Baku hosts international architecture forum
By Mirsaid Ibrahimzade
The International Architecture Forum “Mass Tourism in Historic Cities” organized for the first time in Baku by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan (UAA), is held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on June 7-9.
At the beginning, he participants of the event got acquainted with the exhibition organized in the foyer of the Center.
Addressing the forum, Assistant to the President for Economic Issues Ali Asadov read the letter of President Ilham Aliyev to the participants.
Chairman of UAA Board, Honored Architect of Azerbaijan Elbay Gasimzada noted the active participation of UAA in the work of UIA and said that events, competitions and festivals of international importance are held in Baku in the field of architecture and great importance is attached to strengthening the position and role of architects in society.
It was noted that the decision to hold the forum was taken on March 29 last year at a meeting of President Ilham Aliyev with the senior management of UIA. The main objective of the forum is to study the directions of rapid development of tourism, analyze existing and potential public policies for protecting cultural heritage, consider today's architecture as a future heritage, prepare a list of samples of modern architecture for UNESCO World Heritage status, convenient rules on sustainable tourism, and a network of historic cities influencing mass tourism.
Speaking at the event, UIA President Thomas Vonier and Michel Julian, Senior Officer at Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness Department of UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), emphasized significance of the forum and brought to attention that inexpensive travel possibilities create problems for the tourism industry. As a result, mass tourism is becoming destructive and leads to demographic changes, discontent of the local population, price increase, loss of historical heritage and cultural identity.
The forum discusses ways to solve possible problems as a result of mass tourism in historic cities. A dialogue between architects and authorities has been established to achieve harmony between historic cities and tourists.
In general the forum consists of 5 panel discussions. First one entitled “Uses and maintenance of heritage” was held on June 7. Panelists discussed mechanisms for restoration and/or conservation of historical cities, including adapting the uses of heritage as a means to its maintenance and accessibility. The discussion also considered how to ensure the local community’s sense of ownership of the city.
Panel discussion 2 “Tourism sector and digital tools” and Panel discussion 3 “Economic factors” and Panel discussion 4 “Regulatory measures” will be held on June 8.
Panel discussion 2 will focus on the important role of tourism professionals in the development of responsible tourism and the use of technology as a means to monitor and regulate tourism flows. Emphasis will be placed on boosting collaboration between tourism companies and cities with regards to tourism management and marketing strategies.
Panel discussion will centre on how tourism affects the economy, the consumer habits of residents, and the city’s infrastructure.
Panelists will analyze how to develop a financial and social plan to protect the city’s heritage, develop human capital, build local institutional capacity, improve employment practices, and protect traditional commerce and residential diversity.
Fourth discussion named “Regulatory measures” will serve as an examination of the existing and suggested norms and regulations implemented by the municipalities or local governments trying to control tourism in historic cities.
This will include how cities monitor the impact of tourism and how they implement strategic plans for the protection of the city’s identity and integrity.
The last, fifth panel discussion “Education and awareness” will be held on June 9 and speakers will discuss approaches to advising children, residents and tourists on how to use heritage in a responsible manner.
This session will focus on raising awareness regarding the benefits of public, private and community partnership.
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Mirsaid Ibrahimzade is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @MirsaidIbrahim1
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