Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Date of latest update: 2025-12-09

Description

Description (EN):

VALUE Plus capitalises on the results of the VALUE project, implemented under the 2014-2020 Interreg IT-HR programme. The positive experience has increased the awareness that the challenges faced by the two countries, i.e. the need to diversify tourist flows, to delocalise tourism towards a cultural offer in the nearby hinterland, to innovate the tourist offer and make it more accessible, can be successfully overcome with district collaboration. Strengthening, improving, transferring the results of VALUE to other areas of the programme increases the management capacity of territories and their promotion. The District Governance Model represents a stimulus to innovate, especially through the involvement of young people, universities, cultural associations, tourism operators and the local community. VALUE Plus will expand the boundaries of 2 existing districts and it will transfer the good practice by creating 3 new districts; the jointly developed Meta-District Strategy will find its concretisation in a cross-border Action Plan. New district, new paths and new topics will be defined and published on the Diomede platform, improved in graphics and usability. Students of all levels are involved in training and exchange activities between the two countries. Businesses are involved and with them new products are developed that are attentive to making places accessible to people with disabilities. The skills of tourism operators are enhanced through training activities and study visits. Eight pilot actions will be implemented, some of which will create the premises for places of involvement and innovative development of research and products of tourist attractiveness, while other will represent forms of promotion of the district. An extensive awareness and promotion campaign will be implemented. Last but not least, the capitalised experience will be further transferred by researching, involving and mapping other potential district areas with the aim of disseminating and making recognisable the brand of the network of Adriatic-Ionian Meta-District of Culture.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The partnership started the project with the analysis of the activities and their interconnections and through the setting up of the tools for effective management, including the definition and appointment of the working group, the organization of the Kick-off meeting and first Steering Committee meeting held in Ravenna on May 7th-8th. These first steps were paramount to guide and uniform the partnership strategies, as well as to achieve a comprehensive vision of the Meta-District of Culture. The Communication Plan and tools for the involvement of stakeholders and the awareness raising on the project was drafted to ensure the durability and transferability of the project results and achievements (deliverable of A 4.1). Communication activities aimed at the general public started with the notification of the project on the official webpages of the partnership and with the creation of the Instagram page of the project (at: https://www.instagram.com/value_plus_interreg/). First steps in the achievement of specific objective of development of a cross-border district strategy that will lead to the definition of an action plan for the development and promotion of the districts in the programme area were implemented through the start of activity 1.1. The partnership developed the guidelines for the socio-economic and SWOT analysis, aimed at assessing the main lines of development of the district model and the most effective governance system. The development of the joint strategy relies on the definition of the district as an effective governance model for the valorization of the project territories, that is based on the collection of data and comparative SWOT analysis on the district governance models. Additionally, partners began the identification process for the stakeholders to be integrated in the district and actively participating in the definition of the joint strategy and subsequent cross-border Action Plan. The involvement of the entrepreneurial (and public) sector in the definition of the Meta-District of Culture contributes to the achievement of the specific communication objective on the involvement of the private sector and cultural/creative enterprises in the governance of the district, creating the preconditions for the development of tourism products and identifying stakeholders for training activities for competitive skill enhancement. Among the indicators that form part of the tool set for the carrying out of the socio-economic analysis, indicators to map the educational needs of the district are were included. The analyzed data stemming from the socio-economic analysis will provide baseline information for the drafting Progress was achieved by the partnership in the objective of enhancement of the cultural hubs to enrich the Adriatic-Ionian tourist routes, through the activation of the first steps in the development of the pilot actions (WP4). Core achievements of the second project period include: ● Preliminary socio-economic analysis and SWOT analysis developed for the Delta Po District (draft), Medulin District, Cres-Lošinj district, DubrovnikDurbovnik District and Sud Salento District. Focus of the analyses have been critical issues within the tourism sector. This involved defining key indicators and collecting and analyzing data across several macro areas: demographics, economy, culture, sustainability, infrastructure and accessibility, and occupation. A specific focus was placed on identifying critical issues in tourism (D.1.1.1). A SWOT analysis (D.1.1.2) further assessed the district's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. To provide a broader context, case studies (cultural district governance models) were included in the analysis and integrated at project level to identify good practices and reach a preliminary governance model for the Meta-District of Culture. ● Cross-border training activities planned and detailed at project level (activities A.2.2, A.2.3, A.2.4). A document describing the cross-border exchange activities between groups of students, including the documentation of study