Accor to Support World Monuments Fund to Preserve Four Heritage Sites

Hospitality leader Accor is partnering with the World Monuments Fund to support preserving four endangered heritage sites worldwide. 

The partnership builds upon the three-year partnership the World Monuments Fund already has with Accor. The organization has contributed over $120 million to nearly 350 heritage sites worldwide, and outside public and private support has contributed another $310 million. 

“Cultural heritage is at the center of the tourism industry and a major part of why people fall in love with travel,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor. “The industry has a deep responsibility to protect, conserve and treasure important sites. Our partnership with WMF is a testament to our dedication as we continue to pioneer responsible hospitality and connect cultures with heartfelt care. Across these four projects we hope to inspire a new approach to protecting cultural heritage and I look forward to witnessing their progress and success.”

Accor will collaborate to preserve four sites this year, using material funds and other strategies to promote and preserve the at-risk sites. 

The first is the Chapel of the Sorbonne in Paris. Located in the city’s Latin Quarter, the architectural masterpiece is closed to the public due to severe deterioration. It requires an extensive restoration. Accor and WMF aim to renovate and reopen the chapel as a site for both travelers and residents to enjoy. 

In South America, Accor will be helping to preserve Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road Network that extends throughout Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The network was built over centuries, and although it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, erosion, vandalism and unregulated development are all key threats to the road.

Accor and WMF hope to increase the road network’s sustainable management, strengthen local and transnational cooperation and support the communities the road impacts through responsible tourism initiatives. 

The third heritage site to receive support is the Serifos Historic Mining Landscape in Greece. Located on the island of Serifos, the region is home to historic iron ore mining tunnels, a loading bridge and other structures dating back to the 1870s. 

The partnership will support introducing sustainable visitor experiences and a tourism revival in the region. 

Lastly, the Historic Water Systems of Bhuj in western India will also receive support. The system includes a 16th-century artificial reservoir and a network of canals, step-wells and reservoirs. 

Disrepair and underuse, climate change, urban development and water insecurity all put the historic systems at risk. Accor, WMF and the CEPT Research and Development Foundation will work to integrate the landmark system into current water management strategies, strengthening the region’s water resiliency. 

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore