Circular cultural tourism in BeCULTOUR project defines a sustainable and regenerative cultural tourism model that aims to foster sustainable and equitable regional development implementing a “human-centred” circular economy model through the enhancement of abandoned, underused and less-known cultural and natural resources, enhancement of human capital and human rights, reduction of tourism pressure on over-exploited territories, reduction of wastes and natural resources consumption (energy, water, soil, biodiversity), increase of clean energy and green transport means, recycling and reuse of materials and products, and enhancement of locally based food and craft productions – finally empowering local communities, enhancing ecosystems, enhancing local identity, wellbeing, health and cultural diversity, and enhancing local entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems through cultural tourism.

Join the International Conference on Cultural Tourism Advances on 27-28 June in Brussels

The Horizon 2020 Be.CULTOUR project has organized the International Conference on "Cultural Tourism Advances", that will be held on 27-28 June 2023 at KU Leuven, Belgium, in collaboration with the European Research Executive Agency and with other five EU funded H2020 research and innovation projects:  IMPACTOUR, SmartCulTour, SPOT, TExTOUR and INCULTUM. A large community of scientists and innovators will meet in Leuven to share advances in cultural tourism models and practices, learning from the results of projects funded under the Horizon 2020 programme.

Beyond Tourism: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Circular Cultural Experiences

Sustainable cultural tourism has long focused on minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on cultural sites and promoting responsible travel. However, the "beyond tourism" approach recognizes that not only sustainability, but also circularity encompasses more than environmental conservation and economic benefits. It strives to create authentic and immersive experiences that foster mutual understanding. One of the fundamental aspects of "beyond tourism" is the emphasis on cultural immersion and engagement.

Webinars Beyond Cultural Tourism: Milestones and future events

Already four webinars have been held within the Be.CULTOUR community and peer learning programme, and the fifth is just about to come! On June 23rd, from 14:00 to 15:30 pm CEST,  we will talk about challenges and opportunities in Community-led and innovative entrepreneurship for circular cultural tourism. In particular, it will show how the sleeping potential of less-known and peripheral destinations, their cultural assets and local resources, can be exploited by a wise co-management  of communities and stakeholders.

42nd Breakfast at Sustainability’s: Cultural heritage as a driver of circular tourism

What is ‘circular cultural tourism’ and how can it contribute to sustainable regional development in Europe? The next edition of ICLEI’s flagship Breakfast at Sustainability’s series will bring together representatives of EU institutions, cultural experts, regional officers, and tourism stakeholders to discuss the unexplored potential of cultural heritage as a driver of circular tourism.

The Five Senses Open-Air Museum of Sciacca becomes a good practice of the Cultural Heritage in Action Project

Cultural Heritage in Action is a peer-learning scheme financed by the European Union on cultural heritage to support exchanges between large numbers of cities, regions and stakeholders, thus building a broad learning community. 

The project identifies good practices from EU cities and regions and supports the exchange of experience through direct contact between rural, local, regional and national administrations as well as experts (civil society, NGOs, local organisations, urban planners, architects, etc.) during thematic peer-learning visits.

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