Role Of Government In Tourism

Role Of Government In Tourism Introduction The role of government is an important and complex aspect of tourism, involving policies and political philosophies. State intervention in the trade is a relatively recent practice for central government. State participation increased as tourism became a mass phenomenon, reaching a peak shortly after the Second World War in 1939-45. A slow withdrawal began in the boom years of the 1980s with the shift to the market-oriented economy. These trends are noted in this chapter, together with an examination of the principal aspects of state intervention: Areas for state action. Definitions of the role of the state. Principal state functions. Tasks of the destination authority. Government tourism policies. International intergovernmental bodies concerned. International trade organizations with an advisory role. International regional organizations. The importance of many international organizations depends to some degree on the extent to which national governments have delegated their powers to intergovernmental bodies. This is the case with the European Union (EU), where many functions in taxation, regional and infrastructure development, and policy matters in transport, social and environmental regulation, are now within the competence of the administration in Brussels. For the most part, intergovernmental bodies activities are advisory or technical in character. There have been few intergovernmental initiatives outside the EU leading to action in the travel field, but there has been a slow movement towards liberalization of movement. Areas of state intervention In general the state recognizes that the duties of the public sector must cover such matters as health, safety, fair trading and consumer interests and infrastructure in transport such as roads, railways and ports. These are all matters of direct concern to the resident population. There is a mixed record in the provision of leisure facilities, environmental protection and conservation which includes responsibility for the unique cultural heritage, an important part of Europes visitor attractions. Strategy Whatever form of organization or degree of devolution in the states role, it is essential that the public authority, central or local government should agree an overall strategy. This should be reinforced by an outline plan or guidelines, to present a coordinated picture of the destinations future shape as a tourism area, both at national and local level. This may apply at regional level where the regional destination is in fact an accepted tourism entity, for example the Lake District or the Norfolk Broads in England. The state tourism agency, tourist board or government department will have an important role to play in advising on the strategy, offering opportunities to consult and cooperate with a dispersed private sector, and preparing a destination marketing strategy based on an identification of the appropriate markets and their needs and wishes. This leads to a product market fit indicating products and services required to attract the preferred visitor traffic. This is a vita l role. The market will determine the outcome and the marketers have the essential responsibility to ensure product development to suit the required visitor movement. Based on periodic surveys of the government role by the WTO, the OECD and individual countries, the principal functions of a Ministry of Tourism or of agencies under government control can be summarized as: Research, statistics and planning. Marketing. Development of tourism resources. Regulation, including trade regulation. Training and education. Facilitation/liberalization. Local and regional tourist organizations At the local level the regional or local authority has a role similar to that of the central government and in many ways a more comprehensive and important one. Indeed, in the early days of mass travel stimulated by the growth of the railway network, public sector intervention in tourism was solely at the local level. There were no national tourism organizations. The growth of large resorts, pioneered in Britain at the main seaside centres, encouraged the development of local tourism administrations to carry out the responsibilities of the host destination. International organizations There are a number of international bodies, both government and nongovernment, with tourism interests. Government bodies reflect the national governments interest in, and political will regarding, tourism intervention. In the industrialized countries, the tourism priority tends to be low. Because of the wide range of tourism activity the number of organizations with some concern or responsibility is great, but coordination and often ooperation as at the national level is weak. Furthermore, consultation with industry and operating sectors is often inadequate, as the sectors voice is weak. The main sector industry bodies inevitably present the case of their own trade, sometimes as in modes of transport in a competitive situation. Thus the collective tourism approach is hard to organize and sustain, even