The Winter Academy on Tourism management for UNESCO designated sites in Natural Areas (TUNNA) offers training for policy makers, managers and professionals who are actively engaged in managing tourism in natural sites listed under one of UNESCO programmes (World Heritage, MAB Man and the Biosphere, Global Geoparks). The participation is open also to those who work in natural areas outside these programmes. The Winter Academy is organised by the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development in collaboration with tsm – Trentino School of Management, the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation and the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy.
At the end of the course, participants will acquire a deeper understanding of tourism management in natural areas and gain skills to find effective solutions to the problems of unbalanced tourism development in natural areas. As a result, participants will develop and hone expertise in putting in place successful strategies to drive the change towards sustainable goals within natural and protected areas.
Objectives
The main aims of the Winter Academy are:
- To provide a common interpretation language to discuss projects and local practices aimed at promoting tourism in a more sustainable way;
- To create an intercultural, international environment for sharing, comparing and evaluation of ideas, experiences and work methodologies around tourism management in the UNESCO designated sites in natural areas;
- To experience the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site as a “live stage” for the innovation within public policies that support sustainable development of tourism.
Methodology, framework and focus
The Academy provides a mix of state-of-the art international examples, experts and testimonies, on-site study visits as well as discussions and workshop sessions, creating a lively “community of practice” that allows participants and experts to share experiences and ideas. The Winter Academy fosters a hands-on approach which, as well as introducing participants to the overall conceptual and theoretical framework around the challenges of sustainability and tourism, also invites them to engage proactively and in creative ways with local organisations, institutions and places.
The current megatrends and challenges that affect tourism and the environment such as digital transformation, climate change and the global demographic evolution define the framework of the Winter Academy. Each day, a specific topic will be explored through a relevant dilemma:
- Tourism governance and management in natural areas: private involvement vs. public approach;
- Accessibility and mobility management in fragile and vulnerable natural areas: restrictions vs. free access;
- Emerging touristic business models of value-creation in natural areas: consumption and use vs. knowledge and experience.
International experts and participants will tackle these topics from different points of view, drawing direct connections with the Dolomites area and other examples in order to provide possible local solutions to global challenges. Participants’ case studies submitted by the selected candidates as part of the application process will become an integral part of the training course.
Draft agenda will be soon available.
Working language: English.
Applications
The application process will open in September 2019.
In order to apply, participants must fill in an online application form and provide:
- Personal and professional information.
- Motivations for participating in the Winder Academy.
- A case study (project, programme or initiative, which is currently being implemented or concluded within the last 5 years and is directly related to the Academy’s topics and to the candidate’s professional experience).
- CV in PDF format.
The evaluation committee will carry out the selection process considering all information provided including the case study and CV. In order to complete the enrollment, selected candidates must fill in the enrollment form and pay the admission fee of €500. The admission fee covers the participation in the Academy, full board, accommodation and transportation during the week. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to and from Trento.
The maximum number of participants is 35.
Further information: