The USI UNESCO Chair at the Peruvian Congress on Machu Picchu

On 23 September 2025, the Culture and Cultural Heritage Committee of the Congress of the Republic of Peru held an extraordinary session focused on the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The session was attended by international experts and representatives from national institutions to discuss critical issues concerning the protection and sustainable management of the site.

Among the speakers was Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni, Director of the Master's programme in International Tourism and Head of the UNESCO Chair in ICT for the Development and Promotion of Sustainable Tourism in World Heritage Sites at USI. In his presentation, Prof. Cantoni emphasised several significant challenges in the current management of Machu Picchu. He proposed the establishment of a "programme of ambassadors" for the sanctuary, aimed at enhancing the relationship with this unique cultural and natural heritage. The goal of this initiative is to encourage tourists to shift their mindset "from consuming to deserving the destination".

Prof. Cantoni's participation in the parliamentary session brought to the attention of the Peruvian Congress the experience gained by the USI UNESCO Chair on the issues of governance, digital communication and sustainability – including cultural sustainability – in World Heritage Sites.

Dr. Adine Gavazzi also attended the session from the UNESCO Chair at the University of Genoa, which collaborates with the USI Chair, who presented some management solutions adopted by other World Heritage Sites.

The minutes of the session are available on the Peruvian Congress website:
Comisión de Cultura abordó la situación del santuario histórico de Machu Picchu