The Prime Minister believes that Prague could leave the UNESCO list

Prague - Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek believes that Prague could voluntarily leave the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, wrote the server Týden.cz. According to this source, the Prime Minister thinks that Prague would not lose tourists by being removed from the list, and if this fact were "well marketed," it would even benefit the city in terms of marketing.
The information comes at a time when the UNESCO committee, during its meeting at the turn of June and July, once again expressed concern about plans to build high-rise buildings in Pankrác; Prague is to express by February next year how it has adjusted its plans so that the constructions do not threaten the city's panorama and landscape, which is why the historical center of Prague was included on the list.
The trend among those listed is, on the contrary, to strive to maintain their position and provide UNESCO experts with guarantees that the heritage site is well cared for both currently and in the future.
Being listed as a World Heritage site is generally understood as a highly prestigious matter; no tourist guidebook fails to mention such a site. However, the Prime Minister believes that Prague would not lose any of its appeal if it disappeared from the list. In fact, Týden reports that it could even profit from it. It notes, however, that the context in which the statement was made relativizes it. The Prime Minister made his remarks on Tuesday evening after climbing Říp, while refreshing himself with a beer in a buffet.
The Prime Minister's words are groundbreaking, as it would be the first time in history that a heritage site voluntarily leaves the heritage list. Prague's step would not correspond at all with the situation in Europe: for example, Warsaw has long tried to be included, while Vienna has desperately sought to remain among the selected heritage sites.
Occasionally, proponents of building high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in the city speculate whether it might be better not to be on the UNESCO list. For them, the fact that the historical center is protected by the listing can be a hindrance. However, no high-ranking politician has expressed similar sentiments so far.
The Czech Republic, besides Prague, has another 11 listings on the World Heritage list, making it one of the most successful countries in relation to its size and population.