managinig Tourism at World Heritage Sites: A Practical Manual for World Heritage Site Managers, Paris
Council of Europe Cultural Routes, www.coe.int
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2008, World Heritage Information Kit, Paris
World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org/en/list

 

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