UNESCO Chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites 

Our Mission

Established in September 2013, USI UNESCO Chair is committed to perform research and teaching on how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and digital media in general, can be effectively used to develop and promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage Sites (WHSs).

Winter School 2026

The 2026 edition of USI UNESCO Chair Winter School, titled “Taste the past. Digital media for Byzantine heritage and authentic experiences in Northern Greece”, took place from 7 to 14 February 2026 in Thessaloniki and Kastoria (Greece).

Master in International Tourism

Università della Svizzera italiana offers a Master in International Tourism (MIT), run by the Faculty of Economics in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication Sciences. The USI UNESCO Chair is deeply involved in this Master, through teaching, research, internships and theses opportunities.

Open Access Chapters

We are happy to announce the publication of the Handbook on Heritage, Sustainable Tourism and Digital Media, edited by Silvia De Ascaniis and Lorenzo Cantoni, published by Edward Elgar: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788970082.

The Making of a Masterpiece

An online exhibition curated by the UNESCO Chair (USI) presenting "le vêtement de Don Nicola Mazza", a richely embroidered Catholic garment from the 19th century. The exhibition highlights its craftsmanship and the social mission behind its production.

Conference of the University Network for Cultural Routes

SAVE THE DATE! The second edition of the Conference of the University Network for Cultural Routes will take place on 12 and 13 November 2026. The conference is organized and hosted by the European Institute of Cultural Routes in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in...

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USI UNESCO Chair featured in a episode of Moby Dick (RSI)

Last month, an episode of Moby Dick titled “L’eredità invisibile” (invisible heritage) was released. Moby Dick is an audio series produced by RSI (Radiotelevisione svizzera di lingua italiana) that explores major topics such as culture, politics society and economics...

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Exhibition – Francis and the perfect robe

SAVE THE DATE! The exhibition “Francis and the perfect robe – The costumes of Brother Sun, Sister Moon” will be held at Villa Ciani, Lugano, from 4 to 17 October 2026. The exhibition is conceived as an exploration of the profound and complex relationship of Francis of...

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