“Project to structure the Cultural and Landscape Touring offer of the Azores, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures of the Azores. The project is distinguished by the structuring of the tourist offer based on the natural and cultural heritage underlying the current and ancestral Azorean cultural practices. In order to develop a sustainable tourism and to have all the islands of the archipelago in a sustainable development path, even the smaller ones, that usually are not included in the regular Tourism offers, 48 circuits distributed over the nine islands of the archipelago were designed, involving the local communities. The Whaling Route: necessity and opportunity pushed the Azorean man to chase sperm whales from the second half of the 19th century to the 80s of the 20th century. In a Route present in all the islands of the Archipelago, it is unveiled the work tools, the whaling boats, the factories, the workshops, the ramps, the try-works and the lookouts that continue, to this day, to mark the Azorean landscape. But, above all, tourist gets to know the testimonies of this maritime adventure, the fears, thoughts, disasters and adrenaline of this inevitable relationship “man – ocean – animal”. The Volcano Route: without them, there would be no Azores. Without them, there would be no Azorean Culture. In addition to understanding these geological phenomena, the Volcanoes Route, present in all the islands, aims to contextualize the umbilical relationship of the Azorean Man and Nature over centuries, as well as to illustrate all the constraints from this cohabitation to the present day. The Wine Route: based on the particularity of the volcanic soils of the Azores, the cultivation of vines in the archipelago has developed since the beginning of the settlement of the islands. The need for subsistence, ingenuity and the ability of the Azorean man to integrate into the inherited landscape and draw income from it gave rise to a cultural practice, which today is in full growth and which was celebrated in 2004, with the title of Cultural Landscape of Humanity by UNESCO, in the extensive lava fields of Pico Island.The Vineyards Route is the opportunity to experience the history of this culture with about 5 centuries, in manor houses and farmhouses, wineries, cooperatives, portinhos, rola-pipas, corrals, rilheiras, wells, festivities and family practices, as well as to savour its sophisticated modernity with the wine producers of the 3 islands with the Denomination of Origin seal (Pico, Graciosa and Biscoitos in Terceira) and the brand new production territories (São Miguel, Faial and Santa Maria).”

The city of Lublin has introduced from 2018 a cutting-edge mobile application called “Tourist Lublin” featuring an augmented reality (AR) module. Through historical sources and the implementation of AR technology, Lublin has successfully brought back to life non-existent landmarks such as the St. Michael the Archangel parish church and the water tower. By utilizing AR, which generates three-dimensional virtual images, the app provides users with a virtual map directing them to the exact locations where these buildings once stood. Special tracker boards with geometric symbols are placed in those areas, requiring users to scan them to witness the virtual reconstruction. Consequently, the digitally recreated structures materialize within the vacant spaces, allowing users to observe and rotate them at actual or scaled proportions. Both residents and tourists can experience the city through this innovative app, offering a fresh perspective on Lublin. The intervention aims to revive non-existent places in the city, such as the St. Michael the Archangel parish church and water tower, through the utilization of augmented reality and historical sources. The app guides users to the exact locations where these buildings once stood by displaying a virtual map. Special tracker boards with geometric symbols are placed in those locations, requiring users to scan them to view the virtual image. This intervention provides both locals and visitors with the opportunity to experience the city of Lublin from a new perspective using AR technology. The use of augmented reality and historical sources allows the city of Lublin to revive non-existent landmarks, such as the St. Michael the Archangel parish church and water tower. This initiative helps preserve the memory and history of these buildings. The mobile application enriched with AR technology provides users, both locals and visitors, with a unique and immersive way to explore the city. By using the virtual map and scanning special tracker boards, users can experience virtually recreated buildings, observe them at scale or real size, and rotate them around their axis. This enriches the overall tourist experience and offers a new lens through which to view the city. The initiative promotes cultural and historical education by providing users with access to information about the previously nonexistent landmarks. Users can learn about the significance and history of these buildings through the app, fostering a deeper understanding of Lublin’s heritage. The launch of the mobile application showcases the city’s embrace of technological advancements, specifically in the field of augmented reality. This initiative positions Lublin as an innovative destination that utilizes cutting-edge technology to enhance the visitor experience. By offering a unique and engaging way to explore the city, the initiative can attract more tourists to Lublin. The mobile application acts as a promotional tool, showcasing the city’s cultural and historical assets and encouraging visitors to discover Lublin from a fresh perspective.

