Sustainable Tourism In The Danube Region & Black Sea Area

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1 Conference of the Assembly of European Regions Sustainable Tourism In The Danube Region & Black Sea Area Prof. Gerhard Skoff President of The Danube Tourist Commission

2 You are nothing without others Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

3 Sustainability I Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-term maintenance of wellbeing, which in turn depends on the wellbeing of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources. Sustainability has become a wide-ranging term that can be applied to almost every facet of life on Earth. As the earth s human population has increased, natural ecosystems have declined and changes in the balance of natural cycles has had a negative impact on both humans and other living systems. [1]

4 Sustainability II The word sustainable has been used in too many situations today The term ecological sustainability confuses a lot of people Sustainable development, sustainable growth, sustainable economies, sustainable societies, sustainable agricultures, sustainable tourism... Everything is sustainable

5 Sustainable Tourism The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) definition of sustainable tourism :...tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future. (...) it is an ethos that underpins all tourism activities. (...) it is integral to all aspects of tourism development. The objective of sustainable tourism is: to retain the economic and social advantages of tourism development while reducing undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment important to balance the needs of tourists with those of the destination

6 Sustainable Tourism Responsible Tourism closest definition to sustainable tourism consumers choice of destination or mode of transport based on ethical, political and racial sensitivities as well as being concerned for the environment and local culture Green Tourism Historical definition: travel which is environmentally friendly or benign that in general does not concern itself with cultural or economic elements of the destination Current use of term: Broader to incorporate full sustainable tourism principles

7 Sustainable Tourism Ethical Tourism has evolved as a term when one considers travelling to, or developing tourism in a destination where ethical issues are the key driver (Human rights, Social injustice...) is geared towards encouraging to avoid participation in activities that contribute to support negative ethical issues Ecotourism is a subset of sustainable tourism which focuses on ecology tends to be encountered in destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions the industry actively works towards conserving or improving the natural and cultural heritage

8 Key principles of Sustainable tourism Visitor Satisfaction visitors must be satisfied with all aspects of the tourism product Industry Profitability the return to the industry must allow for reinvestment and growth Community Acceptance account must be taken of the host community's present character and future aspirations Environmental Protection the natural, historic and cultural resources on which the industry is based must be protected

9 Tourism Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. UNWTO: Tourists are people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes Tourism is one of the most dynamic and important branches of the global economy Wealthy people have always traveled to distant parts of the world (Roman Empire Baiae coastal resort) Word tourism was used by 1811 and tourist by : League of Nations defined foreign tourist as someone traveling abroad for at least twenty-four hours.

10 Tourism UNWTO: tourism generates US$3 billion world-wide every day. The annual growth rate is currently forecast to be in the range of 6%. 1997: only 613 million international arrivals were registered 2008: this figure had topped over 922 million Most popular tourist destinations are in the industrialised countries but tourism has become increasingly important for the economic development of many developing and transitional countries Importance of the tourism sector continues to grow Tourism s success and sustainability depends on the existence of intact destinations (and cultures) that appeal to potential visitors

11 The Impact of Tourism and Culture Tourism: assumed a vital role in the development of destinations around the world. culture is a major asset for tourism development and attractiveness in terms of tourism and attracting residents and inward investment. During 20 th century: tourism and culture largely viewed as separate aspects of destination Cultural resources: part of the cultural heritage of destinations Tourism: largely viewed as a leisure-related activity Now: cultural tourism viewed as a major source of economic development for many destinations.

12 Impact of Tourism and Culture II Articulation between culture and tourism stimulated by Demand: Increased interest in culture (source of identity and differentiation in the face of globalisation) Growing levels of cultural capital, stimulated by rising education levels Aging populations in developed regions Postmodern consumption styles (personal development rather than materialism) desire for direct forms of experience ( life seeing rather than sightseeing) Growing importance of intangible cultures and the role of image and atmosphere

13 Impact of Tourism and Culture Supply: to stimulate jobs and income Cultural tourism is seen as a growth market and quality tourism increasing supply of culture as a result of regional development new technologies: growing accessibility of information on culture and tourism Emergence of new nations and regions eager to establish a distinct identity A desire to project the external image of regions and nations Cultural funding problems related to increasing cultural supply

14 Impact of Tourism and Culture Cultural tourism: particularly attractive because of the raft of benefits it can deliver to local communities or regions. Benefits include: Creating jobs and businesses Increasing tax revenues Diversifying the local economy Creating opportunities for partnerships Attracting visitors interested in history and preservation Increasing historic attraction revenues Preserving local traditions and culture Generation local investment in historic resources

15 Impact of Tourism and Culture Increasing awareness of the site or area s significance History and heritage Gastronomy and agricultural products Agriculture and wine (including regions) Cultural events (e.g. Festivals) Creative industries Architecture Handicraft (including craft markets, etc.) Rural areas (income) Cities for the Arts (Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Vienna,...)