trips, has been prepared (D.2.2.2) to guide all partners in the implementation and monitoring of the foreseen training activities of WP2. ● Didactic kit developed (D.2.4.1) with inputs from all PPs and Museums, translated in Italian and Croatian (translated by PP5 Cres), and with the contribution of external experts contracted by IDECO. The digital kit has been developed in three different versions: simplified (age < 9), base (9-12), advanced (12+) and includes: learning modules, illustrated story, printable sheets and teacher materials. The learning modules cover the following topics: history of tourism, overtourism v. sustainable tourism, tourism and biodiversity, cultural and natural heritage, landscape reading, focus on the project pilot actions, EU and Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme, VALUE Plus project, laboratory materials and quizzes. ● Project gadgets (D.2.4.3) produced and distributed to all PPs for the training activities, including t-shirts, caps, cardholders, pencils for the training participants. The gadgets were received on 20th January2025. ● Progress in the development of the pilot actions for all project partners (WP4) ● Contractualization of the subject that will take care of the mapping and graphic renewal of the digital platform Diomede for the promotion of the sustainable tourism offers and cultural district paths developed within the project. In the third reporting period, VALUE Plus shifted from preparation to delivery across governance, training, mapping and pilots. The partnership completed the Mid-term Review (18 July 2025), secured the Major Modification, and realigned timelines. Cooperation added value by synchronising schedules, sharing tools & keeping pilots, training & mapping aligned. Regular PMU/SC meetings (incl. 20 March & Cres 10–11 June) and the updated Communication Plan sustained joint decision-making and outreach. LP1 – Municipality of Ravenna ensured coordination & monitoring while advancing the MAR pilot. In WP1 it helped finalise the socio-economic & SWOT analyses and rescheduled A.1.2–A.1.4 to protect stakeholder participation. Inputs from the Mentimeter exercise in Cres (June 2025) fed governance & Action Plans. In WP2, LP1 co-designed trainings & finalised the organization of the Summer School (15–26 Sept 2025, Ravenna), started up the logistics procurement; outreach was coordinated across partners. In WP3 it aligned mapping guidelines & the structure for cultural tourism products/Diomede. In WP4 it ran PMU/SC meetings, updated D.4.1.1–D.4.1.3 & communication. Re-functionalization works for MAR pilot proceeded as planned; the Mid-term Review commended its integrated approach. PP2 – Veneto Po Delta Park (WP1 leader) steered governance activities and, with the University of Padua, prepared joint actions spanning SWOT/governance (A.1.1–A.1.4), training (A.2.1–A.2.4) & mapping/product development (A.3.1–A.3.2), consolidating the district approach & linking it to skills & market-oriented outputs. PP2 also supported the joint rescheduling of A.1.2–A.1.4 and aligned WP1 outputs with WP2 training priorities & WP3 mapping categories. PP3 – Emilia-Romagna Region completed the UCBR socio-economic & SWOT analyses (WP1), prepared A.1.2–A.1.4 with ARGO, and contributed to the cross-border training plan (WP2). Three operator workshops (Oct/Nov 2025) & a study visit (20–22 Oct) were scheduled. In WP4, the MUSA/Cervia accessibility pilot advanced through inspections, technical proposals (3 June) & procurement prep. PP4 – IDECO supported LP in overall project coordination, updated the Communication Plan and Management Kit (incl. WBS, Evaluation Plan and Risk Assessment), and, with all partners, drafted the outline of the Meta-District Governance Strategy (D.1.3.1). WP2 progressed with the updated Cross-Border Training Plan and scheduling of exchanges. In WP3, IDECO’s subcontractor issued harmonised mapping and georeferencing guidelines to feed Diomede. For its WP4 pilot (Open-Air Archaeological Park/Spina), procurement advanced: the multimedia reconstruction service was awarded and executive design services launched; project social media were kept active with new posts. PP5 – Town of Cres (WP3 leader) completed A.3.1 mapping for Cres, Lošinj & nearby islands, categorised points of interest with descriptions, practical data, accessibility info & imagery; itineraries are in progress for Diomede. In WP4, the VR-based Renaissance guide (A.4.6) advanced: scenarios finalised & procurement opened on 31 July. Promotion (A.4.10) is scheduled for mid/late-2025. PP6 – Municipality of Medulin refined its district SWOT/socio-economic analysis (WP1), completed stakeholder mapping & initiated governance. Under WP2, a certified training for heritage interpretation guides was delivered to local tourist guides, creating a transferable model for inclusive cultural mediation. In WP4, a draft management plan for cultural heritage sites was finalised and launched for public consultation. This strengthens interpretation capacity for upcoming WP3 outputs. PP7 – Dubrovnik Development Agency finalised its Public Procurement Plan, completed socio-economic & SWOT analyses, and adopted a Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Within WP2 it delivered the first operator training toward heritage-interpretation certification and prepared two school workshops (didactic kit completed). It contributed to coordination meetings & Mid-term Review, with internal City meetings securing alignment for procurement & pilots. PP8 – Municipality of Patù supported management & the Mid-term Review, set up FLC arrangements, identified an association to co-organise A.1.2 & A.1.4, and planned WP2 tech/creative labs (Autumn 2025–Spring 2026). In WP3 it continued South Salento mapping (to be finalised by Oct 2025). In WP4, the Museum Hub pilot progressed with the executive project submitted for final authorisation. Added value: partners adapted schedules, adopted common mapping standards & training formats, and aligned pilots with governance & product development. Both cross-border exchanges (e.g. Cres meeting, study-visit planning) ensured that analysis, skills & on-site investments reinforce each other, enabling delivery of Action Plans, the Diomede update & accessible, market-ready cultural tourism pilots in the next period.

