GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

The researchers should examine whether the implementation of the existing practices contribute to or burden the balanced development of cultural tourism in rural and remote regions, as well as identify the barriers in their implementation. The proposals are expected to provide recommendations with methodologies, and good practices for improvements and develop cross-border/macro-regional sustainable cultural tourism policy scenarios for rural and remote areas that will aim to connect the more touristic with less touristic and remote destinations and to foster a balanced level of socioeconomic development. The proposals should guarantee an equilibrium between the increase of cultural tourism and the capacity of the sites and the rural areas.

Cultural and creative tourism business models that will act as catalysts for the cooperation between the rural/remote areas of each region should be developed. Such models should aim at creating new job opportunities, fostering participation of local citizens in cultural tourism and increasing social inclusion, while promoting not only the natural and historical heritage but also the local identity, arts and crafts by engaging tourists with the creative process.