The “UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites – an introduction” training course comprises a half-day informative event and a number of trips to the natural parks of the Dolomites; this is an awareness-raising initiative for decision-makers and employees of the tourism associations in the Dolomites

The “Dolomites UNESCO Fest” is a hikers’ festival which, every year, is themed around a different topic and organised by a different tourist association. The aim of the festival is to promote awareness and knowledge of the World Heritage amongst hikers and is a form of “introductory event” to familiarise guests and locals with the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites.

This particular example of best practice provides the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites decision-makers with valuable input in terms of furthering the collective understanding of World Heritage, and the opportunity to gain meaningful insights into sustainable tourism development. This exchange gave them the opportunity to learn how the local population can support and embody the central philosophy of World Heritage – “protect and preserve” – and inspire a similar mentality amongst guests.

This long-distance trail consists of 10 daily stages through the South Tyrolean side of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. Along the route, hikers will meet with “geostops” where they can stop for a break and learn about the geological history of the Dolomites in a tour guide booklet complete with maps. The Geotrail initiative has since been adopted by other World Heritage provinces in the area, and the end result will be a long-distance trail that connects all nine areas of the Dolomites.

The thresholds were designed to mark the entrance point of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites and erected at hiking trails close to the main entrances to the World Heritage territory. Around 40 of these thresholds were erected in South Tyrol.