HERIT ADAPT was proud to be presented at the 30th Sustainable Tourism Partnership Meeting in Genoa, Italy, hosted within the framework of the Urban Agenda for the EU. Our project partner, Municipality of Genoa, co-coordinates the Urban Agenda for the EU Sustainable Tourism Partnership.
Bringing together European cities, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders, the meeting focused on shaping more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism pathways across Europe.
During the discussions, HERIT ADAPT demonstrated how innovative digital solutions can help destinations balance tourism growth with heritage preservation and climate resilience. The project showcased the use of AI-powered storytelling, extended reality (XR) technologies, and digital twin applications to enhance heritage management, improve visitor experiences, and promote lesser-known cultural sites. These tools are designed not only to support sustainable tourism but also to strengthen the relationship between local authorities, communities, and visitors.
The project’s work in Genoa was presented as a key example, where digital innovation is being explored as a means to increase accessibility and visibility of cultural heritage assets while ensuring their long-term protection. Discussions highlighted how technological interventions, from digital documentation and interpretation systems to smart visitor management tools, can contribute to more informed and sustainable destination governance.
The Genoa meeting reinforced a central message shared by both the Sustainable Tourism Partnership and HERIT ADAPT: the future of tourism depends on achieving a careful balance between economic development, heritage conservation, community wellbeing, and environmental resilience. As European cities prepare for the forthcoming EU Tourism Strategy, projects such as HERIT ADAPT are helping demonstrate how innovation and citizen engagement can support a more sustainable tourism transition.
Read the full recap of the 30th Sustainable Tourism Partnership Meeting here: https://www.urbanagenda.urban-initiative.eu/news/art-balance-sustainable-tourism-partnership-meets-genoa
