Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting landscapes are jeopardizing countless archaeological sites around the world. From ancient settlements in Scotland to Roman tablets in England, precious historical remnants are facing destruction. While some discoveries emerge from these environmental changes, the challenge of preserving our past in the face of a changing climate is increasingly urgent.
Historic Hotels Worldwide has revealed the nominees for its prestigious 2024 Annual Awards of Excellence, recognizing outstanding achievements in heritage preservation and luxury hospitality. The finalists, including historic hotels, visionary hoteliers, and innovative leaders, demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the historical significance and cultural narratives of these unique properties. The awards ceremony, scheduled for November 21st at The Omni Homestead Resort, will celebrate the winners and their contributions to the world of heritage tourism.
Himeji, Japan is considering significantly raising admission fees for non-resident visitors to its iconic Himeji Castle, aiming to manage the increasing tourist influx and ensure the site’s long-term preservation. The proposed changes include a potential doubling or tripling of fees and the introduction of a premium ticket for foreign tourists with added benefits. This approach highlights the challenges of balancing tourism revenue with heritage preservation and the evolving landscape of global tourism.
Petra, the ancient Jordanian city, has taken a significant step towards sustainable tourism by joining the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This move reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while appealing to the growing number of environmentally conscious travelers. The initiative involves training, qualification processes, and awareness campaigns to ensure responsible tourism practices across all sectors.
The upcoming UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from September 11-13, 2024, focusing on the preservation of heritage through wine tourism. The event will feature presentations by industry experts, workshops at historic sites, and discussions on sustainable practices and digital strategies.
Habyt Bridges, a collaboration between Habyt and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), is a project that transforms nine iconic tong laus (tenement buildings) in the South of Hollywood Road (SoHo) neighbourhood into a vibrant flexible living site with 38 fully-furnished rooms. Beyond architectural restoration, Habyt Bridges is dedicated to preserving the original design of the buildings and strengthening the social communities within the neighbourhood. The project offers affordable and accessible housing in heritage tong laus, that celebrate the dynamism and rich history of the neighbourhood.
Jackie Ramsay, a talented Calgary artist, has embarked on a captivating project that celebrates the rich heritage of the Crescent Heights neighborhood. Inspired by her daily walks with her dog, Rennie, Ramsay has created a series of 100 paintings depicting the neighborhood’s historic houses, most of which are around a century old. These paintings, showcased in an exhibit entitled ‘100 Storeys,’ offer a fresh perspective on the neighborhood’s architectural legacy, showcasing the intricate details and craftsmanship that characterize these homes. Ramsay’s passion for preserving history and her keen eye for beauty have resulted in a collection that invites viewers to appreciate and connect with the neighborhood’s past.
Matthew Jacobi has spent the past year restoring his 119-year-old Queen Anne Revival-era home in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas neighbourhood. With original stained glass windows, mother-of-pearl light switches, and even period-appropriate lightbulbs, Jacobi has recreated the grandeur of the home when it was first built in 1905. Jacobi’s passion for restoration stems from his childhood visits to his grandparent’s home built in 1894. He believes that these historic homes embody the history of Winnipeg and should be preserved for generations to come.
