Published on 06 Dec 2023
TExTOUR is an EU-funded project that co-designs pioneering and sustainable cultural tourism strategies to improve deprived areas in Europe and beyond. Through the experience of its eight pilot sites, the project developed a 7-step methodology for local communities who want to develop their tourism sector through their heritage resources.
Tourism is a major economic activity in Europe, with a great impact not only on the economy but also on society, environment, and culture. For remote areas, located outside of the main touristic routes, cultural tourism represents an opportunity for economic growth and social development, but on the other hand, the possible negative impacts on the environment and community life should not be underestimated.
TExTOUR’s 7-step methodology is an innovative co-creation method in which local communities are involved since the beginning in a participative process to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their territories and the best way to valorise their heritage without damaging it.
This methodology was tested in eight pilot cases in Europe and beyond, accounting for different kinds of heritage, socio-economic conditions, and environments, and it is now ready to be replicated and upscaled in other localities.
It is part of TExTOUR’s heritage, ready to be adopted, improved, and adapted by other remote areas in Europe and beyond.