when cooperation at the operating level is effective. World Tourism Organization The World Tourism Organization (WTO), an intergovernmental body recognized by the UN as an official agency with a consultative status, has taken the lead in representing its member governments collective view in tourism issues. Like its predecessor body, the International Union of Official Travel Organizations, it has developed useful technical programmes in statistics, research and the exchange of ideas and experience and in technical aid, particularly for poorer countries. The WTO has made efforts recently to strengthen its links with commercial and non-government partners through its system of affiliate membership which should help in the provision of practical guidance and as a basis for cooperative action. Non-governmental international organizations As the work of the intergovernmental bodies expanded, trade sectors and professional bodies found it necessary to organize both at the world and regional international level, first to respond or react to government interventions, and second, where practical, to seek a more positive relationship in cooperative and collective tasks. The need for consultation at appropriate levels became more pressing and although clearly essential not always accepted by government bodies. Industry sectors have established their international associations or groups, such as: Alliance International du Tourisme (AIT). International Air Transport Association (IATA). International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). International Hotel Association (IHA). International Road Transport Union (IRU). International Union of Railways (UIL). Universal Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA). International regional organizations Both at UN and geographic regional level there are regional bodies concerned with their regional needs. So long as liaison is maintained, such regional action and support can be very effective in tourism. This is certainly the case in Europe, which is seen at world level as a destination entity with many common interests. The Council of Europe with Cultural Activities and the United Nations European Economic Commission are examples. The latter body, covering both East and West Europe, has been active in transport matters among others. (An introduction to tourism book) Governments to: Develop holistic and comprehensive tourism development strategies in partnership with community and industry stakeholders (including major foreign tour operators or industry associations, where appropriate), that include realistic expectations for the social, cultural and environmental benefits to be reaped from tourism Create positive investment structures to support and encourage sustainable development of tourism destinations Pressure industry associations to report on how they are achieving more sustainable tourism (e.g. industry associations are asking their members to sign up to guidelines and charters but few are enforcing this as a criteria for membership) Legislate for corporate social reporting Facilitate arenas to share best practices between sectors (hotels, tour operators, airlines and cruise lines) so that they can learn from one another Ensure sustainable tourism measures are seen as a core value in wider development plans and policies rather than solely focusing on economic benefits Legislate or provide incentives to businesses who adopt internationally recognised certification schemes or standards within their country (http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/economics.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/CSR+in+the+Tourism+Industry/$FILE/CSR+in+the+Tourism+Industry.pdf)

Discuss the Extent to Which the Hong Kong Legal System

1. Introduction Hong Kong is an exceptional region: a previous British-ruled colony constituted of a majority of Chinese and now a special administrative region on the Chinese soil practising â€Å"One Country, Two System†. Despite the transfer of sovereignty, Hong Kong continues to enjoy a relatively competitive economy and stable environment as compared with other regions in East Asia. It was not until recently that that the discussion over protection of minorities rights[1] attracted more public concern within the territory. So what is it hiding behind the veil of the apparent prosperity in the society?What and who are being ignored by the general public or the â€Å"majority† in the society? This article is going to discuss some aspects whether the rights of minorities are being sufficiently protected by the public institutions and the provisions of legislations and conclude with suggestions to secure minority rights in Hong Kong. 2. History When the British took ov er Hong Kong in 1840s, it brought in the  Brigade of Gurkhas. Western investors as well as people from regional countries migrated since then because of the stability in Hong Kong, which eventually developed into a hub where East meets West[2].Blending incoming ideas from the West into the traditional ideas from China, the product is a society interwoven with peoples of different traditions and beliefs towards a certain issues, for instance, customs, religions and, more controversially, sexual orientation. Despite the establishment of Legal Aid Department, Equal Opportunities Commission and other social institutions, there exist reported cases of discrimination against the minority groups in work and at school, in public and private sectors, let alone many more unreported.Are the minority being well protected? 