Code of Good Practice: Heritage Sites

As part of our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism, we encourage our tourism partners to improve their sustainability performance by providing them with the guidance below.

• Ensure applicable legal permits & permission to access activity area are in place 
• Arrange visits in advance, where appropriate
• Ensure insurance is in place for guests and team
• Identify health & safety risks, implement management systems, and provide appropriate safety equipment
• Ensure enough team members are available in case of emergency
• Monitor heritage site conditions (including weather) in advance & during the visit
• Maximize local economic benefits through employment and purchasing
• Avoid single use & disposable items, provide appropriate & adequate waste collection facilities for safe disposal, and pick up any rubbish found in the surrounding area
• Use eco-friendly products, e.g., for cleaning
• Be waterwise and take pro-active measures to use water sparingly
• Minimize energy used in the activity as part of a climate action strategy
• Provide information in advance about your sustainability actions, heritage site accessibility, what to expect, and what to bring with
• Screen participants to make sure that the activity is well suited to their fitness & level of ability
• Manage group size to minimize impacts on people, planet, and integrity of the heritage site
• Obtain written confirmation, e.g., via indemnity, from participants that they are aware of activity risks
• Brief participants about do’s and don’ts, safety, what to expect, and logistical considerations before the activity starts
• Communicate and enforce conduct rules / appropriate behavior specific to the heritage site
• Share information about local nature, culture, and heritage as well as social development / conservation projects that participants may want to support
• Show respect for the land, waterways, wildlife, and other heritage site / area users
• Participate in conserving heritage site integrity; let relevant authorities know about any concerns and participate in heritage site conservation / rehabilitation projects