The goal of the National Association of the Alberghi Diffusi (ADI) is to promote and showcase the Albergo Diffuso accommodation model, highlighting its innovative “made in Italy” approach. The objectives include providing information about Albergo Diffuso, sharing updates about the ADI association, and facilitating navigation through various member facilities. The intervention focuses on raising awareness about Albergo Diffuso as a unique hospitality model. It addresses the target population of tourists interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations. The intervention aims to bridge the gap between tourists’ demand for sustainable stays and the availability of the establishments. Mechanisms and tools such as the official website and the “Narrators of the place” section are in place to report and address the needs of visitors and promote the essence of Albergo Diffuso. The intervention takes place in different locations, primarily small historic centers, ancient villages, rural or mountain settlements. The main outcomes of the intervention include increased awareness and understanding of the Albergo Diffuso accommodation model among tourists. The website serves as a comprehensive resource for visitors seeking information about the related establishments and the territories they are located in. The “Narrators of the place” section provides a unique and personalized insight into the local culture and experiences. The intervention also contributes to promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving cultural heritage.

The project “Piedmont’s Sustainable Villages: localities for a more responsible tourism” was created by the Region of Piedmont, which chose Environment Park, a scientific-technological park for the environment, as support for the development of the project and as an expert in issues related to sustainability and good energy-environmental practices. The project implemented since 2021, is part of the Region of Piedmont’s strategies to promote sustainable localities and tourist destinations, enhancing and rewarding initiatives in the field of environmental protection and responsible tourism undertaken by local municipalities. The ‘Sustainable Villages’ label is one of the tools with which the Piedmont Region intends to promote and qualify the tourist offer. Within this portal, therefore, it will be possible to find not only a wealth of information and links to tourist attractions, but also all the information on good environmental tourism practices implemented in the area. From plants producing energy from renewable sources to environmental and landscape requalification projects, from green building structures to the decalogue of the sustainable tourist. The portal is also a place where professionals in the sector and the public can meet and discuss technical and environmental issues with a view to increasing the development of sustainability. The municipalities that are currently part of the network are located throughout Piedmont. A complex of realities that presents itself to the outside world as a ‘host community’. This is a new form of welcome that envisages granting tourists or visitors a sort of ‘temporary citizenship’. A privileged channel for accessing the most intimate life of the community that entails a commitment to get to know and respect its historical and environmental identity. The aim of the project is to give visibility to places that promote sustainable tourism, to disseminate this practice, and to provide space for discussion between shopkeepers for the dissemination of good practices.

After national data demonstrate that 2022 was the best year ever for tourism in Portugal in terms of revenue and the figures already available for the first three months of 2023 indicate that they were the best months ever in terms of overnight stays and tourist revenue, the Portuguese Government presented an agenda to “boost, differentiate and materialize” sustainable tourism in the Inland. Despite the positive dynamism of inland tourism, reality shows that 90% of demand is on the coast and that 95% of international tourism is on the coast, the objective is “to reinforce the measures of positive differentiation for tourism in the Interior”, being, essentially, an agenda to “concrete, projects and measures. It is an agenda to act”. The main priorities of the plan “are to value the territory, support companies, qualify human resources, attract people and also connect territories and project the image of the Inland abroad”, with the aim of contributing to territorial cohesion. With an initial global budget of 200 million euros, there are several instruments and action measures. Thus, the “+ Inland Tourism, Territory” line, in the “Value the Territory” component, will have an allocation of 20 million euros to preserve and reinforce the tourist attractiveness of the territories, support up to 70% of eligible expenditure, a maximum of 400.000 euros per project with non-refundable subsidy. Within this line is REVIVE III, which will reclassify and enhance 8 properties, of historical and heritage value, for tourist purposes, in low-density territories. The “Incentive System for Productive Innovation” provides, in a positive differentiation component for the interior, a 5% higher base rate for low-density territories, so that projects in the inland “can more easily reach the maximum incentive rate of 40% of the total eligible investment. In this instrument, which is based on “Investing in Companies, “Microcredit + Interior Tourism”, the 15 million euros include interest-free loans, with an associated performance bonus, which can amount to up to 30% of the loan granted. Here, too, there is positive differentiation towards the interior, a new measure, specific to low-density territories. In the same instrument and measures, the “Mutually Guaranteed Credit Line” will have one of 35 million euros, for the creation, growth/expansion of businesses and treasury support. In this case, the loan with associated mutual guarantee for projects in the interior of up to 4,5 million euros will cover the financing risk by 80% in low-density territories (+10 p.p. in the rest of the country), noting that, “for the first there is a positive territorial distinction for the interior, creating better conditions for bank financing”. The Qualification Offer Support Line (LAQO 2023) +Tourism has an allocation of 50 million euros for the creation, growth/expansion of businesses. This line stipulates coverage of 80% of the financing and a performance premium that can reach 30%, “twice the amount for interest-free financing and non-refundable funding compared to the coast”. The “Capitalize Turismo + Growing” line, a venture capital investment fund, will have an endowment of 10 million euros and will be available for capitalization operations of companies for projects of expansion, internationalization or improvement of competitiveness; merger and consolidation processes of companies, through venture capital; and reinforcement of the companies’ share capital. Funding ranges from €150.000 to €1,5 million and priority access to funding will be given to projects in low-density areas. The “Real Estate Investment Fund for the Inland” will provide 15 million euros for the creation, growth/expansion of businesses, based on real estate assets; as well as for sale & lease back operations (purchase/lease, with option to (re)purchase). Financing is up to €1,5 million per operation. In the internationalization component, this Government new program provides 5 million euros to “reinforce the internationalization of companies and tourism brands located in the inland”. Support is up to 70% of the eligible cost, with a ceiling of 50,000 euros per project. In the field of sustainability, the “Environmental Sustainability Support Line”, has a total allocation of 20 million euros, bank financing can go up to 500.000 euros (mutual guarantee of 80%), also counting on a prize performance fee of 20% (lost fund). In the instruments and measures for “Qualification”, the line “Return + Inland Tourism”, has 400.000 euros to encourage the mobility of people for tourist companies in the inland, with applications approved in the Measure to Support the Return of Emigrants to Portugal or to who benefit from professional internships supported by Turismo de Portugal, with additional support by 25% of the assigned value. The line “Inland Tourism Employment” has more than 400.000 euros of exclusive incentive to the mobility of people for tourism companies in inland territories, with approved applications in the “Inland Employment +”, while the line “Inland Study Tourism” will have 200.000 euros to its willingness to encourage the mobility of students, residing on the coast, to the Hotel and Tourism Schools of Tourism of Portugal located inland, with scholarships also available to support travel and accommodation expenses; reduction and exemption of fees. In “Project”, the “Portugal Events” line will support events in low-density areas, with a 25% surcharge and the “Cinema Support Fund” contributes 40% of the investment for productions shot in the interior. Finally, in “Campaigns”, there will be a focus on carrying out specific campaigns for the interior to reinforce notoriety, with campaigns in the national and international markets, in addition to mobilizing operators, institutions and the community in the campaigns. After national data demonstrate that 2022 was the best year ever for tourism in Portugal in terms of revenue and the figures already available for the first three months of 2023 indicate that they were the best months ever in terms of overnight stays and tourist revenue, the Portuguese Government presented an agenda to “boost, differentiate and materialize” sustainable tourism in the Inland. Despite the positive dynamism of inland tourism, reality shows that 90% of demand is on the coast and that 95% of international tourism is on the coast, the objective is “to reinforce the measures of positive differentiation for tourism in the Interior”, being, essentially, an agenda to “concrete, projects and measures. It is an agenda to act”. The main priorities of the plan “are to value the territory, support companies, qualify human resources, attract people and also connect territories and project the image of the Inland abroad”, with the aim of contributing to territorial cohesion. With an initial global budget of 200 million euros, there are several instruments and action measures. Thus, the “+ Inland Tourism, Territory” line, in the “Value the Territory” component, will have an allocation of 20 million euros to preserve and reinforce the tourist attractiveness of the territories, support up to 70% of eligible expenditure, a maximum of 400.000 euros per project with non-refundable subsidy. Within this line is REVIVE III, which will reclassify and enhance 8 properties, of historical and heritage value, for tourist purposes, in low-density territories. The “Incentive System for Productive Innovation” provides, in a positive differentiation component for the interior, a 5% higher base rate for low-density territories, so that projects in the inland “can more easily reach the maximum incentive rate of 40% of the total eligible investment. In this instrument, which is based on “Investing in Companies, “Microcredit + Interior Tourism”, the 15 million euros include interest-free loans, with an associated performance bonus, which can amount to up to 30% of the loan granted. Here, too, there is positive differentiation towards the interior, a new measure, specific to low-density territories. In the same instrument and measures, the “Mutually Guaranteed Credit Line” will have one of 35 million euros, for the creation, growth/expansion of businesses and treasury support. In this case, the loan with associated mutual guarantee for projects in the interior of up to 4,5 million euros will cover the financing risk by 80% in low-density territories (+10 p.p. in the rest of the country), noting that, “for the first there is a positive territorial distinction for the interior, creating better conditions for bank financing”. The Qualification Offer Support Line (LAQO 2023) +Tourism has an allocation of 50 million euros for the creation, growth/expansion of businesses. This line stipulates coverage of 80% of the financing and a performance premium that can reach 30%, “twice the amount for interest-free financing and non-refundable funding compared to the coast”. The “Capitalize Turismo + Growing” line, a venture capital investment fund, will have an endowment of 10 million euros and will be available for capitalization operations of companies for projects of expansion, internationalization or improvement of competitiveness; merger and consolidation processes of companies, through venture capital; and reinforcement of the companies’ share capital. Funding ranges from €150.000 to €1,5 million and priority access to funding will be given to projects in low-density areas. The “Real Estate Investment Fund for the Inland” will provide 15 million euros for the creation, growth/expansion of businesses, based on real estate assets; as well as for sale & lease back operations (purchase/lease, with option to (re)purchase). Financing is up to €1,5 million per operation. In the internationalization component, this Government new program provides 5 million euros to “reinforce the internationalization of companies and tourism brands located in the inland”. Support is up to 70% of the eligible cost, with a ceiling of 50,000 euros per project. In the field of sustainability, the “Environmental Sustainability Support Line”, has a total allocation of 20 million euros, bank financing can go up to 500.000 euros (mutual guarantee of 80%), also counting on a prize performance fee of 20% (lost fund). In the instruments and measures for “Qualification”, the line “Return + Inland Tourism”, has 400.000 euros to encourage the mobility of people for tourist companies in the inland, with applications approved in the Measure to Support the Return of Emigrants to Portugal or to who benefit from professional internships supported by Turismo de Portugal, with additional support by 25% of the assigned value. The line “Inland Tourism Employment” has more than 400.000 euros of exclusive incentive to the mobility of people for tourism companies in inland territories, with approved applications in the “Inland Employment +”, while the line “Inland Study Tourism” will have 200.000 euros to its willingness to encourage the mobility of students, residing on the coast, to the Hotel and Tourism Schools of Tourism of Portugal located inland, with scholarships also available to support travel and accommodation expenses; reduction and exemption of fees. In “Project”, the “Portugal Events” line will support events in low-density areas, with a 25% surcharge and the “Cinema Support Fund” contributes 40% of the investment for productions shot in the interior. Finally, in “Campaigns”, there will be a focus on carrying out specific campaigns for the interior to reinforce notoriety, with campaigns in the national and international markets, in addition to mobilizing operators, institutions and the community in the campaigns.

The Futourome Strategic Tourism Plan (2019-2025) aims to enhance Rome’s attractiveness, manage tourist flows, and position it as a leading urban tourism destination. It prioritizes proactive management, sustainability, and innovation, aiming to transform Rome’s image and international standing. Key areas of focus include accessibility, competitiveness, sustainability, governance, and awareness. Initiatives include promoting sustainable mobility, improving visitor experience, and establishing partnerships for better governance. The plan also introduces measures like the “Stamp Made in Rome” certification and a Tourist Police task force to ensure quality and combat illegal accommodations, alongside creating a Destination Management Organization for sector collaboration.

In collaboration with Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, Han Municipality, and Eskişehir Osmangazi University, an initiative started from 2023 to promote home boarding in Han district, a significant historical site in Turkey. The Metropolitan Municipality and Eskişehir Osmangazi University have signed a protocol to organize overnight trips for tourists visiting the Yazılıkaya region in Eskişehir, which has emerged as a prominent tourism destination in Turkey. Through the project, led by Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Tourism, women residing in Han district are receiving “Home Boarding” training to enhance local tourism opportunities. With the support of esteemed teacher Yılmaz Büyükerşen and Osmangazi University, 30 women will open their homes as hostels for local and foreign tourists following 40 hours of training and 2 technical trips. This initiative aims to attract more tourists to the district and strengthen its tourism industry. The main results of the initiative include: Development of home boarding: The initiative focuses on the development of home boarding in the Han district, an important historical site in Turkey. This involves providing training to women in the district to open their houses as hostels for tourists. Protocol for overnight trips: The Metropolitan Municipality and Eskişehir Osmangazi University have signed a protocol to organize overnight trips for tourists visiting the Yazılıkaya region in Eskişehir, a significant tourism city in Turkey. This aims to attract more tourists and increase their length of stay in the district. Strengthening tourism power: By addressing long-standing infrastructure and superstructure issues, the initiative aims to enhance the tourism power of the Han district and contribute to the overall tourism industry in Eskişehir. Empowering women and generating income: The project provides opportunities for women in the Han district to participate in tourism-related activities and earn income by opening their houses as hostels. This supports the economic empowerment of women and the overall development of the district. Supporting rural development: The initiative recognizes that rural development goes beyond agriculture and animal husbandry. By leveraging the historical and natural beauty of the district, tourism is promoted as a means to support economic growth and create sustainable development opportunities.