3. Performance of the Protection of the Minority There are different bodies in Hong Kong that are devoted to protecting the rights of the minority groups. International Huma n Rights Regimes and Basic Law list out what rights are to be protected; other local Legislations deliver obligations of people not to discriminate against others; public and social institutions take a more active role in making Hong Kong a city which do not tolerate discrimination[3]. 1. International Human Rights RegimeDifferent Human Rights Regimes such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (â€Å"ICCPR†), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (â€Å"ICESCR†) as applied in Hong Kong shall remain in force. Others like the Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (â€Å"CEDAW†) is also binding on Hong Kong. 1. The ICCPR The ICCPR guarantees some basic civil and political rights. There are provisions that especially protect the minorities such as ethnic and sexual minorities from being discriminated against.It recognizes the state's duty to guarantee the rights protected by the IC CPR without distinction of any kind[4]. It guarantees the equality of all persons before the law and equal protection of the law against discrimination on various grounds[5] and the rights enjoyed by minorities shall not be denied[6]. 2. The ICESCR The ICESCR recognizes economic, social and cultural rights enjoyed by every human beings. For instance it guarantees the rights of everyone to education[7], so discrimination on grounds like race nor sex on admission policy of schools is to be prohibited. 3.The CEDAW The CEDAW promotes equality between men and women. The Government of Hong Kong submitted periodic reports under CEDAW to detail the protective measures to women in Hong Kong. A Women's Commission is also set up to deal with interest of women in society. The society has quite successfully observe these international treaties and by enforcing these provisions in the treaties, Hong Kong fulfils its duty as required by the treaties to recognize the rights of women, ethnic and sex ual minorities and to eliminate discrimination on grounds of sex, races and other status. . The Basic Law The Basic Law brings into force the rights guaranteed by the Joint Declaration. It also implements provisions of the ICCPR and ICESCR through Article 39. It guarantees rights for some minorities, for instance, rights of the indigenous inhabitants of the New Territories[8]. The supremacy of Basic Law and its ability to override other laws in Hong Kong that are inconsistent with it[9] assure the minority groups that they would not be deprived of their basic rights.The case Secretary for Justice v Yau Yuk Lung Zigo and Another[10] demonstrated the supremacy of the Basic Law: the law that contravenes the provision of rights (of the homosexual in this case) guaranteed by the Basic Law would be declared unconstitutional. The Basic Law has shown an unequivocal intention to protect rights of every residents including the minority of course. 3. Local Legislation The Bill of Rights Ordina nce (â€Å"BOR†) Enacted since the Tiananmen Square Incident, BOR incorporates the ICCPR to strengthen the regime of rights.The BOR also brought about legal reform where laws are revised to ensure compatibility with BOR. Anti-discrimination Ordinances Legislator Anna Wu introduced the Equal Opportunities Bill[11] (â€Å"EOB†) in 1994 but Governor Chris Patten declined to give permission to it. Instead the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (â€Å"SDO†), Disability Discrimination Ordinance and later Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and Racial Discrimination Ordinance are introduced by the government. These anti-discrimination laws are mainly to prohibit discrimination on respective grounds. 4. Public Institutions 1.Legal Aid Department (â€Å"LAD†) Although the LAD is not devoted to eliminating discrimination in the society, it assists parties being discriminated against to seek for justice provided that the party is qualified for legal aid. That said LAD also protects minority rights in the sense that it helps minorities who cannot afford to bring a legal action when they need to. Through implementing the Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme and Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme, LAD caters the needs for minority groups which have different financial resources[12] and sustains the people's rights to access to Court. . Equal Opportunities Commission (â€Å"EOC†)[13] Although the EOC is an institution delegated to promote equality and empowered by law to take action against those discriminate against others, it has taken a limited role in