Windows on the Future are thematic lenses through which we can look into the future to start regenerating remote places into more liveable environments. Discover more about it.
Window on the Future: Beyond Tourism
In this Window on the Future, partners and local communities explore ways to enhance and sustain places through a tourism approach that goes beyond traditional models. This approach encourages meaningful engagement, transforming tourism from simply visiting a place to fostering a connection with local culture and leaving a lasting mark, ultimately benefiting the host communities. SMOTIES projects aim to strengthen both cultural and economic aspects of local areas, with initiatives that promote the appreciation of local identity and create economic opportunities for residents.
Led by partners such as ALTERNANCE, CITÉ DU DESIGN, CLEAR VILLAGE, EAD, POLIMI, and UIRS, the project focuses on two core impacts: a deeper local cultural identity and increased economic vitality.
Increased appreciation of local culture and identity
- CITÉ DU DESIGN: Card Game project “Le Jeu des Cartusiens” inSaint-Croix-en-Jarez (France) with 60 young people involved; 40 households received the game, and 25 copies were sold at the tourist office, showcasing interest in local culture through an interactive experience.
- CLEAR VILLAGE: Oriel Machno initiative in Penmachno (North Wales) led to 62.5% of respondents strongly agreeing they “learned more about local culture,” with 77.1% of responses from residents and 22.9% from outside visitors.
- UIRS: Organized nine artisanal workshops in Žlebe (Slovenia), enhancing locals’ connection to their heritage through hands-on artistic involvement.
- ALTERNANCE (Sögutorgin project in Borgarnes, Iceland): Focused on revitalizing historical sites with 83% of survey participants affirming that 3D images and visual tools were valuable in understanding the project’s impact. Additionally, 72% expressed they would visit these historical sites more often if restored.
Increased appreciation of existing landmarks and encouragement of artistic activities
- UIRS: Historical landmarks and culture workshops in Saxton House, St. Marjeta (Slovenia). The site was recognized as a potential central gathering place for events beyond the summer art festival, such as bread baking, community art projects, and artist residencies. Church authorities initiated renovations, addressing water drainage issues to support its role as a community venue.
- ALTERNANCE (Sögutorgin project in Borgarnes, Iceland): Revitalized two historically significant squares connected to the local history of the town and Iceland. In a survey among residents and authorities, 72% indicated they would use these spaces more if the project were realized, and all respondents agreed it would improve their perception of local landmarks.
Increased economic activities and opportunities, improved tourism
SMOTIES actions impact tourist activities and the local economy by benefiting community life, promoting local creators, and supporting the development of new projects.
- UIRS: Organized 18 activities in Belo (Slovenia) with economic interest, prompting Pr’ Lenart homestead to consider a new business model. The venue was showcased as suitable for a range of events, such as gardening, artistic production, and community gatherings, which help cover the high maintenance costs of the heritage site while enhancing tourism potential.
- EAD: Organized seven events per year in Joaveski (Estonia) with an increase in overnight stays, such as 91 participants in 2021.
- CLEAR VILLAGE: Provided a gallery (Oriel Machno in Penmachno, North Wales) space for ten local creators to display and sell their work, transforming a shop into a community art hub.
- POLIMI: In Albugnano (Italy), local tourism entrepreneur Andrea Pirollo expressed that SMOTIES positioned the village on the international stage, reviving community pride through the reuse of abandoned spaces. Pirollo envisions Albugnano as a model for resilient communities, blending local heritage with broader European recognition, giving residents and artisans a visibility.
Through these diverse initiatives, SMOTIES redefines tourism to foster economic vitality while deeply respecting and enhancing the cultural fabric of each community.