The next Montreal Round Table will be held in Montreal from March 15 to 17, 2017. The theme is “Balancing Tourism and Heritage Conservation: a World Heritage Context”.
The choice of subject for this 12th edition of the Montreal Round Table stems from the growing number of examples of World Heritage Sites under threat from excessive tourism. Research has proven that World Heritage is a mark of excellence that attracts tourism. As a result of extensive marketing, World Heritage has become a powerful engine for tourism-based economic development. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), international tourism arrivals have more than doubled since 1995, increasing from 528 million to 1.2 billion international arrivals in 2015. The 2017 Montreal Round Table will feature participants with a particular interest in tourism and heritage conservation.
There will be approximately 25 participants at the Round Table as well as student observers from heritage conservation program at the University of Montreal, Carleton University in Ottawa, Willowbank School of Restoration Arts in Queenston, the University of Tsukuba in Japan and Columbia University in New York.
Proceedings from previous Montreal Round Tables can be consulted here.