Research Background

In 2018, the total number of global tourists reached 12.1 billion. Tourism is a major source of economic growth, employment and income for many countries, particularly developing countries. It can contribute directly or indirectly to the achievement of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular to SDG 8 “promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”, SDG 12 “ensuring sustainable consumption and production “, and SDG 14 “conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”.

World Heritage Sites are likely the most popular tourist destinations. If properly utilized, tourism can become the driving force for the protection of World Heritage Sites. However, there are many issues to consider to reach a balance between heritage protection and tourism development. In 2012, at the 36th World Heritage Committee, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee formally adopted the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Project (WH+ST) coordinated by the World Heritage Centre.