Two new world heritage conservation programs have been launched in Mexico to help benefit and help preserve the Yucatan Peninsula world heritage sites, for tourists who travel to the sites and the local communities.

The program, which has been launched as part of the recently created World Heritage Alliance Expedia, the United Nations Foundation will work with local communities towards enhancing sustainable tourism in Sian Ka'an, near the resort of Cancun, according to G Net news centre.

World Heritage Alliance also plan to establish an industry training at four locations in the Yucatan Peninsula, namely Campeche, Merida, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya.

Hoping to engage hotels, tour operators, and other tourism companies in the region, the aim is to promote responsible tourism to the region's World Heritage sites.

Timothy E Wirth, U.N. foundation president, said: "We applaud Expedia for setting a vision for how the tourism industry can work together with local sustainable suppliers and the industry as a whole, to encourage travelers to visit and enjoy the world's treasures in a responsible way."

The Mexico Tourism Board and National Geographic Traveler are also taking part and will offer free educational information for tourists and travelers in the region on how to visit the sites responsibly.