that sense[14]. The EOC has taken legal action, by means of representation, appearing as amicus, starting a litigation in just about half of the claims under the anti-discrimination laws[15]. As a result many claimants who cannot afford the legal costs thus cannot seek for equality and justice.Even where the claimant first tries conciliation but fails to resolve the dispute, there is no warranty that they w ould get legal assistance from the EOC. This makes it possible for the respondent, who is usually a bigger enterprise or a more powerful body than the claimant, to reach a settlement under duress outside the court with the complaint to prevent the publication of the dispute in the course of litigation. Also the EOC would not disclose the information of the claims such as the identity of the parties and the outcome.The perpetrators might continue their wrongful conduct as they are not reported nor publicized. On the other hand, the EOC has adopted a restricted role in eliminating sexual orientation discrimination. Such cases are not unheard of and persistently exist[16]. Chairman of EOC responded but merely explained that the existing anti-discrimination laws do not pertain to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation discrimination. But the Korean Human Rights Commission (â€Å"KHRC†) has taken a far more active approach than the EOC, urging the Korean Government to pass legislation on this nature.The EOC should have considered the approach of KHRC and revised its own policy if not directly copy what KHRC has done. 5. Common Law model As Hong Kong practises a common law system, the cases concerning discrimination against minority groups become precedent for and are binding on later cases. The following are a few examples of how discrimination against minorities rights is treated in Courts of Hong Kong. 1. Secretary for Justice v Yau Yuk Lung Zigo and Another[17]. Homosexual buggery committed otherwise than in private has been criminalized by the Crime Ordinance under Section 118F[18], at least before his case. The relevant section (s. 118F) was held unconstitutional by the Court of Final Appeal in this case on the ground that it constitutes violations to both Article  25 of the Basic Law and Article  22 of BOR[19]. The outcome of this case reasserts the equality of all Hong Kong residents before the Law. 2. Secretary for Justice and Others v Chan Wah and Others[20] In this case, it is held that the exclusion of non-indigenous residents and women from voting and participating an election is discriminatory and violates the BOR and SDO[21].This case has also reminded the public that the society of Hong Kong endeavours to eliminate discrimination even in customary and traditional practices. 3. EOC v Director of Education[22] In this case, the operation of Secondary School Places Allocation System is held to be amounted to discrimination against certain pupils by sex under Section 5(1) of the SDO. This case demonstrates the principle of substantive equality that should be achieved in Hong Kong. 4. W v. Registrar of Marriages[23] In this case, it is held that transsexuals could not marry a person of the same biological sex.I would agree that the judgment is not discriminatory because not all differential treatments constitute discrimination. Only those without a justifiable aim or those whose aim does not justify its means constitute a discrimination[24]. When there is no indication on whether the society is ready to genuinely accept the transsexuals, it is reasonable and justifiable to adopt a conservative approach. The first three cases showed the determination of the society, especially the Courts, in striving to eliminate discrimination within the territory, although the determination might be weak at times.But with these cases as precedents, equality would more likely be done in the fields where the precedents are concerned. 4. Conclusion Despite occasional inability of the EOC to cope with the discriminatory cases; despite cases where discrimination against others persists; despite voicing concerns over issues relating to same-sex relationships and rights to education, Hong Kong's legal system has fulfilled its basic duty to secure minority rights in Hong Kong.We can see that International Human Rights Regimes remain in force; legislations are introduced to prohibit discrimination based on the grounds of sex, race, colour or other status; public institutions are set up to transform Hong Kong into a society which preserves equality. All these has demonstrated the efforts of the Government, the public institutions and the Public in protecting minority rights. But facing claims to further protect the minorities, the fundamental way with a view to building Hong Kong into a society where minority would be well-respected is to resort to education.Only by correcting the mindset of people can minority rights be fully protected. ———————– [1] Puja Kapai argued in her article that to be committed to equality within the society, same-sex marriage shall be included in the purview of the Domestic Violence Ordinance. See The Same Difference: Protecting Same-Sex