Back to news
15 Mar 2016 | KSL

Thematic Tourism Routes Foster Regional Collaboration and Prosperity

2 mins Read

70% Complete
Mr Notarianni presents Heritage Tourism in the ICIMOD initiative ‘Kailash Sacred Landscape’

During the 23rd edition of the South Asia’s Tourism and Travel Show (SATTE) 2016 by the United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development took part in the perspectives business session “The relevance of thematic tourism routes in fostering regional collaboration and prosperity”  The event was held in Delhi in late January. Alla Peressolova, Head of the UNWTO Silk road Program, presented the Transnational Thematic Routes and new opportunities for regional cooperation and development. ICIMOD Senior Tourism Specialist, Marcello Notarianni, spoke on Heritage Tourism route sharing and trans-boundary landscape initiatives of the Hindu-Kush Himalaya range. Notarianni focused on the Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) initiative, sharing activities undertaken on heritage tourism as a key livelihood option for mountain communities and an important tool to protect and promote natural and cultural heritage.

The panel discussion, ‘The relevance of thematic tourism routes in fostering regional collaboration and prosperity’ included Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Shirani Weerakoon, Additional Secretary,Ministry of Tourism Development & Christian Religious Affairs, Sri Lanka, Subhash Goyal, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing APAC, TripAdvisor and Marcello Notarianni of ICIMOD.

A lively panel discussion ‘The relevance of thematic tourism routes in fostering regional collaboration and prosperity’

During the panel discussion, the importance of fulfilling the four pillars of sustainability into thematic tourism routes, specifically heritage, the religion, safety of the visitors and local cultural protection was emphasised. Other panelists spoke of the importance of strengthening partnerships and support frameworks for cooperation between countries, destinations and private sector, supporting branding initiatives, and improving the VISA travel facilitation with the support of the Governments and International Organizations. Engaging in thematic tours could also encourage visitors to provide feedback and share their stories online.

Developing a thematic route involving all local stakeholders could greatly increase visitor understanding, appreciation and satisfaction. Thematic tourism routes guarantee a balanced approach between tourism promotion and heritage protection.

Notarianni said the broader the model, the harder it is to implement, and an international route is a big model.

‘An integrated approach like KSL initiative could find a good balance, but always rely on the commitment of the local government to ensure the protection of cultural and natural heritage” Notarianni said. Panelists agreed using sustainable and responsible tourism models in developing a thematic tourism routes was important for the benefit of local people linked the to the tourism business.

Stay current

Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.

Sign Up

Related content

Continue exploring this topic

25 Dec 2015 News
ICIMOD Scientists Contribute to Managing Energy, Water and Food Security Challenges in Pakistan

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) organized the 31st Annual General Meeting and Conference of the 

18 Jul 2019 News
Combining top–down and bottom–up: Designing a watershed management plan for Dhankuta Municipality

In the first consultation meeting with the vice mayor, there was a consensus that the conservation of water sources is ...

14 Dec 2015 Atmosphere Initiative
Motivating Journalists on Atmospheric Issues

  Twenty eight highly motivated journalists from eight countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region —Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, ...

10 Sep 2017 News
Pakistani Officials Support Early Flood Warning System Implementation in Gilgit Baltistan

To manage hazards in the region, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Pakistan and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), with ...

Emissions Study to Differentiate Characteristics of Paddy and Wheat Crop Residue Burning

Mehra collected wheat residue samples from the same districts, Kapilvastu and Rupendehi, where she had collected the paddy residue samples ...

A New Way Forward for Brick Kilns in Nepal

  The destruction of brick kilns caused by the massive earthquake earlier this April damaged approximately 110 chimneys in the valley. ...

17 Aug 2018 HUC
Yunnan University Hosts Second HUC Water Group Meeting

Established in November 2017, the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) Thematic Working Group on Water (Water Group) is a regional initiative ...

5 Apr 2016 News
China and ICIMOD’s Growing Alliance

Strategic Cooperation between NSFC and ICIMOD The bilateral workshop ‘NSFC-ICIMOD Strategic Cooperation’ was held 31 March - 1 April following a ...