Issue

Description

C.1.

The company follows established guidelines or a code of behaviour for visits to culturally or historically sensitive sites, in order to minimize visitor impact and maximize enjoyment.

Rationale

Respect for local cultures and historic locations must be observed along with understanding and minimizing the impact on built and natural environments caused by increased visitor activity. 

Education about local and indigenous people’s cultural customs, mores, and beliefs as well as appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviour will contribute to overall appreciation of the site and local community pride.

Key requirements

·       Follows guidelines or code

Potential indicator

·       Company policy includes established guideline or code of behavior

·       Changes in site based on annual assessment

Type

·       Process. Qualitative

Data Sources

·      Company policy

·      Interviews with community leaders

·      Social impact assessment and follow up reports

Comments

Issue

Description

C.2.

Historical and archeological artifacts are not sold, traded, or displayed, except as permitted by law.

Rationale

Sustainable tourism aims to protect and embrace the uniqueness of a destination. Norms, regulations and conventions exist to protect historical and archeological artifacts from international trade exploitation.  With lax enforcement and interested markets, tourism businesses are critical in protecting these artifacts while promoting the area’s heritage.

Key requirements

·       Legal compliance

Potential indicator

·       Number of incidents/reports regarding inappropriate use of artifacts

·       Company policy exists (yes/no)

·       Company policy is implemented and executed effectively (yes/no)

Type

·       Process.  Qualitative

Data Sources

·      Invoices with legal authorization

·      Review of physical grounds

Comments

Issue

Description

C.3.

The business contributes to the protection of local historical, archeological, culturally, and spiritually important properties and sites, and does not impede access to them by local residents.

Rationale

Cultural and historical heritage are an important component of a destination’s attractiveness and should be conserved to ensure their enjoyment for future generations.

Collaboration with local residents and preservation bodies ensures that tourism-related activities do not damage sites or prevent local people from visiting or using them. Preservation and enhancement of local cultural and historical assets increase the tourism experience and make the product offering stronger.

Key requirements

·       Protection of properties and site

·       Provides access

Potential indicator

·       Monetary and in kind contribution to the protection of important properties and sites per unit sector activity (e.g. per guest-night)

·       Number and percentage of local population that accesses properties and sites

·       Percentage change in cost for locals to access

Type

·       Performance.  Quantitative

Data Sources

·      Business internal records

·      Local tourism authority

·      Interviews with community leaders

Comments

Issue

Description

C.4.

The business uses elements of local art, architecture, or cultural heritage in its operations, design, decoration, food, or shops; while respecting the intellectual property rights of local communities.

Rationale

Utilizing aspects of the local culture wherever possible increases ties to neighbouring community and promoting the destination’s unique character provides an incentive to preserve unique skills that may otherwise vanish. 

The communication between community leaders and companies is the key point to ensure a respectful use of local culture (e.g. sacred elements) and avoid possible wrong interpretations, conflicts, and undesirable commoditization.

Key requirements

·       Use local

·       Respect intellectual property

Potential indicator

·       Number of incidents/reports of exploiting local intellectual property

·       B.3 Indicators are also applicable

Type

·       Process.  Qualitative

Data Sources

·      Company internal documents including purchasing policy

·      Interviews with local community members including authorities, business leaders

Comments