Couples Under The Domestic Violence Ordinance, (2009) 4(1) Asian Journal of Comparative Law, Article 9, pp. 237-269. Kelley Loper suggested in her article that it is necessa ry to have legal reform in order to ensure inclusive education and substantive equality.See Equality and inclusion in education for persons with disabilities: Article 24 of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and its implementation in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Law Journal, 2010, v. 40 n. 2, p. 419-447 [2] Non-Chinese citizens constitute more than 8 percent of the Hong Kong's population. See http://www. nationsencyclopedia. com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Hong-Kong. html [3] Puja Kapai, â€Å"The Hong Kong Equal Opportunity Commission: Calling for a New Avatar† (2009)HKLJ P. 40 [4] Article 2(1), ICCPR [5] Article 26, ICCPR. It guarantees effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. [6] Article 27, ICCPR [7] Article 13, ICESCR [8] Article 40, Basic Law [9] Article 11, Basic Law [10] (2007) 10 HKCFAR 335, dated 17 July 2007 [11] The EOB sought to prohibit discrimination on grounds like sex, race, disability, age and sexuality. 12] The Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme provides legal assistance to the â€Å"sandwich class† whose financial resources exceed HK$260,000 (the upper limit allowed under the Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme) but not HK$1,300,000. [13] The EOC is an independent body which promotes rights and eliminates discrimination of citizens under the anti-discrimination laws in Hong Kong, receives and looks into complaints from the society and helps to conciliate to resolve disputes and provides legal assistance to complaints in need when the dispute cannot be resolved by conciliation. 14] For those who seek for legal assistance in their cases, over half of the requests are turned down by the EOC. See Kapai, P â€Å"Calling for a New Avatar† (n 3 above) P. 343 [15] Kapai, P â€Å"Calling for a New Avatar† (n 3 above) P. 342 [16] Such as the turning away of homosexual c ouples in love motels, Criminalizing homosexual buggery. See Kapai, P â€Å"Calling for a New Avatar† (n 3 above) P. 350 [17] See Yau Yuk Lung, (n 10 above) 18] Section 118F of the Crime Ordinance states that † A man who commits buggery with another man otherwise than in private shall be guilty of an offence† [19] Art 22 of BOR provides that â€Å"the law shall †¦ guarantee to all persons †¦ effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as †¦ sex, †¦ or other status. † Chief Justice Li held that sexual orientation is within the phrase â€Å"other status†. [20] [2000] 4 HKC 429, dated 22 December 2000 [21] Against Art. 21 and 26 of the BOR and s. 35 of SDO [22] [2001] 2 HKLRD 690, dated 22 June 2001 [23] [2010] HKCFI 55 [24] See The  Belgian Linguistic case (No 2)  (1968)  1 EHRR 252

Durex Marketing Plan Essay

The Durex brand is well known and well trusted. So was the company’s marketing strategy. Condoms are most used by the 16 to 35 age group – a group most at risk in terms of sexual behaviour. For an older target group, the relevancy of Durex products wanes. This group is in a different life phase and has different sexual needs. Most people over 35 are married or in long-term relationships and therefore use other protection. While brand name recognition in this group is still very high, the product is no longer considered as relevant. The traditional and ongoing challenge, according to Durex global marketing head Mark Critchley, is to constantly attract new customers to the company’s primary age group, 16 to 35, to compensate the natural drop on the upper side, 35 plus. â€Å"We call it youth recruitment, we have to keep attracting young consumers to the brand as older consumers use Durex less because the condom is less relevant to them. † Critchley said Rather than just replenishing the existing consumer base, over the past few years Durex has taken the decision to expand its business concerns into other areas of sexual well-being. Durex wanted to expand its product base; to stretch the market by introducing products that would be relevant to the lives of its older consumers. The company started by researching potential consumers. In the past five years Durex has polled more than a million of them, focusing on different themes: concept level, users’ research (every time a new product is launched the product is always tested with consumers before launching), online research and also a comprehensive worldwide sexual wellbeing survey, led by an independent research company. The results showed that there was an opportunity for Durex to expand into new product categories, by shifting its brand positioning from safer sex to better sex. The goal for the company’s marketing team was therefore to expand Durex’s market and map out various products which consumers want to use to improve their sex life. The company also wanted to change the perception of these products. â€Å"whilst the traditional sex toy in many cases is effective, they look awful. We wanted to ensure our products are well designed, effective