Project outputs: Meta-District Strategy and Action Plan(EN)
Training activities(EN)
Integrated sustainable tourism offer(EN)
Pilot actions(EN)

Thematic information

Tourism

Priority: (VI-A_I-Hr_4) Culture and tourism for sustainable development

Priority specific objective: RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 166 Protection, development and promotion of cultural heritage and cultural services

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Comune di Ravenna

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950561589

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00354730392 | 00354730392 | comune.ravenna@legalmail.it (EN)

Department: MAR: Art Museum of the City of Ravenna, Infrastructure department and EU policies department

Address: PIAZZA DEL POPOLO , 48121 Ravenna, Italy

Department address: via di Roma, 48121 Ravenna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.comune.ra.it

Total budget: EUR 626 885.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 626 885.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Giovanni Colucci
VAT registration or tax identification number: 07339581006
Name: Accademia Belle Arti Ravenna
VAT registration or tax identification number: 92099140391
Name: CEAR SOC. COOP. CONS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 203980396
Name: La Galileo Restauri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02733130393
Name: ATLANTIDE SOCIETÀ COOP SOC P.A
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01134730397
Name: R.A.V. EDIL SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02443940396
Name: Elisa Ulazzi
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02758440396

Comune di Patù

Name: Comune di Patù

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 879734905

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02338850759 | 81003250750 | comune.patu.le@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Address: Giuseppe Romano, 73053 Patù (LE), Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.comune.patu.le.it/

Total budget: EUR 165 060.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 165 060.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Archeorete del Mediterraneo
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04595470750

