Awareness raising on changes in tourism demand and the opportunities of twin transition for tourism – Página 2 – fuTOURiSME

Adapting to Changing Tourism Demands in Greece

Escrito por Anastasia Sakkoula en agosto 28, 2024.

The lack of understanding of the changing tourism demand and the opportunities presented by the twin transition was identified as a major gap. As perceptions of tourists change and their needs evolve, new challenges and opportunities rise for tourism SMEs. The need for awareness programs to educate on the changing tourism landscape was highlighted as a challenge. Professionals have the need for tools to make well-placed observations, acquire insights and leverage their new knowledge. The lessons learnt underscore the importance of staying abreast of market trends and leveraging the opportunities presented by the twin transition.

The DestiMED PLUS project is a significant initiative that aims to promote integrated planning in coastal tourism. It focuses on applying holistic policies that link tourism with conservation, particularly in the context of ecotourism products in Mediterranean Protected Areas (PAs). The project recognizes the need for robust governance and legislative frameworks across the entire Mediterranean area for ecotourism to thrive. A key component of the project is the establishment of a Med Ecotourism Consortium (MEC), comprising conservation and tourism actors from regional administrations. The MEC works to capitalize on tools and strengthen policy frameworks for ecotourism, allowing regions to exchange best practices and develop an integrated ecotourism model for the Mediterranean that can be adopted by their territories and scaled up.

Lessons Learned:

Harmonization of Monitoring Tools and Online Learning: Existing monitoring tools should be harmonized to maintain an informed overview. This may allow local and regional authorities to measure sustainability and improve participatory governance.
Strengthening Governance and Legislation Frameworks: For ecotourism to thrive, governance and legislation frameworks must be strengthened across the whole Mediterranean area. This includes enhancing cross-sectoral local and regional policies and improving integrated planning strategies that can integrate insights of variable demand.

Promoting sustainable tourism: key lessons for awareness and the twin transition

Escrito por Sonia Merlo en agosto 6, 2024.

A significant challenge highlighted by interviews with French tourism SMEs is the need for a comprehensive dissemination campaign to promote the relevance of actions linked with the twin transition and resilience to destination authorities, tourism management organizations, and SMEs. Many SMEs expressed a lack of awareness and understanding of these processes and their potential benefits. Additionally, raising awareness to increase the uptake and visibility of sustainability tools and sustainable options among consumers was identified as crucial for driving demand towards more sustainable tourism practices.

Drawing from the findings of the TOURISME, SusTour, Ecotours, and DIGITOUR EU-funded projects, several key insights and lessons can be drawn that are relevant to Topic 20 of the Transition Pathway on awareness raising and the twin transition for tourism:

Stakeholder collaboration and engagement: the projects emphasized the critical role of collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and policymakers, in promoting sustainable tourism practices. Engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and commitment towards sustainable development in tourism.
Innovation and technology: the DIGITOUR project highlighted the transformative role of digital technologies in enhancing tourism experiences and operational efficiency while promoting sustainability. Integrating digital tools can facilitate information dissemination and reach diverse audiences, fostering awareness about sustainable tourism practices.
Education and capacity building: the SusTour project emphasized the importance of education and capacity building for tourism stakeholders. By enhancing knowledge and skills related to sustainable practices, stakeholders can effectively implement and advocate for responsible tourism strategies.
Environmental and cultural preservation: the Ecotours project underscored the significance of preserving natural resources and cultural heritage in tourism development. Promoting ecotourism principles ensures the sustainable use of resources and contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and local traditions.
Community involvement and empowerment: all the mentioned projects highlighted the key role of local communities in sustainable tourism. Engaging communities in tourism planning and development empowers them to benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural identity and enhancing socio-economic well-being.

These projects collectively underscore the significance of integrating circular economy principles into tourism operations to reduce waste generation and promote resource efficiency. They highlight the importance of engaging local communities, empowering them through tourism initiatives, and ensuring that tourism activities benefit residents while respecting cultural heritage. Additionally, the projects emphasize the role of digital transformation in driving innovation within the tourism sector, enhancing efficiency, and improving visitor experiences.

By adopting eco-friendly infrastructure and practices, such as energy-efficient measures and sustainable transportation options, tourism businesses can mitigate their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation. Supportive policy frameworks are crucial in promoting sustainable tourism, providing regulations and incentives that encourage responsible practices. Education and awareness-raising initiatives are essential components in driving behavioral change among tourists and stakeholders, promoting responsible travel choices and fostering a culture of sustainability.

Revlys

Escrito por Sonia Merlo en agosto 5, 2024.

Revlys focuses on offering events exclusively in France, highlighting the country’s diverse and beautiful regions. Their activities aim to raise awareness about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), promoting sustainable practices among clients. Prioritizing train travel reduces carbon footprints and supports eco-friendly transportation. The company emphasizes responsible food choices by sourcing organic and locally produced ingredients tailored to each region. Seminar locations are selected based on recognized sustainability certifications, such as eco-hotels and eco-complexes, ensuring alignment with their values. To further mitigate environmental impact, all CO2 emissions from events are offset through the Label Bas-Carbone. Revlys also collaborates with local businesses for souvenirs, food, tours, and activities, which supports regional products, minimizes transportation distances, and showcases the cultural richness of each French region.

Raising awareness of changes in tourism demand

Escrito por Marianna Gallina en julio 31, 2024.

Raising awareness of changes in tourism demand and twin transition opportunities for tourism requires a combination of strategies, including targeted outreach campaigns, awareness-raising activities on the adoption of sustainability tools, and support for networking and sharing best practices among European cities.

The projects carried out by both Officina Agroculturale Cafeci and Spaccio BIO are projects that focus heavily on educating their clients because only through a continuous and long-lasting process of education can interest and change be obtained from the population. In fact, while these initially encountered the participation of very few people, over time these have increased significantly with a remarkable growth in awareness that a change toward sustainable choices is increasingly necessary.

Byzantine Village

Escrito por Marianna Gallina en julio 30, 2024.

Hisn al-Giran has been managing the Byzantine Village area owned by the Regional Department of Rural and Territorial Development since June 2012.

The goal of the association is, from the beginning, to expand its reach throughout the entire territory of Calascibetta, enhancing it through cultural events aimed at community involvement and beyond.

Their Association is involved on a voluntary basis in the maintenance and cleaning of trails, fire roads, rest areas, points of interest, parking area and toilets.

In September 2012, they also carried out initial work on the entire archaeological area, equipping it with educational panels and signage in order to facilitate its use.

They take care of visitor reception at our Info Point and organize for them excursions archaeo-naturalistic day trips to discover an extraordinary archaeological and naturalistic heritage.

Excursions can be conducted in Italian, English and French, and by reservation also in German and Russian, with the support of native speakers; active also the guide options in LIS, thanks to the support of a communication assistant.

TRANSHUMANCE

Escrito por Marianna Gallina en julio 30, 2024.

It is from the earliest times that our ancestors have gone on TRANSHUMANCE, an ancient agricultural tradition that has marked the history of our people over the millennia. To ensure forage for their livestock, according to the changing seasons, shepherds and herds would reach distant pastures by traveling along the ‘trazzere’, ancient connecting roads. They crossed valleys and streams and here found makeshift shelters, often caves, as a night shelter, the so-called ‘jazzu’.

From the summer pastures in the highlands they would return, in autumn, to the lower and therefore more welcoming hills to defend themselves from the rigors of winter.

Started 11 years ago and since then, twice a year, in spring and summer, it takes tourists to retrace an ancient path of 45 km for three days from Calascibetta to Gangi, or vice versa, at donkey pace, to rediscover the ancient traditions and the surrounding nature, in close contact with the times and needs of donkeys, to rediscover a precious heritage to be safeguarded and handed down to new generations.

Stefania is generally aided and assisted by another AIGAE guide, Gianluca, who accompanies her throughout the entire journey.

Topic: Awareness raising on changes in tourism demand and the opportunities of twin transition for tourism