Community on Archaeology and Tourism

About the Community

The EAA Community on Archaeology and Tourism was established following the round table session ‘ArchaeoTourism on the Move: Developing Guidelines for Europe,’ held during the 2015 EAA Annual
Meeting in Glasgow. The session brought together professionals working on the management of archaeological heritage and tourism to identify shared challenges and opportunities across Europe
and form a coordinated response.

Our Mission

The Community explores the evolving relationship between archaeology and tourism, encouraging more sustainable, inclusive, and community-based approaches. We bring together archaeologists,
tourism professionals, heritage managers, and community stakeholders to promote responsible tourism that supports both heritage protection and local development.

Aims

• Facilitate dialogue between archaeologists and tourism practitioners, working toward a shared vocabulary and understanding.
• Foster partnerships with key stakeholders, including other EAA Communities, UNESCO, ICOMOS, the EAC, and other institutions.
• Advocate for archaeological perspectives in heritage-related tourism decisions, from interpretation and communication to planning and policy.
• Develop strategies that recognize both the risks and potential of archaeological tourism.
• Encourage inclusive participation of local communities, civic actors, and tourism stakeholders in heritage-related projects.
• Support research and knowledge exchange on archaeological tourism.

Propose and Promote Practical Tools, Including:

• The development of a Toolkit on Sustainable Archaeological Tourism, offering actionable guidance for site managers, researchers, and tourism partners, and grounded in current
  research and community practice.
• The Special Visits initiative, launched during EAA Annual Meetings, offering site-based exchanges focused on tourism, conservation, and community perspectives, with the aim of
  fostering critical debate and collaborative learning.
• The creation of an Agenda on Climate Change and Tourism, a forthcoming policy-oriented document co-developed with the EAA Community on Climate Change and Heritage. This
  agenda will address the impacts of climate change on archaeological tourism and propose responses aligned with heritage values and sustainability principles.
  
  

Ongoing Communication

To stay connected and informed, the Community publishes a monthly newsletter featuring updates on our initiatives, news from members, calls for participation, and reflections on archaeological
tourism in Europe and beyond. All EAA members are welcome to contribute. 

Looking Ahead

Our long-term vision is to contribute to the creation of an active, interdisciplinary network of professionals committed to the sustainable development and management of archaeological sites
and cultural heritage. As our activities grow and new challenges arise, the Community’s role will be periodically reviewed to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

We welcome the participation of EAA members from all backgrounds—academics, heritage professionals, community leaders, and students—who are committed to shaping responsible and
resilient forms of archaeological tourism.