Kaunas, situated a mere 100 kilometers from the capital Vilnius, has introduced from 2023 an innovative approach to enhance the journey’s value and interest. The Kaunas Tourism Information (Kaunas IN) has initiated the pioneering “Tourism Information Friendly” (TIF) project, which strategically places informative materials, maps, and multilingual information at numerous locations throughout the city, including on trains traveling to and from Kaunas. This initiative transforms the journey itself into a captivating experience, fostering engagement, immersion, and a deeper understanding of the city’s essence. The main aims of the project are: Implementing an innovative measure in Kaunas Highlighting the purpose of this measure, which is to make the journey more interesting and useful in terms of time spent. Introducing the new smart project called “Tourism Information Friendly” (TIF) places, implemented by Kaunas Tourism Information (Kaunas IN). Describing the availability of publications, maps, and information in different languages across various locations in the city, including trains to and from Kaunas. Emphasizing that this initiative allows travelers to become part of the city’s attraction, immersing themselves in the experience and gaining insights even during their journey. Focus of the intervention, including: target population, type of problem/gap addressed, mechanisms/ tools in-place to report and address; settings in which the practice took place etc. The focus of intervention is to highlight the implementation of an innovative measure in Lithuania that aims to enhance the travel experience and optimize the use of time. The intervention focuses on the introduction of “Tourism Information Friendly” (TIF) places, a smart project implemented by Kaunas Tourism Information (Kaunas IN). These TIF places are strategically located throughout the city, including trains to and from Kaunas, and provide tourists with access to publications, maps, and information in different languages. The main objective is to enable travelers to actively engage with the city even during their journey, fostering a sense of attraction, immersion, and deeper insights into Kaunas. The main results of the project are: Enhanced Travel Experience: The initiative aims to make the journey to Kaunas more interesting and useful, providing tourists with access to publications, maps, and information in different languages. This enhances the overall travel experience for visitors. Time Optimization: By offering information and resources during the journey, tourists can utilize their travel time effectively, gaining insights into the city before reaching their destination. Increased Attraction: The initiative enables the travel itself to become part of the attraction, as tourists can engage with the city and its offerings even before arriving. This enhances the allure of Kaunas as a destination. Immersion in the City: Through the availability of publications, maps, and information in multiple locations, including trains, tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s culture, history, and attractions from the outset of their journey. Deeper Insights into Kaunas: Access to information in different languages across the city enables visitors to gain a better understanding of Kaunas, its landmarks, and its local offerings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city.

Enrolled in the Reactivate Tourism Plan | Building the Future, the 360° Tourism Companies Program was created in November 2021 with the aim of putting companies at the center of the transformation process of a sector that is intended to be more responsible and sustainable, relying on a close public-private partnership with the mission of optimizing positive impacts on the planet, people and the economy. The 360° Tourism Companies Program encourages companies in the sector to report their sustainability performance, supporting them technically in the integration of ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance factors in business strategy, management and organizational culture and guiding them in the process of regular reporting of information related to their environmental, social and governance practices. The project includes a credit line that features mutual guarantee and offers maximum support per operation up to 500 thousand euros. This credit line is targeted towards investment projects focusing on sustainability within the domain of tourism enterprises. As part of this initiative, a performance award is granted, leading to a portion of the funding being converted into non-repayable funds based on the fulfillment of goals tied to reduced consumption, utilization of renewable energy sources, and more effective waste management, among other objectives. Allocating a dedicated budget of 20 million euros for regions with low population density, this initiative is a component of the Tourism Agenda for the Interior introduced in Covilhã on May 9. The credit line now additionally designates a budget of 30 million euros for projects initiated outside these territories. Pertaining to the performance award, companies located in low-density regions enjoy a premium of 20%, while those situated elsewhere benefit from a 10% premium. This credit line is an integral element of the 360º Tourism Companies Program. The overarching aim of this program is to incentivize entities within the tourism sector to adopt an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) agenda. Companies are encouraged to assess the environmental and social impacts of their operations while generating value for all stakeholders. The program encompasses businesses ranging from micro-enterprises to larger organizations involved in various tourism activities. Its primary objective is to encourage these entities to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by non-financial reporting, aligning with the recent European Directive on Sustainability Reporting. Participation in the 360º Tourism Companies Program provides access to tools that aid in handling ESG-related information, including access to sector-specific performance metrics and an innovative technological platform known as FOREST – Organizational Tool and Reporting of Sustainability in Tourism.