Visiting pasts, developing futures: International conference explores relationships between tourism and cultural heritage

Academics and professionals working in the fields of heritage and tourism from across the world will convene in Taipei, Taiwan this spring for a five-day conference focusing on the changing ways in which cultural heritage is used, represented and interpreted within the development of international tourism. Delegates from over 60 countries will present over 200 papers during the conference exploring the many complex and challenging relationships which exist between heritage and tourism. Running from 5 - 9 April 2013, the conference has been organised by the Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage (IIICH) at the University of Birmingham and National Taiwan University, the country's leading University Presentations will cover a wide range of issues including: tourism at World Heritage Sites; the growing recognition of intangible heritage; community engagement with heritage; the interpretation of colonial heritage; tourist experiences at museums and expressions of national and local identity through heritage. The event is supported by the Taiwan Ministry of Culture, Taipei City Government, the National Taiwan Tourism Bureau, National Central University of Taiwan and National Taipei University of Education. The conference is also supported by the ICOMOS International Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage and the ICOMOS International Committee on Cultural Tourism - both of whom will have sessions at the event. The IIICH is a unique partnership between the University of Birmingham and Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.