16 Culture and Tourism......as drivers of regional attractiveness and competitiveness Regional attractiveness and competitiveness are directly linked. Competition necessary to attract residents, visitors and inward investment. Kotler, Haider and Rein: Every place community, city, state, region, or nation should ask itself why anyone wants to live, relocate, visit, invest, or start or expand a business there. What does this place have that people need or should want? What competitive advantages does this place offer that other do not?

17 World Heritage Site UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of either cultural or physical significance. maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee The program catalogues, names and conserves sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity Under certain conditions, listed sites can obtain funds The programme was founded on November 16, Since then, 186 state parties have ratified the convention.

18 World Heritage site 2009: 890 listed sites 689 cultural, 176 natural and 25 mixed properties 148 states 44 sites in Italy Each World Heritage Site is the property of the state on whose territory the site is located, but it is considered in the interest of the international community to preserve each site.

19 Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict The Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict adopted at The Hague in 1954 is the first international treaty focusing exclusively on the protection of cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict. It covers immovables and movables sites monuments of architecture, art or history and archeological sites manuscripts, books and other objects of artistic, historical or archeological interest as well as as well as scientific collections of all kinds regardless of their origin or ownership.

20 Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict Variety of measures for protection: safeguard and respect cultural property during both international and non-international armed conflicts consider registering a limited number of refuges, monumental centers and other immovable cultural property of very great importance consider marking of certain important buildings and monuments set up special units within the military forces to be responsible for the protection of cultural heritage penalize violations of the Convention promote widely the Convention within the general public and target groups such as cultural heritage professionals, the military or lawenforcement agencies

21 The Danube & Black Sea The European Tourism Destinations Combination of tourism and culture : very potent economic engine. Europe Nostra (2005): more than 50% of tourist activity in Europe is driven by cultural heritage and cultural tourism is expected to grow the most in the tourism sector. UN World Tourism Organization estimates that cultural tourism accounts for 40% of international tourism. from product-based to process-based: Tourists want to experience the lifestyles, culture and customs of the people they visit.... and the Danube is the best example:

22 Danube History: Austrian Advertisment 1937

23 The importance of the Danube The Danube region is the centre of: economy culture and tourism

24 Culture is borne on Danube waves Danube: 26 millions years old km long Carries over 200 billion cubic meters to the Black Sea Grows 50 m p.a. because of silt and sediment Kilometer 0 in Sulina the beginning and the end of the river Waterways have been arteries of states, continents, trades and transportation served as paths of civilization The river s story Archaeological finds and historical documents Iron Curtain 1989, Schengen 2007/8 Home of 100 million people

25 Danube Culture The river is the unifying bond and lifeline for Germans Austrians Hungarians Croats Serbs Romanians Bulgarians Ukrainians and Moldavians

26 The importance of the Danube The Danube is: economic factor energy source trading route the gate to the wide world great artery culture route home and identity story-teller

27 The Danube ~ A River s Lure Snapshot of the Danube countries

28 Danube Tourist Commission Danube Tourist Commission An international touristic marketing & communication and lobbying platform of the Danube countries, founded in 1970 Members National Tourist Organizations of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Moldova (Observer) Currently not members: Bulgaria and Ukraine Finance member fees Sponsors Financing partners (EU) projects

29 Supporting Members & Strategic Partners Supporting Members GTA Skyways, AT Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, Port of Belgrade, Belgrade Chamber of Commerce, RS Karpaten Turism, Prestige Tours International, RO Intercruise Shoreside & Port Service (former All4ships), NL Avalon Waterways, CH Strategic Partners Arge Donauländer TINA Vienna/EU Corridor VII IDM Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe ICPDR Int. Commission for the Protection of the Danube River Working Group Route of Emperors and Kings

30 Danube Tourist Commission - Tasks Tasks Marketing communication and Lobbying platform for tourism in the Danube region to make the Danube region the Number 1 European travel destination network of responsibilities for members, partners and tourists

