Mazatlán will host the International Symposium
for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage, Nov. 9-12, for the Mexican
Committee of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). 
During the event, ICOMOS will consider designating Mazatlán’s Historic District a
World Heritage Site. To be included on this prestigious list, a site must prove it
provides universal value to humanity. World Heritage Sites include the Great Wall
of China; Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris, France; the Acropolis, Athens, Greece; the
Historic Centre of Salzburg, Austria, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, Riviera Maya,
Mexico.

“It is an honor to have Old Mazatlán under consideration as a member of this elite
group,” says Alfredo Gomez Rubio, president of the Mazatlán Historic Center Project.
“Not only is this a special year for ICOMOS, celebrating its 40th anniversary.  It
also is a special time for Old Mazatlán, having just completed the first phase of a
major revitalization program.”

The ICOMOS Symposium will cover Tourism and Cultural Heritage throughout Mexico.
Participating countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Italy, Spain,
Uruguay, and Panama.

ICOMOS is an international organization that works to ensure the conservation of
cultural heritage sites around the globe. With more than 7,000 professional members
in over 100 countries, ICOMOS is the leading authority on the management and
preservation of heritage sites. The organization also plays a vital role in
counseling the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
on cultural properties to be included on the World Heritage List.  Additionally, it
reports on the conservation of properties already listed.

“We’re honored to host the Mexican Committee of this prestigious organization,” says
Carlos Berdegue, vice president of the Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board.
“Our city is one of Mexico’s cultural jewels. Tourists come for our spectacular
golden beaches and fine cuisine as well for our rich cultural heritage and the
vibrant arts and cultural scene on the streets of Old Mazatlán.” 
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