Sofitel Legend and UNESCO Announce Global Heritage Partnership

Sofitel Legend and UNESCO have launched a global partnership to promote cultural heritage preservation through travel. The collaboration aims to connect travelers more deeply with local cultures, traditions, and communities.

Focus on Heritage Preservation
The initiative supports the preservation of:
- Living traditions and cultural practices
- Artisanal craftsmanship
- Oral traditions and performing arts
- Biodiversity and natural landscapes through UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Four Key Commitments
Supporting Local Communities
- Collaborate with artisans and heritage professionals to showcase local craftsmanship.

Educating Travelers
- Train hotel teams to help guests better understand local history and culture.

Creating Cultural Experiences
- Host exhibitions, artistic events, and cultural showcases within hotels.

Funding Preservation Efforts
- Enable guests to support UNESCO programs through donations and ALL Rewards points.

Sofitel Legend's Heritage Footprint
Many Sofitel Legend properties are located near UNESCO World Heritage sites, including:
- Amsterdam Canal Ring
- Cartagena's Fortified City
- Casco Viejo, Panama City
- Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, Hanoi

Launch at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- The partnership will debut at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi during the hotel's 125th anniversary celebrations.
Initial guest experiences will include:
- Hanoi Coffee Journey
- Bát Tràng Pottery Village immersion
- Exclusive access to the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long

Leadership Perspectives
- Sofitel Legend emphasized that luxury hospitality should serve as a bridge between cultures while preserving local heritage.
- UNESCO highlighted the role of tourism in supporting cultural transmission, local employment, and community development.

Global Rollout
- The initiative will gradually expand to Sofitel Legend properties worldwide.
- Programs will be tailored to the cultural identity and preservation priorities of each destination.

Key Takeaway
- The Sofitel Legend-UNESCO partnership seeks to make travel a tool for cultural preservation by supporting local communities, promoting heritage education, and creating immersive cultural experiences for guests across destinations worldwide.