31 Danube Tourist Commission Aims I Aims to make the Danube one of the leading river destinations for vacations and recreation in Europe (the world) Maintain and enlarge market shares Destination marketing for Danube regions to create a all-season travel destination to promote regions along the Danube (not solely the river itself) showcasing attractions

32 Danube Tourist Commission Aims II Aims generate higher added value for the member countries creation of jobs in tourism training and education of staff (history, tourism offer, security etc.) sounding Board for tourism industry/cruise companies SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats)

33 Danube Tourist Commission - Product Product Danube Seventy-kilometer (forty three-mile) wide band along both banks of the river Rhine-Main-Danube-Canal Tisza River (HU) Sava River (HR, RS) Black Sea Product contents river, water, nature, people, landscape, art, culture, religions, metropolises, adventure, sports, wellness,

34 Danube Tourist Commission - USP USP km pure adventure and excitement European river par excellence Varied landscapes 10 countries Rich history Possible combinations (Ship, Train, Road, Air) Easy to reach Rail, Road, Bus, Air, and Ship International Gateways e.g. Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Tourists in Danube Region Return visitors : 2/3 former ship passengers, 1/3 tourists Bucharest

35 Cruseing Source:

36 History Cabin Cruises I Cruise liners (Passau to Black Sea) Opening Rhine-Main-Danube Canal 1999 Bombardment Novi Sad bridges 2000 Novi Sad Pontoon Bridge total 6 openings / 260 ships 2001 Novi Sad Pontoon Bridge 30 openings / ships cruise liners / passengers between Passau and Vienna passengers in Novi Sad, Belgrade and the Delta Three weekly openings of Novi Sad pontoon bridge: 6832 ships

37 History Cabin Cruises II cabin ships / passengers including 8,000 US-passengers in Novi Sad, Belgrade (Serbia) in the Delta region (Romania) 900 passengers in Vukovar (Croatia) 84 cabin ships / passengers passengers in Vukovar (new Pontoon) in Novi Sad, Belgrade (Serbia) as far as Delta (Romania) cruise liner / passengers Late fall: Novi Sad pontoon bridge to be dismantled 101 curise liners / passengers 105 cruise liners / passengers 109 cruise liners / passengers (Source: Passau) 115 cruise liners / passengers

38 Most popular cruise programmes / routes 2009

39 Danube Cruises Programmes 2009 Source: Danube Cruises Guide 2009 Danube Tourist Commission

40 Biking Source:

41 Hiking Source:

42 Visiting Ulm Vienna Bratislava Budapest Belgrad Bucharest

43 The Danube ~ A River s Lure The Culture Card

44 Danube Tourist Commission Source markets Source markets (2008) Cruise Passengers: Germany, USA, Great Britain, France, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Spain, Australia Shore side guests: Germany, USA, Benelux, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, Japan, Eastern Europe

45 Danube - History 1696 first regular ship traffic: Passau Vienna 1712 first regular traffic: Ulm Vienna 1818 first steamship between Vienna and Linz 1829 DDSG (Danube Steamship company) founded 1830 Maiden voyage of the first DDSG Steamship between Vienna and Budapest 1886 first all-inclusive Danube Cruise 1992 Rhine-Mine-Danube-Canal (North Sea-Black Sea 1998 Fall...nicht lesbar Schengen unterzeichnet ( 2008 Mohàcs)

46 Danube Tourist Commission - Activities I Activities/Projects General theme: Danube A River s Lure Annual themes:» 2000 Danube Monasteries» 2001 Danube Bridges» 2002 Danube Spirit» 2003 Danube Legends» 2004 Danube Sounds» 2005 Danube Landscapes» 2006 The Culinary Danube» 2007 Danube Road of Kings» 2008 The Danube moves» 2009 The Romans on the Danube» 2010 The Romans on the Danube

47 Danube Tourist Commission Activities II Danube Salon in the frame of actb: Vienna Jan 2010 tourism trade fair, 2009: 960 buyers, 200 press Danube Shipping Conference Danube Cycling & Hiking Conference Danube Navigation Day Start of Excursion ships-season(25 April 2010) Danube Day of ICPDR 29 June Danube Cycling Path from Source to Delta

48 Outstanding Personalities Albert Einstein Johannes Kepler Anton Bruckner Nikola Tesla W.A. Mozart, Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert Fred Astairs Family Franz Lehár Andy Warhol s Family George de Hevesy Tony Curtis Family Johnny Weissmuller Mircea Eliade Ivo Andric Constantin Brancusi Elias Canetti

49 The Danube ~ A River s Lure Danube Waltz: An der schönen blauen Donau