What Is Creative Tourism?
In October 2006, the representatives of UNESCO Creative Cities, meeting in Santa Fe to plan the 1st International Conference on Creative Tourism, established this definition of Creative Tourism:
"Creative tourism is travel directed toward an engaged and authentic experience, with participative learning in the arts, heritage, or special character of place and it provides a connection to those who reside in this place and who help to create this living culture."
- Why should Creative Cities worldwide, and specifically those in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, collaborate around creative tourism?
- How can Creative Tourism be best organized to enhance economic benefits to cities and provinces and countries globally?
These questions were among those discussed in September 2008 during the first International Creative Tourism Conference sponsored by the City of Santa Fe and other members of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network including Aswan, Bologna, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Montreal, Popayan, and Seville.
At this Conference delegates from 16 countries around the world convened to discuss emerging issues and best practices in the development of Creative Tourism as a powerful economic development tool for cities, provinces, states and countries. Countries represented included Nigeria, the Bahamas, Spain, the People's Republic of China, Japan, England, Mexico, Canada, Pakistan, Russia, Scotland, Australia, France, Egypt, Germany, Italy and the United States.
Conference participants interacted with some of the world's renowned leaders in creativity, geo-tourism and cultural entrepreneurship. Through panel discussions led by UNESCO Creative Cities leaders, delegates had the opportunity to learn about best practices in a diverse range of creative industries represented by the UNESCO Network including culinary arts, folk art, music and design. One of the highlights of the Conference was the presentation of more than 50 Santa Fe Creative Experiences which showcased Santa Fe's unique historical, cultural and creative industries. Also unique was the Open Space Session which allowed participants to build a networking agenda around Creative Tourism interests and activities in their home cities.
