![[image]](http://www.archaeological.org/Images/news/tourguides.jpg)
To learn more about how these guidelines were created, read inTravel Magazine’s interview with AIA Director of Programs Ben Thomas and ATTA Vice President Chris Doyle.
Archaeological sites and historic places are major tourist attractions worldwide. In the last few years, visits to historical sites have ranked third–after dining in restaurants and shopping–among activities undertaken by Americans traveling abroad. The number of people that visit archaeological sites rises every year and the increase in traffic can result in damage to sites. In extreme cases, sites have been closed to the public to prevent further damage.
Guide for Tour Operators and Site Managers
Guide for Tourists (one page handout)
The popularity of archaeological sites as tourist attractions means that they are valuable sources of revenue, but unfortunately this is often not matched by reinvestment in proper management to ensure both protection of the site and continued enjoyment of it by tourists. Archaeological sites are fragile resources and inadequate site management will result in deterioration or even destruction of the site and its related social, historical, educational, and economic potential.
With these concerns in mind the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), ARCHAEOLOGY magazine, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) have created a manual of good practices for tour operators and the tourists who visit archaeological sites. The guide outlines practices that will allow for proper, sustainable archaeological tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to fully experience ancient sites while minimizing the negative impact of tourism. The guide is an important resource both for tour operators who wish to incorporate archaeological sites in their tour packages and for tourists who want to see these sites first hand. In conjunction with adequate and properly funded site management plans, these guidelines will help ensure that the public can enjoy the experience of visiting ancient places for generations to come.
The Archaeological Institute of America is North America’s oldest and largest archaeological organization. It was chartered in 1906 by Congress in recognition of its work in developing the Antiquities Act, a cornerstone in the preservation of archaeological sites in the U.S. Today, the Institute has more than 200,000 Members and Subscribers in 107 Local Societies. It promotes an informed public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research, fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology and advocates the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage.
The AIA’s award-winning magazine ARCHAEOLOGY, now in its 60th year of publication, brings the excitement of archaeological discovery to an audience of nearly 750,000 readers worldwide. Our readers are a diverse group who thrive on varied cultural and artistic experiences, including travel to exotic locations.
The AIA and ARCHAEOLOGY websites reach a combined annual audience of 2.4 million visitors with 7.4 million page views.
The Adventure Travel Trade Association is a membership organization for companies in the adventure travel area. While seeking to promote and grow the adventure travel market, ATTA is working to provide a unifying voice for the industry that promotes and facilitates knowledge sharing and a common vision; defines “adventure travel” and establishes “best practices” and operating standards; and encourages sustainable and environmentally and culturally sensitive adventure travel practices.
