The concept of heritage is very broad and includes both our natural and cultural assets. The cultural dimension includes our landscape, our historical sites, the locations and objects we have built, and both past and present traditions. Our landscape must be included as it is one of the greatest attractions for visitors, regardless of whether it is an urban landscape, monumental area, mountain or coastal region, etc. The landscape is recognised as a source of the culture of a destination in the categories defined by UNESCO. We must therefore distinguish between the cultural landscape, representing the “joint works of man and nature”, and a living landscape which conserves an active social function directly related to a traditional way of life. In any case, the landscape is a complex reality, made up of both natural and cultural, tangible and intangible components.

To consolidate responsible policies with respect to cultural assets may only be achieved through the appropriate combination of 3 basic dimensions:

• The application of methodologies and actions related to conservation, valuation, integration and maintenance of the cultural heritage.
• The adjustment of management policies, organisation and internal procedures to the objective of developing a strategy for the safekeeping of heritage and respect of the cultural diversity of destinations.
• The responsible habits and behaviour of staff and guests.

Arte

The latest trends and the artistic avant-garde form part of Sol Meliá philosophy. That is why the Company used the thorough renovation of the Meliá de Mar hotel in the Balearic Islands to exhibit the work of seven major European artists on each of its different floors. The works are displayed around cylindrical lighting, converting each floor of the hotel into an authentic art gallery.