Tourism Indochina:Tourists to Asia Pacific spoiled by listing of eight new World Heritage Sites

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance. The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 states parties which are elected by their General Assembly.

The program catalogues, names, and conserves sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. Under certain conditions, listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund. The programme was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on November 16, 1972. Since then, 186 states party have ratified the convention.

As of 2011, 936 sites are listed: 725 cultural, 183 natural, and 28 mixed properties, in 153 States Parties. Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites to date with 47 sites inscribed on the list. UNESCO references each World Heritage Site with an identification number; but new inscriptions often include previous sites now listed as part of larger descriptions. As a result, the identification numbers exceed 1200 even though there are fewer on the list.

While each World Heritage Site remains part of the legal territory of the state wherein the site is located, UNESCO considers it in the interest of the international community to preserve each site.

Tourism Indochina:Tourists to Asia Pacific spoiled by listing of eight new World Heritage Sites

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2008-07-16):

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN) - Tourists heading to Asia Pacific this coming summer can now follow the trail of seven new World Heritage Sites, following the latest official listing by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Quebec, Canada on Monday.


The sites in Asia Pacific listed are the Kuk Early Agriculture Site (Papua New Guinea), Chief Roi Mata's Domain (Vanuatu), Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia), Le Morne Cultural Landscape (Mauritius), Fujian Tulou and Mount Sanqingshan National Park (both in China).George Town and Malacca join two other listed sites, Mulu Caves and Kinabalu National Park, as Malaysia's new World Heritage Sites. The recognition marks the end of an almost 20-year odyssey, started in 1998 by Malaysia to have both sites listed by UNESCO.


Looking forward to the tourist spin-offs following listing of both cities, Shafie Apdal, Malaysia's minister for culture, arts and heritage, said the hotel, transport and food industries in both sites will further thrive with the world recognition. "Some of our historical sites are around 400 years old, especially those in Malacca. This recognition can also dispel the notion that we live on trees, or Malaysia isn't safe."Malaysia, according to Apdal, will be inviting foreign expertise to preserve George Town and Malacca. "It will be of value to experts conducting studies on history."


Lim Guan Eng, chief minister of Penang, said a committee will be formed so the state can fulfill and comply with the "parameters" of a living heritage and cultural site, in addition to the expected surge in historical and heritage tourism.The challenge now, is to prevent heritage buildings from being left derelict, or modernized into glass boxes," said Dr. Choong Sim Poey, president of Penang Heritage Trust.


In recognition of their listing status, the sites listed will now be eligible for financial assistance and expert advice from the World Heritage Committee to support activities for the preservation of its sites.


By Yusof Sulaiman

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/