Domestic and international tourismcontinues to be among the foremost vehicles for cultural exchange, providing a ersonal experience, not only of that which has survived from the past, but of the  contemporary Iife and society of others. It is increasingly appreciated as a positive force

for natural and cultural conservation. Tourisrn can capture the economic characteristics of the heritage and harness these for conservation by generating funding, educating the community and

influencing policy. It is an essential part of many national and regional economies and can be an important factor in development, when managed successfully. Tourism itself has become an increasingly complex phenomenon, with political, economic,  social, cultural, educational, bio-physical，ecological and aesthetic dimensions. The achievement of a beneficial inter-action

between the potentially conflicting expectations and aspirations of visitors and host or local communities, presents many challenges and opportunities.

In the context, International Cultural Tourism Charter was adopted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) at its 12th General Assembly (Mexico, October 1999), which replaced the 1976 Cultural Tourism Charter.

Objectives of the Charter

The Objectives of the International Cultural Tourism Charter are :

1.    To facilitate and encourage those involved with heritage conservation and management to make the significance of that heritage accessible to the host community and visitors.

2.    To facilitate and encourage those involved with the tourism industry to promote and manage tourism in ways that respect and enhance the heritage and living cultures of host communities.

3.    To facilitate and encourage a dialogue between conservation intersts and the tourism industry about the importance and fragile nature of heritage places, collections and living cultures, including the need to achieve a sustainable future for them.

4.    To encourage those formulating plans and policies to develop detailed, measurable goals an strategies relating to the presentation interpretation of heritage places and cultural activities, in the context of their preservation and conservation.

Principles of the Charter

1.    Since demestic and international tourism is among the foremost vehicles for cultural exchange, conservation should provide responsible and well managed opportunities for members of the host community and visitors to expereince and understand that community’s heritage and culture at first hand.

2.    The relationship between Heritage Places and Tourism is gynamic and may involve conflicting values.

3.    Conservation and Tourism Planning for Heritage Places should ensure that the Visitor Experience will be worthwile, satisfying and enjoyable.

4.    Host communities and indigenous peoples should beinvolved in planning for conservation and tourism.

5.    Tourism and conservation activities should benefit the host community.

6.    Tourism promotion programmes should protect and enhance Natrural and Cultural Heritage characteristics.

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