Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has announced a three-year partnership with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
The collaboration will leverage WMF’s expertise to develop projects that not only protect historical sites but also support local communities, fostering stronger ties and contributing to their long-term sustainability.
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The travel and tourism industry plays a vital role in the global economy, accounting for around 10% of global GDP and jobs. However, climate change and overtourism threaten many cultural landmarks.
Accor’s partnership with WMF seeks to address these challenges by promoting responsible tourism practices, ensuring the preservation of sites, and fostering socio-economic growth in local areas.
Through WMF’s World Monuments Watch program, the partnership will focus on sustainable tourism strategies, including training communities and collaborating with local authorities. The aim is to mitigate the impact of mass tourism while promoting under-visited sites and new destinations with a focus on thoughtful development.
The first projects are set to launch in 2025, with initiatives rolling out in time for Earth Day on April 22. Accor and WMF will establish new standards for sustainable tourism, helping ensure that cultural heritage sites are preserved for future generations.
Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible hospitality, while Bénédicte de Montlaur, CEO of WMF, highlighted the importance of tourism in safeguarding cultural treasures and supporting local development. Together, the organizations aim to make a lasting impact on heritage preservation and the future of travel.
Source: Accor Partners with World Monuments Fund to Preserve Global Cultural Heritage
