Beyond Borders – Introducing Smart Tourism and Sharing Economy

Benchmarking European Tourism: Tourism Trends and Prospects
Market Segmentation and Touristic Profiling in the CBC Region
Stakeholder Collaboration and Benchmarking Analysis Within the Framework of the CBC Region
Study of Sustainable Tourism in Cross-Border Region
Study of Cultural and Natural Heritage in Cross-Border Region
Profile of Domestic and International Tourists in the CBC Region
Study on Supply of Available Tourist Services and Tourist Potential in Cross-Border Region
SWOT Analysis and Review of the National Level Documents and Reports Relevant to the Tourism Plans Within CBC Development Strategy

About the project:

Knowledge and innovation, and smart business models are becoming deciding factors in competitiveness of tourism destinations. Tourism service providers in our region are lagging far behind new trends and need to seriously rethink their market approach and rebrand their offers in a way that will be more appealing to the contemporary responsible tourists searching authentic experiences with added value.

MAIN GOAL of the project is to introduce smart tourism and sharing economy concept based on more innovative and efficient use of endogenous cultural and natural resources and existing human capital.

Location:

Republic of Macedonia, Southwest region,Debar, Ohrid Lake Region Republic of Albania, Eastern region,Mat, Diber, Bulqize, Klos

Partners:

CSO “Local Agency for Development” – LDA from Struga; www.ldastruga.org

Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy from Skopje; www.iege.edu.mk

Biologists of Albania from Tirana; www.biologet-al.com

Mat municipality, Albania

Key objectives:

To stimulate usage of ICT technology in tourism sector and adapt current business models to fit to latest trends;
To strengthen tourism sector thinking in the region going beyond administrative borders and enable networking among tourism key stakeholders;
To enhance the position of tourism industry as borderless driver of economic development for cross-border communities;
To deepen cooperation among communities on business, social and personal level by creating joint tourism niches between the municipalities in the cross-border region (Mat, Diber, Bulqize, Klos, Debar and Ohrid Lake Region).

Activites:

Research- analysis, interviews, benchmarking, survey. Data sourcing-standards, reports, strategies, questionnaires, focus groups.
Training- tailor made programs and tools, needs assessments, publications, awareness raising campaigns, infrastructure rehabilitation.
Design and brand creation, technical development of software online platform, technical development of mobile apps, designing and building digital interactive infrastructure such as physical info posts and other gadgets, training and education of users.
Engaging travel bloggers, marketing and growth strategy.

Impact/Output/Results:

Developed digital tangible infrastructure that can support new data model of smart tourism and stimulated innovative entrepreneurial spirit among local tourist providers;
Cross-border region becomes widely recognized as attractive tourism destination and its visibility is increased;
Balanced tourism development in both countries is achieved and cross border cooperation at all levels is deepened by designing joint tourism packages, digital and other small infrastructure investments in target area.