Organised by Zaragoza City Council in collaboration with UN Tourism (formerly the World Tourism Organization), the forum aims to create a space for in-depth reflection on the relationship between World Heritage, culture and sustainable tourism, integrating perspectives on management, conservation, promotion and the contemporary challenges faced by cities whose assets are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Under the theme “World heritage and tourism: an unbeatable partnership,” the event forms part of UN Tourism’s official programme agenda for 2026 and strengthens Zaragoza’s international profile as a city committed to a cultural and sustainable model of tourism development.
The City Council’s Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Sara Fernández, has stressed that the forum not only marks an important anniversary, but also represents a strategic opportunity to debate heritage management and the design of policies that promote responsible tourism and the conservation of cultural assets. In Fernández’s view, events of this kind help consolidate institutional partnerships, share experiences and best practices with representatives from European and other world cities, and reinforce Zaragoza’s positioning as a benchmark destination in global cultural tourism.
The programme includes a series of dialogue sessions structured around three major thematic axes: the intersection of heritage, culture and tourism as factors that can reinforce one another when managed through a strategic vision; the presentation of success stories and experiences in managing destinations with World Heritage assets; and a dedicated space to explore the current challenges these cities face, including sustainability, social inclusion and tourism-related economic development linked to cultural heritage.
In addition to the academic and professional discussions, the forum features cultural activities and guided tours that will allow participants to appreciate first-hand the artistic and architectural values of the World Heritage sites. These experiences include visits to the interior and exterior of La Seo, the grandeur of the Aljafería—an emblematic palace with Islamic and Christian influences—and the imposing Church of San Pablo, whose Mudéjar bell tower is regarded as one of the most representative examples of local architecture.
The presence of international experts, universities, cultural stakeholders and representatives from other heritage cities—such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Zagreb and Linz, among others—highlights the level of debate and Zaragoza’s intention to position itself as a platform for knowledge and global dialogue on cultural heritage. The participation of institutions such as Spain’s Ministry of Culture and various international organisations underlines the forum’s institutional dimension and its importance for cultural tourism promotion strategies.
The forum is set within an especially significant year for Zaragoza which, beyond the 25th anniversary of Mudéjar World Heritage, is also preparing for other major cultural initiatives, such as the Bicentenary of Goya, which is likewise expected to bring the city’s artistic legacy to national and international audiences.
With the celebration of these two days, Zaragoza reaffirms its commitment to protecting, disseminating and enhancing its architectural and historical heritage, while advancing its goal of consolidating itself as a leading cultural destination in Europe and on the global stage, leveraging the richness of its legacy as a driver of social, economic and tourism development.
