SO 4.6: Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

SO 4.6: Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Territorial challenges and opportunities

Despite the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on culture and tourism in the North-West Europe (NWE) region, there are opportunities for these vital sectors to improve economic development, social inclusion, and social innovation. Analysis has shown that rural and more remote areas can reduce pressure on areas with higher tourism density, while focusing on competitive advantages such as natural assets. Local tourism is conducive to sustainable approaches offering longer seasonality, more socially inclusive target groups, eco-friendlier approaches, sustainable access and mobility modes, holistic networking and upskilling of local interdependent professionals whilst helping to create jobs and stem depopulation. Similarly, innovative transnational cultural projects, stimulating social cohesion and inclusion as well as support for the creative industries can contribute to greater empowerment and regeneration in deprived areas across the NWE Programme area.

Objectives

Within this Specific Objective, the Programme aims to support projects that:
• Increase sustainable and territorially balanced tourism in the NWE, whilst considering the green and digital transformation.
• Improve social inclusion and social innovation, including better access to and involvement in tourism and culture sectors for vulnerable people.
• Improve access to and sustainable management of natural and cultural heritage assets.

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This Specific Objective 4.6 aims to enhance the role of culture and sustainable tourism in the economic development of NWE, social inclusion and social innovation.

This sector was and still is severely affected by the negative consequences emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The territorial analysis of the transnational cooperation area showed that rural and remote areas in NWE can use their competitive advantages (e.g. rich natural assets, “hidden gems” to alleviate highly frequented regions). Local tourism can help promote sustainable tourism (longer seasonality, eco-friendlier approaches, networking of local interdependent professionals) and contribute to halting depopulation and upskilling professionals.

There are also potentials for developing innovative cultural projects and supporting creative and cultural industries, especially as elements to stimulate social and societal cohesion and inclusion, as well as to empower and regenerate “deprived” areas (whether urban, rural, intermediate or coastal areas).
This priority contributes to the long-term vision of European regions for the tourism of tomorrow as well as to the UN SDGs 8 on decent work and economic growth, 10 on reduced inequalities. 11 on sustainable cities and territories, and 12 on responsible consumption and production.

Grants are the selected form of support for this SO. The size of planned operations, and the type of cooperation of target groups beyond national borders, allow for very limited use of support other than grants. In addition, planned operations will not generate significant revenue.