and don’t look pink and phallic. Critchley said â€Å"The goal for Durex in stretching the brand is to appeal to both males and female consumers, all our products therefore need to be well thought through and relevant. † survey, led by an independent research company. The results showed that there was an opportunity for Durex to expand into new product categories, by shifting its brand positioning from safer sex to better sex. The goal for the company’s marketing team was therefore to expand Durex’s market and map out various products which consumers want to use to improve their sex life. The company also wanted to change the perception of these products. â€Å"whilst the traditional sex toy in many cases is effective, they look awful. We wanted to ensure our products are well designed, effective and don’t look pink and phallic. † Critchley said â€Å"The goal for Durex in stretching the brand is to appeal to both males and female consumers, all our products therefore need to be well thought through and relevant. † Communication for Durex Play has also taken a different track. Durex has long used the internet to communicate with young adults across the globe and provide them with safer sex information in their own language. With Durex Play, however, the company moved to use above-the-line communication such as TV ads, a method not much used for these products before which again helped to change consumer perceptions about these goods. For the younger target group, Durex’s communication focuses on education, prevention and encouraging condom-use. Durex Play focuses more on the slightly older audience, emphasizing the fun and experimental values. Product Definition Durex is the world’s best-selling brand of condoms, and with a large variety of condoms, lubricants, vibrating rings, and other types of sex toys, it’s no wonder that they’re so widely used. The standard Durex condom is the Durex Natural Feeling Condom, which comes with water-based lubricant inside and reservoir tip to help provide a natural feeling during sex. An alternative to this classic is the Durex Enhanced Pleasure, which has a special contoured shape that creates both more sensitivity and a better fit to help enhance the experience. Looking for something a little more exciting? Try Durex High Sensation condoms, which differ from other ribbed condoms by having large ribs towards the open end, leading in an increase in sensation for your partner. Another condom in that same vein is the Durex Her Sensation condom, which with its specifically positioned ribs and berry scent will certainly please your partner, if not you as well. Don’t think that’s exciting enough? Then try the Durex Intense Sensation with its raised stud texture, which is sure to lead to a unique and memorable experience. And for those who love both ribbing and studs, there’s the Durex Pleasuremax, the ultimate in pleasure from Durex. Looking for something in particular with your condom? Want to extend the experience for as long as humanly possible? Durex’s new Durex Performax condoms are for you then, as they contain a special climax control lubricant inside to help extend your experience long into the night. Interested in sensitivity and thinness? Durex Extra Sensitive Condoms are 20% thinner than the standard condom and have a fitted shape which greatly enhances the sensation while reassuring that you stay protected. Another similar condom is the Durex Maximum Love Condom, which, besides being thinner, comes with an extra-smooth silky lubricant inside to help increase sensation during sex. However, if you’re more interested in the safe part of safe sex, try Durex Extra Strength Condoms instead, which use premium latex to ensure that the right combination of pleasure and protection occurs. And for those of you who want some fun with your sexual experience (and who doesn’t want that? ), Durex Colors & Scents Condoms and Durex Rainbow Colored Condoms come in a wide variety of colors and scents to help add that special touch. There’s also Durex Natural Feeling Non-Lubricated Condoms for those who are sensitive to lubricant, and Durex Avanti Polyurethane Condoms for those who are sensitive to latex, so no one has to miss out. And if you’re unable to decide on just one type of condom, Durex offers a Sampler Pack where you can choose up to four different types to try out. It’s no surprise then that Durex condoms are considered some of the best in the world! And with condoms being fairly inexpensive, buying them wholesale and trying out lots of different types has never been so easy! Durex also offers a number of excellent lubricants as well. One is Durex Play More, which is designed to help enhance intimacy and is a long-lasting lubricant. Another is Durex Play Longer, which helps delay climax in order to extend the experience even longer. Then there’s Durex Play Warmer, which provides a warming sensation on contact, which is sure to be a real pleaser. Finally, there’s Durex Play Tingling, which with its minty scent and tingling sensation makes an excellent type of massage lotion. And of course, all of these lubricants can be used on condoms.

