Projekt Visegrad
Project ID #: 22120090
Title: UNESCO sites – balanced and sustainable tourism development
Approved funding: 30,400.00 EUR
The project addresses the issue of tourism in regard to sustainability and balancing the attractivity and commerce and keeping the genius loci of the unique site. The pre-research among the smaller UNESCO sites in all 4 countries revealed similar issues: the main problem in this respect is lack of understanding of the issues of sustainability in a long-term period, lack of objective facts and evidence for argumentation (inhabitants, funding applications, cooperation,…), and difficulties to monitor the development (overtourism, quality of visitors, space for inhabitants,…). The number of sites listed on the UNESCO list grew in the last years in Central Europe. Some sites were not able to manage the position resulting from the worldwide attractivity and the need for regulation was obvious. International tourism is paralyzed now, however, the desire to travel will increase again. The break can be taken as an opportunity for educating the managers and workers and to develop a new approach to managing tourism destinations with sustainable visions. From the respondents, 30% are only partially satisfied with the changes the UNESCO brought to their cities and towns. This project can help to develop the communication and discussion, to give the real arguments for applications, and advocate the decisions.
The participating partners are:
Prague University of Economics and Business (leading partner)
The Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE), founded in 1953, is the biggest public university in the field of economics and business in the Czech Republic. VŠE has six faculties offering applicants a broad spectrum of bachelor, master, PhD and MBA study programmes. The Faculty of International Relations (FIR) is one of the largest faculties at the Prague University of Economics and Business. There are two main directions in both teaching and research: International Business and International Politics and Diplomacy. Other programs, focusing on Business and Law, International Politics and Diplomacy or Tourism also play an inevitable role. The key distinctive feature of FIR is high level of internationalization at all stages with strong emphasis on language knowledge of students.
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan
Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań is the major academic institution in Greater Poland (Wielkopolska region) and one of the top Polish universities. AMU is ranked 3 in Poland and 801-1000 in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. AMU is in the world 5% best universities. They accomplish scientific excellence through a variety of research, innovative learning and academic programs, participation in international projects and a creation of social impact. The tourism program is the best academic program in tourism in Poland (independent source). The involved partners are experts in analyzing tourism potential of cities and regions, are strong in methodology and deal with cultural tourism, tourism development plans and tourism in central European region.
Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
MBU is a centre of research excellence and scientific projects. Internationalisation of research is an essential element of most research projects. MBU is perceived as a strong national university of international importance. Its status has been achieved due to its high quality of education, successful placement of graduates on the labour market, international co-operation and co-operation with the practice. The Department of tourism has been offering study of tourism for 56 years and is member of numerous international organizations. The department concentrates its research on sustainable tourism, socially responsible behaviour, cultural tourism, destination management organizations etc. These topics are highly valuable for the project.
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE) is not just an educational institution, but a centre of science, practice and innovation with a 100-year history. We were the first in Hungary to start teaching tourism and catering students at the university. At the same time, the institution is involved in tourism research with professionals from the sector. There are also 3 World Heritage sites in our region, where former students are involved in professional work. The protection of cultural heritage at regional and national level is a priority of our activities. We also involve our students in research and it is important to have an international perspective on the subject and its methodology.