UNESCO and cruise operator Seabourn have announced a six-year, $1m partnership agreement aimed at reinforcing protection for World Heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
“With this partnership, UNESCO and Seabourn truly demonstrate our shared commitment in safeguarding World Heritage by promoting sustainable tourism at these iconic destinations,” said Irina Bokova, Director-general of UNESCO.
“The partnership enables us to reach the travelling public with our conservation message, which is universal in scope and so important to the dialogue and mutual understanding that are needed to nurture a culture of peace.”
The partnership will work to foster wider support and understanding in the travel industry and among travelers, for UNESCO’s mission of identifying, safeguarding and promoting World Heritage sites.
Seabourn has committed to providing $1m for UNESCO as part of this agreement, in support of the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme.
Under the new alliance, Seabourn will offer passengers visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites deeper insight and behind-the-scenes information about these properties, and exclusive enhanced content on World Heritage.
In addition, fares for Seabourn excursions that include World Heritage sites will include a donation to UNESCO’s World Heritage Fund.
“Seabourn is proud to be partnering with UNESCO to promote and support sustainable tourism,” said Seabourn President Richard D. Meadows.
“Through this partnership we are committed to providing our guests with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the many World Heritage sites we visit around the world and the important work UNESCO is doing.”
Seabourn currently includes over 150 World Heritage sites in its itineraries.
[mappress] June 17, 2014; Image: Seabourn