The Be.CULTOUR project aims to promote sustainability and circular practices in the cultural tourism sector through the implementation of six Action Plans. These actions focus on various innovation areas and emerging trends identified by the project, with each action targeting different aspects of circular and responsible tourism in remote cultural heritage sites.
One of the pilot actions, for example, is dedicated to promoting green mobility. This involves encouraging the use of sustainable modes of travel, such as cycling, walking, or public transport, to reduce the environmental impact of transportation in cultural tourism. By promoting eco-friendly transportation options, the project aims to minimise carbon emissions and promote a more sustainable approach to travel.
Another pilot action focuses on supporting local economies and sustainable food practices. The project aims to create opportunities for local businesses and producers by promoting the consumption of local and organic products. By highlighting the importance of sustainable food practices, the project aims to contribute to the preservation of local culinary traditions, reduce food waste, and support the local economy.
The project also includes pilot actions that focus on developing winter activities in nature. These actions aim to promote sustainable outdoor tourism during the winter season while minimising negative environmental impacts. By offering activities such as eco-friendly skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking, the project aims to provide visitors with unique experiences in nature while preserving the natural resources and biodiversity of the destinations. With the global temperature rising, winter becomes a unique cultural and natural asset that needs to be protected, just like many other heritage phenomena.
Furthermore, the project includes actions dedicated to the digital development of smart tourism destinations. These actions leverage technology to enhance visitor experiences while reducing resource consumption. By implementing smart solutions such as digital guides, interactive maps, or smart energy management systems, the project aims to create more sustainable and efficient tourism destinations.
As the Be.CULTOUR project nears its completion, captivating stories are being collected to ensure its post-project sustainability and the long-term implementation of the Action Plans. These stories will serve as a source of inspiration and knowledge for individuals and organisations interested in similar cultural tourism initiatives. By sharing experiences, anecdotes, and memories related to cultural tourism, sustainable practices, community engagement, and the implementation of the Action Plans, stakeholders will contribute to shaping the future of cultural tourism and ensuring its positive impact on communities.
The stories collected will showcase the tangible and intangible benefits of the Be.CULTOUR project, highlighting its transformative power and fostering a lasting connection with the communities involved. They will serve as a valuable resource for future cultural tourism initiatives, inspiring new projects and celebrating the progress made through the implementation of the Action Plans. Additionally, they will be "project memoirs," challenging the dark side of projectification when projects are implemented one after another without proper care for outcomes and long-term impacts.
Learn more about the six Pilots' Action Plans: Aragon (Spain), Basilicata (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Vastra Gotaland (Sweden), Vojvodina (Serbia), Romania-Moldova (Cross-border region).