International Forum in Hwaseong (Republic of Korea)

The Hwaseong International Forum – a cultural event dedicated to sustainable tourism and preservation of cultural heritage, was held in Hwaseong, Republic of Korea, within October 18–19, 2024.

The event brought together experts and representatives of Best Tourist Villages (BTV), recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to discuss sustainable tourism models and exchange experiences.

Yevfrat Mambekov, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, socioanthropologist and Professor of the Art Management Department of Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory, member of the expert bureau of the International Culture Foundation Masters, took an active part in the Hwaseong Forum. As part of the event, he presented an analytical report on the situation in the Almaty tourist region and the work of local communities (in particular, Saty auyl) on the development of tourism in the aspect of preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

The Forum provided a platform for knowledge exchange between international and local experts by outlining strategies for the development of sustainable tourism in terms of preservation of cultural heritage sites and the involvement of communities in the promotion of intangible cultural heritage in accordance with the spirit and letter of the 2003 UNESCO Convention.