News & Columns

Stephen Fry: “Tourism destroys what it cherishes most”

By Karin Elgin-Nijhuis

I am grateful to Stephen Fry for allowing me, co-founder of the Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality, International Conference, to use this thought expressed during his Fry in America travels.

It’s several years ago, but I remember well I was struck by this phrase. It captured so well the essence of my concerns and those of many others while at the same time stirring the question “but does it have to be like this?” and “is heritage not also protected by tourism?”.

Fry’s quote ignited the ambition to help advance knowledge of responsible and valuable tourism.

HTHIC2020, the 4th edition of the conference, will take place on 6-8 April in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The leading question “how can destinations succeed in attracting tourists while simultaneously engaging all stakeholders in contributing to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage?” are more topical than ever.

Join us to discuss complex ethical and practical issues and to share research results and best practices.

2 February 2020