SO32 Culture and sustainable tourism

The aim of the type of action is to create a solid base of information on main characteristics of the cultural assets and services of tourism in the programme area.
Indicative actions:

• collection, harmonisation and sharing of data relevant for tourism and culture, including intangible culture and regional products
• mapping and monitoring the cultural heritage, (industrial) building culture and cultural landscape assets
• preparation and feasibility analysis for the establishment of a joint cross border forum serving the coordination of the projects and initiatives in the tourism sector
• elaboration and implementation of joint procedures for systematic visitor monitoring
• conferences, seminars or discussion panels related to the role of culture and cultural heritage in the border region

The aim of the type of action is to provide a strategic framework for future tourism projects and for the tourism-oriented cooperation in the cultural sector in the cross-border region.
Indicative actions:

• strategic alignment of tourism services in sub-regions (e.g. Südburgenland, Zala; Mittelburgenland, Vas)
• strategies for new products and heritage sites for yet not explored industrial or agrarian sub-regions
• developing joint marketing strategies for the cross border region
• developing tourism strategies to better coordinate existing and planned tourism activities in
  • natural heritage sites, including areas with geological and geomorphological values, for example a potential UNESCO Global Geopark
  • cultural heritage sites, including archaeological and historical sites for example the Iron Curtain
• developing a sustainability strategy for the hospitality sector to improve its resilience
• further developing frameworks for sustainable tourism in protected areas, with a focus on soft mobility, building on previous projects
• developing frameworks for cooperation in the cultural sector, including (intangible) cultural heritage

The aim of the type of action is to prepare and implement measures including small-scale investments in cultural and natural heritage that have a clear added value, for example better accessibility, avoiding any negative environmental impact. All actions shall be based on a strategic framework.
Indicative actions:

• developing joint labels and key themes (or a unique combination of themes) and related thematic tourism routes (e.g. iron curtain, wine and bike, hike and bike, wine architecture, archaeological and historical heritage, nature and bike, hiking and biking trails and tracks, spiritual paths, health and spa)
• improving cooperation of destination managements and creating joint (cross-border) destinations under one label, taking into account already established brands, destinations and platforms
• planning and implementing small-scale infrastructure developments valorising the brand identity and the consistency of the service quality
• implementing investments to complement holistic tourism offers, for example barrier-free access or soft mobility offers
• implementing culture and tourism marketing with supporting tools such as digital guides, tutorials, exhibits or other digital means of information, including multilingual services
• developing joint communication platforms
• development and valorisation of the cultural heritage by cultivation, processing and marketing of regional products
• elaboration and implementation of joint procedures for visitor management

The aim of the type of action is to increase the level of knowledge and develop the skills of tourism actors on sub-regional and local level and services at the local and sub-regional level. Activities should be embedded in the strategic framework of the border region.
Indicative actions:

• skill development related to culture and tourism
  • covering all relevant product development topics (e.g. nature tourism, sustainable products, cultural heritage, cultural events, regional agricultural product chains (local cuisine), take up of historical characteristics)
  • in digitalisation
  • in management and marketing
  • related to environmental issues and the sustainable and long-term use of the natural and cultural heritage sites
  • related to public health (for example health protocols for service providers, for tour guides, etc.)
• training and skill development with the aim of integrating disadvantaged groups (long-term unemployed, NEETs, elderly) into culture and tourism activities.