As part of its Europe Day celebrations, the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) hosted a public lecture by Professor Fernando Almeida García from the University of Málaga, Spain, titled “World Heritage in Spain and Tourism.”
The event was opened by ULIM’s Vice Rector for International Relations, who highlighted the importance of intercultural dialogue and academic cooperation through the Erasmus+ programme and the TransfrontEU consortium.
Professor Almeida García emphasized the value of UNESCO World Heritage designation, which enhances a site’s brand identity, attracts tourists, fosters local pride, and encourages heritage preservation. He also pointed to the growing inclusion of heritage from developing countries, especially intangible cultural heritage.
Spain, a global leader in both tangible and intangible heritage, actively promotes cultural tourism as a meaningful alternative to its traditional “sun and beach” image. Initiatives like the Paradores — state-run hotels in historic buildings — illustrate how cultural heritage and tourism can be strategically integrated.
He also presented the role of the Association of Spanish World Heritage Cities (17 cities), which collaborate on international promotion, joint research, branding strategies, and accessing EU funds for conservation.
Key examples such as the Alhambra (3 million annual visitors) and the Mosque of Córdoba (over 2 million) demonstrate the scale of heritage tourism. These cities saw a more than 200% increase in tourism from 2000 to 2019, with an uptick in international visitors. However, challenges remain — including the rise of Airbnb, short-term rentals, and low-cost travel — which are reshaping urban tourism and putting pressure on local authenticity.
The lecture concluded with a call for responsible tourism management and a balanced approach to growth that respects and protects cultural identity.
In closing, ULIM’s Vice Rector and institutional coordinator of the TransfrontEU project expressed the university’s sincere appreciation to Professor Fernando Almeida García for his engaging presentation, which offered a rich perspective on how Spain balances heritage conservation and tourism development — an approach that offers valuable inspiration for Moldova.
This academic exchange was made possible thanks to the Erasmus+ programme and the TransfrontEU consortium, which continue to strengthen the bridges between our institutions and promote meaningful cross-border educational dialogue.
This lecture not only enriched our Europe Day programme but also reaffirmed ULIM’s commitment to international cooperation, critical dialogue, and forward-thinking education.
