A Highest Purpose of Archaeology -Towards a Future Worthy of our Children

How could an archaeologist become ambassador of peace? This opinion paper collects some of the considerations underlying my academic works on the relationship between archaeology and human development. After a relatively short period of excavations in Europe (some years), I have chosen to ask myself what could possibly be the meaning of the archaeological research and the value of the archaeological remains for the society, beyond the role traditionally attributed to archaeology. Such a question catapulted me in a journey, a lifelong project based on the belief that archaeology - and cultural heritage in general - can effectively be one of the pillars of the so-called human development, and even vehicle of intercultural dialogue, global mutual understanding and peace. Perhaps, this can be considered one of the new skills of the archaeologists of the third millennium, that of linking dimensions apparently distant from that of archaeology, such as the policy of integration of migrants and refugees, the boost of intercultural skills for locals and visitors, the promotion of global mutual understanding and the creation of peace. And get ready to embrace the challenge of a higher purpose of archaeology

In War We Trust (?) Why Today's Tourism Does Not Promote Global Peace and Security

Tourism does not flourish in areas subject to armed conflict and strong, violent socio-political instability. This axiom has obvious implications on the debate in tourism studies on the risks associated with armed conflicts. The question therefore remains as to how (and if) tourism can contribute to the reduction of global conflicts. This chapter reflects on how the men and women perceive tourism (from both supply and demand side) in this specific period of “End of History” (Fukuyama, 1992). Does tourism reflect the Kantian idea of hospitality in the context of a Perpetual Peace – thus a force for good - or is it just another instrument at the service of neo-liberalism and unbridled economism? Finally, a possible alternative is proposed for the use of tourism in reducing structural and cultural violence

In War We Trust (?) Why Today's Tourism Does Not Promote Global Peace and Security

Tourism does not flourish in areas subject to armed conflict and strong, violent socio-political instability. This axiom has obvious implications on the debate in tourism studies on the risks associated with armed conflicts. The question therefore remains as to how (and if) tourism can contribute to the reduction of global conflicts. This chapter reflects on how the men and women perceive tourism (from both supply and demand side) in this specific period of “End of History” (Fukuyama, 1992). Does tourism reflect the Kantian idea of hospitality in the context of a Perpetual Peace – thus a force for good - or is it just another instrument at the service of neo-liberalism and unbridled economism? Finally, a possible alternative is proposed for the use of tourism in reducing structural and cultural violence

The role of cultural heritage quality management for the promotion of intercultural dialogue and peace thorugh tourism

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Cultural Heritage Quality Management. Analysis of archaeological heritage managers’ perception

With this work we propose to analyze the perception of the concept of quality by managers of museums and archaeological sites. To this end, we chose to analyze some heritage areas open to the public and certified by HERITY - World Organisation for the Certification of Quality Management of Cultural Heritage, the only international certification of this kind which has been officially recognized by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization. The application of the principles of quality and Total Quality Management to cultural heritage management is part of the efforts towards a continuous improvement of the cultural tourism offer and - in our opinion – towards an increasing capacity to promote intercultural dialogue between local population and visitors. In this context, we have therefore investigated the perception of quality within the context of cultural heritage management, and how the culture of quality can provide a greater involvement of local communities, contributing to the strengthening of authenticity and destination personality, as well as the promotion of intercultural dialogue between tourists and residents. To answer these questions, we have defined a theoretical model and subsequently carried out an empirical work at European level on the perception of quality by managers of cultural heritage sites, namely archaeological heritage. An in-depth comprehension of areas such as Archeology, Tourism and Quality Management, as well as its role within the broader context of sustainable regional development, are the basis of this work. The latter is intended, in turn, to be a vehicle of reflection within the creation of public policies on territorial management and tourism development. We thus undertook a research line which is still almost unexplored, that is, the analysis of quality principles within the cultural heritage management, their potential and the measurement of their actual impact on the territory, through an integrated approach, by considering in a specular, complex way the two main beneficiaries: residents and tourists

Cultural Heritage Quality Management. Analysis of archaeological heritage managers’ perception

With this work we propose to analyze the perception of the concept of quality by managers of museums and archaeological sites. To this end, we chose to analyze some heritage areas open to the public and certified by HERITY - World Organisation for the Certification of Quality Management of Cultural Heritage, the only international certification of this kind which has been officially recognized by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization. The application of the principles of quality and Total Quality Management to cultural heritage management is part of the efforts towards a continuous improvement of the cultural tourism offer and - in our opinion – towards an increasing capacity to promote intercultural dialogue between local population and visitors. In this context, we have therefore investigated the perception of quality within the context of cultural heritage management, and how the culture of quality can provide a greater involvement of local communities, contributing to the strengthening of authenticity and destination personality, as well as the promotion of intercultural dialogue between tourists and residents. To answer these questions, we have defined a theoretical model and subsequently carried out an empirical work at European level on the perception of quality by managers of cultural heritage sites, namely archaeological heritage. An in-depth comprehension of areas such as Archeology, Tourism and Quality Management, as well as its role within the broader context of sustainable regional development, are the basis of this work. The latter is intended, in turn, to be a vehicle of reflection within the creation of public policies on territorial management and tourism development. We thus undertook a research line which is still almost unexplored, that is, the analysis of quality principles within the cultural heritage management, their potential and the measurement of their actual impact on the territory, through an integrated approach, by considering in a specular, complex way the two main beneficiaries: residents and tourists

