World Heritage Sites ...continued
On the positive side, there is much evidence to support the view that WHS Nomination can have a profound effect on the management of visitor destinations, encouraging different agencies to work together more closely and consider site issues more holistically. This usually has the benefit of improving the quality of the experience of visitors which should, in turn, lead to longer stays, higher spend, more repeat business and powerful promotion through personal recommendation. This can lead to the ideal situation of enhanced value without, necessarily, increased volume.
On the positive side, there is much evidence to support the view that WHS Nomination can have a profound effect on the management of visitor destinations, encouraging different agencies to work together more closely and consider site issues more holistically. This usually has the benefit of improving the quality of the experience of visitors which should, in turn, lead to longer stays, higher spend, more repeat business and powerful promotion through personal recommendation. This can lead to the ideal situation of enhanced value without, necessarily, increased volume.
Another very positive aspect of Nomination is the acknowledgement and encouragement thereby afforded to the local community for the work undertaken and a spur to ongoing commitment. World Heritage site status can be a cause of great civic pride.
The Tourism Company’s work on World Heritage sites has been largely focused on the area of visitor management. (UNESCO requires inscribed sites to have in place a management plan.) We have prepared discrete analyses and recommendations on visitor management as part of these formal Management Plans, often working in association with CBA, as well as independent marketing plans for a number of UK sites.
Our visitor management plans have included reviews and recommendations on:
- Site marketing
- Pre-visit information
- Access to the site
- Orientation and access around the site for all users
- Visitor amenities including reception, catering, retailing, washrooms etc
- Events
- Income generation opportunities
- Interpretation by various means, including educational services
- Staffing
- The overall quality of the experience
- Managing visitor impacts on the fabric of the site
- Local community impacts, involving stakeholders
- Encouraging visitors to explore other areas beyond the WHS
- Monitoring tourism impacts, follow-up and feedback from visitors