The Archaeology of Ancient Peru and Central Andes

Ancient Peru traditionally corresponds to the South American area of the Central Andes, one of the archaeological macro-areas of South America archaeology. Beyond encompassing all Peru, the Central Andes reach toward the  north, the border with Ecuador, westward the lake Titicaca basin in Bolivia, and south the border with Chile. The amazing ruins of the Moche, Inca, Chimà º, along with Tiwanaku in Bolivia, and the early sites of Caral and Paracas, among many others, make the Central Andes probably the most studied area of all South America. For a long time, this interest in Peruvian archaeology has been at the expense of other South American regions, affecting not only our knowledge about the rest of the continent but also the connections of the Central Andes with other areas. Fortunately, this trend is now reversing, with archaeological projects focusing on all South American regions and their reciprocal relations. Central Andes Archaeological Regions The Andes obviously represent the most dramatic and important landmark of this sector of South America. In ancient times, and to some extent, in the present, this chain shaped the climate, the economy, the communication system, the ideology and religion of its inhabitants. For this reason, archaeologists have subdivided this region into different zones from north to south, each separated into coast and highland. Central Andes Culture Areas Northern Highlands: it includes the valley of the Maraà ±on river, the Cajamarca valley, Callejon de Huaylas (where the important site of Chavin de Huantar is located, and home of the Recuay culture) and Huanuco valley; North Coast: Moche, Viru, Santa and Lambayeque valleys. This subarea was the heart of the Moche culture and the Chimu kingdom.Central Highlands: Mantaro, Ayacucho (where the site of Huari is located) valleys; Central Coast: Chancay, Chillon, Supe, and Rimac valleys. This subarea  was strongly influenced by the Chavin culture and has important Preceramic and Initial period sites.Southern Highlands: Apurimac and Urubamba valley (site of Cuzco), the heartland of the Inca empire during the Late Horizon period; Southern Coast: Paracas peninsula, Ica, Nazca valleys. The South coast was the center of the Paracas culture, famous for its multicolor textiles and pottery, of the Ica pottery style, as well as the Nazca culture with its polychrome pottery and enigmatic geoglyph s.Titicaca Basin: Highland region at the border between Peru and Bolivia, around the lake Titicaca. An important site of Pucara, as well as the famous Tiwanaku (also spelled as Tiahuanaco). Far South: This includes the area at the  border between Peru and Chile and the region of Arequipa and Arica, with the important burial site of Chinchorro in northern Chile. The Central Andean population were densely settled into villages, large towns, and cities on the coast as well as in the highlands. People were divided into distinct social classes since very early times. Important to all ancient Peruvian societies was ancestor worship, often manifested through ceremonies involving mummy bundles. Central Andes Interrelated Environments Some archaeologists use for ancient Peru culture history the term â€Å"vertical archipelago† to emphasize how important was for people living in this region the combination of highland and coastal products. This archipelago of different natural zones, moving from the coast (west) to the inland regions and the mountains (east), provided abundant and different resources. This mutual dependence on different environmental zones that make up the Central Andean region is also visible in the local iconography, which since very early times featured animals, like felines, fish, serpents, birds coming from different areas such as the desert, the ocean, and the jungle. Central Andes and Peruvian Subsistence Basic to the Peruvian subsistence, but available only through exchange between different zones, were products such as maize, potatoes, lima beans, common beans, squashes, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peanuts, manioc, chili peppers, avocados, along with cotton (probably the first domesticated plant in South America), gourds, tobacco and coca. Important animals were camelids such as domesticated llamas and wild vicuà ±a, alpaca and guanaco, and guinea pigs. Important Sites Chan Chan, Chavin de Huantar, Cusco, Kotosh, Huari, La Florida, Garagay, Cerro Sechà ­n, Sechà ­n Alto, Guitarrero Cave, Pukara, Chiripa, Cupisnique, Chinchorro, La Paloma, Ollantaytambo, Macchu Pichu, Pisaq, Recuay, Gallinazo, Pachacamac, Tiwanaku, Cerro Baul, Cerro Mejia, Sipan, Caral, Tampu Machay, Caballo Muerto Complex, Cerro Blanco, Paà ±amarca, El Brujo, Cerro Galindo, Huancaco, Pampa Grande, Las Haldas, Huanuco Pampa, Lauricocha, La Cumbre, Huaca Prieta, Piedra Parada, Aspero, El Paraiso, La Galgada, Cardal, Cajamarca, Cahuachi, Marcahuamachuco, Pikillaqta, Sillustani, Chiribaya, Cinto, Chotuna, Batan Grande, Tucume. Sources Isbell William H. and Helaine Silverman, 2006, Andean Archaeology III. North and South. Springer Moseley, Michael E., 2001, The Inca and their Ancestor. The Archaeology of Peru. Revised Edition, Thames and Hudson