Community Engagement, Rural Institutions and Rural Tourism Business in Developing Countries

This chapter considers the specifics of rural institution formation and development of rural tourism business by drawing attention to the ways community engagement can be achieved considering the limitation of rural areas in developing countries. Apart from that, the text is built upon the discussion of current challenges for community engagement and rural tourism businesses and an effort to introduce some considerations in planning institutional and collaborative programmes for rural communities.Explains a complex approach to the phenomenon of rural community involvement in the creation of tourism products within developing countries. Describes current opportunities and risks related to the involvement of local communities within tourism development in rural areas of developing countries. Identifies emerging segments of the tourism development in developing countries. Examines the theoretical and practical state of the art

Stay Human. Celebrating World Tourism Day 2024

In this article, titled "Stay Human. Celebrating World Tourism Day 2024 – Tourism and Peace," I reflect on the distinction between being a traveler and a tourist, and how the essence of travel can truly make tourism an "industry of peace." While tourism has the potential to be a vehicle for peace, this can only happen when we return to its core—travel. I share personal stories and experiences from my journeys that highlight the transformative power of authentic human connections, in contrast to the commodified experiences often sought by tourists. In doing so, I advocate for a shift towards a deeper, more human form of travel, where we embrace our vulnerabilities and rediscover our shared humanity

Tourism and Peace: An In-depth Look at the I National Tourism Summit of Ukraine

A brief report and reflections on the participation in the first forum on tourism development in Ukraine, December 2023

Turismo, património e sustentabilidade: modelo de gestão para sítios arqueológicos

Mestrado em Gestão e Desenvolvimento em TurismoNa sua grande maioria os sítios arqueológicos não têm, para o turista comum, o mesmo valor estético de outras atracções culturais, nem tem o visitante, em muitos casos, a imediata percepção do valor cultural e monumental do lugar. Partindo deste pressuposto, a gestão estratégica e o planeamento do processo de desenvolvimento turístico destas áreas apresenta pelos Heritage Managers um grande número de dificuldades acrescidas, sobretudo no que diz respeito à promoção, apresentação e interpretação do património e, ainda, à utilização do mesmo como instrumento de desenvolvimento sustentável a nível local. O presente estudo propõe a elaboração de um modelo, embora flexível, de gestão e desenvolvimento de sítios arqueológicos ligada ao turismo. Tal modelo assenta numa investigação que se articula na análise das últimas tendências de gestão integrada do território e nos princípios de sustentabilidade, na análise de best practices nacionais e estrangeiras, mas também no estudo do caso, representativo para Portugal, das ruínas de Conimbriga. A análise aprofundada das modalidades e qualidade de gestão permitiu salientar e motivar as falhas encontradas e, consequentemente, fornecer uma série de sugestões e elaborar um modelo para a melhoria dos processos de gestão e desenvolvimento desta área, em particular, e, por extensão, das áreas arqueológicas em geral, sobretudo no que diz respeito à implementação de princípios de sustentabilidade e às formas de apresentação do património arqueológico aos visitantes. Através deste trabalho, queremos afirmar e demonstrar que é possível dar à arqueologia um papel mais importante e dinâmico no processo de desenvolvimento sustentável a nível local, sobretudo através da sua “aliança” com o turismo.Usually, archaeological sites could not have, for the common visitor, the same aesthetic value of other cultural attractions. At the same time, visitors could not have the immediate perception of the real cultural, historic and monumental value of archaeological heritage. Strategic Management and Planning of Tourism Development Process, presents for archaeologists and heritage managers a lot of difficulties, especially about promotion, presentation and interpretation of archaeological heritage and, finally, to use archaeological resources as a dynamic instrument of local sustainable development. This work suggests a new, sustainable and integrated model of archaeological heritage management especially linked with tourism. This model is based on the implementation of principles of sustainability; on the study of the last trends of integrated territory management and national and foreign Best Practices; on a quality management analyse of a representative study case in Portugal: the ruins of Conimbriga. Analyse of the quality of management of this archaeological area permitted to reach out the main problems and “weakness”, and consequently, to elaborate and to suggest a new, better management integrated model, reflecting the principles of sustainability. By this work we claim it is possible to give archaeology a new role into the sustainable development process, trough a strong “alliance” with tourism