In the context of the INTERREG IVC programme, a good practice is defined as:

  • initiative (e.g.methodologies, projects, processes and techniques) 
  • undertaken in one of the programme’s thematic (Innovation & Environment) 
  • already proved successful (tangible and measurable results in achieving a specificē objective)
  • potential to be transfered to a different geographic areas 

 

Transfer of Good Practices - a practice introduced by one partner that has a concrete and measurable impact on another partner (e.g. through the initiation of a pilot project or through the adoption of a certain methodology by this other partner). 

But: Dissemination of good practices or the intention of a partner to adopt a new practice is not sufficient to consider the practice as transferred.

 

CHARTS 12 GOOD PRACTICIES:

 

1. CLIMATE CHANGE

  • Cultural tourism destinations and climate change Risk assessment
  • Adaptation and mitigation measures and priorities
  • Protection of cultural assests from related risks and setting up monitoring measures
  • 'Greening' of visitor experience
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by sustainable travel choices

 

2. ACCESSIBILITY TO HERITAGE

  • Improving intellectual and physical accessibility to the heritage
  • Accessibility for persons with disabilities and disadvantaged social groups, Accessible Tourism
  • Interpretation and signing of cultural assets
  • Promotion of all means of access to heritage, including virtual and tangible
  • Making the heritage environment, products and communication more available and accessible for all at least cost

 

3. EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS

  • Building effective partnerships at the destination level between cultural and tourism sectors, as well as between local government authorities
  • Improving the offer and developing innovative pilot projects that encourage visitors to stay longer and engage with local culture and heritage
  • Involving all stakeholders from the public , private and voluntary sectors and all tourism-related providers for sustainable tourism development
  • Interregional and transnational cooperation and networking

 

4. HOST COMMUNITIES and RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

  • Engaging with host communities of tourism destinations
  • Fostering civic pride, awareness and welcome
  • Developing a resource within the community
  • Maximising local benefits and minimising negative impacts
  • Ensuring mutual respect between tourists and residents
  • European Capital of Culture experiences, impacts and plans
  • Promoting commitment to "Responsible Tourism", with ethical concerns, equality, long-term vision, certification and award schemes

 

5. QUALITY CRITERIA

  • Development of quality criteria for cultural and heritage tourism destinations to measure performance in terms of tourism sustainability
  • Contributing to "European Tourism Quality Label" initiative of European Commission
  • Support to European Tourism Indicator System for Sustainable Destination Management
  • Pilot implementation of "European Heritage Label" proposals



6. VISITOR INFORMATION

  • Enhanced information to Visitors through Visitor Info Centres and InfoKiosks
  • ICT applications, DVD video documentaries, Multimedia production
  • New Media tools, Virtual Reality, 3D animation, Creativity
  • Innovations through Social Media, Networking and Web Applications
  • Information on conserving natural and cultural heritage and diversity



7. PLACE MARKETING

  • Place Marketing Innovative Strategies based on cultural heritage, local distinctiveness and regional identity
  • Branding procedures with culture and heritage synergies
  • Marketing actions for all year round sustainable and cultural tourism development



8. CULTURAL ROUTES

  • Cultural Routes – according to Council of Europe / European Institute of Cultural Routes
  • Preparatory actions for creation and designation of Cultural Routes
  • Development and promotional strategies of Cultural Routes
  • Impacts on inter-cultural dialogue, creativity, innovation and competitiveness
  • Contributin to initiatives for supporting transnational tourism products



9. RAILWAY HERITAGE

  • Railway Heritage Preservation and Promotion for Cultural Tourism
  • Promoting Industrial Heritage of Steam Railways
  • Twinning arrangements between legendary heritage railways
  • Promotion of "Riga Charter" for conservation, restoration, maintenance and repair of historic railway equipment



10. LOCAL PRODUCTS & GASTRONOMY

  • Promotion of local products with denomination of origin
  • Increasing awareness about local cuisine and traditional recipes 
  • Healthy diet for visitors and creative cuisine
  • Local identity through eno-gastronomy and culinary practices intangible heritage



11. TRADITIONAL SKILLS and TRADES

  • Preservation of traditional skills and trades that are becoming extinct (e.g. maritime professions, horse shoe maker, saddle maker, ironsmith, mansory)
  •  Promotion of the traditional skills and trades procedures as events as tourists attractions
  • Intangible cultural heritage of handicrafts and traditional craftmanship

 

12. CYCLING FOR TOURISTS

  • Promotion of Cycling in cultural tourism destinations for sustainable mobility
  • Communal, shared bike schemes for tourists and visitors
  • Cycle trails as cultural tourism attractions
  • Cycling tourism as sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism
  • Combination of cycling with other sustainable means of leisure mobility (horse riding, hiking, trekking)