Dubrovačka razvojna agencija DURA

Name: Dubrovačka razvojna agencija DURA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 972014400

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80026201761 | 80026201761 | info@dura.hr (EN)

Address: Ulica Branitelja Dubrovnika , 20000 DUBROVNIK, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://dura.hr

Total budget: EUR 282 355.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 225 884.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 471.00

Contractors:

Name: ALFA - 2 d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 27305410571
Name: PRIVATE TOURS d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 87123516632
Name: UHY Savjetovanje d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 16139571061

OPĆINA MEDULIN

Name: OPĆINA MEDULIN

Department: Department for general administration and social affairs

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 905193719

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 70537271639 | 70537271639 | opcina@medulin.hr (EN)

Address: CENTAR , 52203 MEDULIN, Croatia

Department address: CENTAR , 52203 MEDULIN, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.medulin.hr

Total budget: EUR 313 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 250 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 720.00

Contractors:

Name: Kazivačica d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 98505210337
Name: Hadrian & partneri d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 24292124447

Grad Cres

Name: Grad Cres

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 938561816

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 88617357699 | 88617357699 | grad@cres.hr (EN)

Address: Creskog statuta , 51557 Cres, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.cres.hr

Total budget: EUR 310 370.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 248 296.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 074.00

Istituto Delta Ecologia Applicata srl

Name: Istituto Delta Ecologia Applicata srl

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998471344

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01542510381 | 01542510381 | certificata@pec.istitutodelta.it (EN)

Address: Bela Bartok, 44124 Ferrara, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.istitutodelta.it

Total budget: EUR 487 530.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 487 530.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: ABITAT SIT
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02616950248
Name: Amazon EU S.a.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE814584193
Name: Panizza Davide
VAT registration or tax identification number: PNZDVD92D17L378R
Name: Maggiore Mattia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01542510381
Name: Gadget.it di Publidec
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT08336100014

Regione Emilia Romagna

Name: Regione Emilia Romagna

Department: Management of European projects in the field of tourism, culture and services. International enhancement of cultural, creative and service enterprises / Area Research, Innovation, European networks

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999482375

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02086690373 | 80062590379 | ricercainnovazione@postacert.regione.emilia-romagna.it (EN)

Address: Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Department address: Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://imprese.regione.emilia-romagna.it/internazionalizzazione/temi/internazionalizzazione-in-ambito-turistico-e-culturale/internazionalizzazione-in-ambito-turistico-e-culturale

Total budget: EUR 244 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 244 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: UNIONE COMUNI BASSA ROMAGNA
VAT registration or tax identification number: P.IVA/C.F. 02291370399
Name: UNIVERSITÀ DI BOLOGNA “CAST”
VAT registration or tax identification number: C.F. 01131710376
Name: Studio Bicchieri - A.Bicchieri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02289620730
Name: Argo S.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02495720399

Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po

Name: Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 919597249

Partner’s ID if not PIC: _ | 90008170293 | parcodeltapo@pecveneto.it (EN)

Address: Marconi, 45012 Ariano nel Polesine (RO), Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.parcodeltapo.org/home.php

Total budget: EUR 319 410.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 319 410.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Università di Padova, dBC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80006480281
Name: Massimiliano Rosignoli
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00655650554

Dubrovačka razvojna agencija DURA d.o.o.

Name: Dubrovačka razvojna agencija DURA d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 972014400

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80026201761 | 80026201761 | info@dura.hr (EN)

Address: Ulica Branitelja Dubrovnika , 20000 DUBROVNIK, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://dura.hr

Total budget: EUR 282 355.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 225 884.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 471.00

Contractors:

Name: UHY Savjetovanje d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 16139571061

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Patù

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Dubrovnik Development Agency DURA

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

MUNICIPALITY OF MEDULIN

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Town of Cres

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Delta Institute Applied Ecology

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Emilia Romagna Region

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Po Delta Veneto Regional Park

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Comune di Ravenna

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

City of Dubrovnik development agency

Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

Project acronym: VALUE Plus

Project ID: ITHR0200204

Project start date: 2024-02-01

Project end date: 2026-07-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project nr. 10046694 Value - EnVironmental And cuLtUralhEritage development - 2014 - 2020 Interreg V-A
Italy - Croatia CBC Programme (EN) | Value Plus is the capitalisation of the main results of the Value project. The defined district model is analysed and implemented in 3 new districts and extended in 2 existing districts. The Diomede platform designed with Value is improved, updated and enhanced. In continuity with Value, training activities are implemented to improve the skills of young people and cultural tourism operators. A new edition of the Festival of Culture inaugurated with Value is held. (EN), Integrated project to enhance the tourist attractiveness of the Po Delta
National Plan for Investments Complementary to the National Plan for Recovery and
resilience (PNRR - Complementary)
Measure 1 - Digitalisation, innovation, competitiveness, culture and tourism -
Component 3 - Tourism and Culture 4.0
(EN) | This is a strategic plan that will be implemented over the next few years throughout the Po Delta territory, which in turn originates from the Value experience.
The challenges are:
Strengthen the country's growth potential
Encourage the creation of green and digital jobs and skills
Increase social cohesion and inclusion
Relaunch cultural and nature-based tourism in the Po Delta
Reduce the ecological footprint of the conservation chain and move towards a circular economy model
Increase social and economic resilience and mitigate the impact of the crisis
The objectives of the plan include
implementing investments to improve the use and enhancement of attractions and cycle paths
connecting major cities and airports, the recovery of historic railway lines and the realisation of infrastructure works
In practice, Value Plus will be implemented in parallel with this project, relying on a restructuring of the system of attractions and connections between them. The development of Value Plus in the same way will be able to enhance and provide visibility at programme area level to the investments made.
(EN), Open Laboratories - Por-Fesr 2014-2020 (EN) | The Open Laboratories project, realised in the Ravenna Art Museum, has made it possible to create a space equipped as a place for experimentation that is accessible to all citizens, where events dedicated to fundraising for tourism, culture and entertainment, new forms of learning digital skills, digital craftsmanship, with Open Innovation workshops, enterprises and start-ups, and responsible tourism are held. (EN), Project 'Promotion and Enhancement of Tourist Offer
South Salento' - Implementation of the South Salento Strategy
(EN) | The project is one of the interventions of the Strategy of the South Salento Inland Area, designated as the Inland Area of Apulia by DGR no. 1627 of 17/10/2017.
The overall objective of the South Salento Strategy is to strengthen the competitive capacity of the area by enhancing services and supporting local development policies.
The intervention is consistent with the POR-FESR action 6.8 to favour the competitive repositioning of tourist destinations through the integrated valorisation of territorial resources and competences. It falls within the objectives of the Regional Tourism Strategic Plan 2016/2025.
The general objective is the development of a unified tourism product, promoting and qualifying it to favour integration actions between the services offered by the operators acting within the local tourism supply chain and the public action aimed at enhancing local excellence and encouraging cross-public and private innovation promotional action. In the medium and long term, the Strategy's objective is to give continuity to regional policies for the recovery of important areas of villages with a strong historical and cultural value, coastal tourist settlements and environmental emergencies, in order to increase the quality of the offer.
The Value Plus Project acts in synergy with this project and with the entire South Salento Inland Area Strategy. The Municipality of Patù included in the strategy area will be the vector for the transfer of district governance methods to be implemented in the entire inland area.
(EN), Tourism-friendly Cities(URBACT III) (EN) | TOURISM-FRIENDLY CITIES project was aimed to investigate how tourism can be sustainable in medium-sized cities and how its negative impact on the sociological, economic and environmental image of these cities can be reduced. The State of the Art Baseline study for Tourism-friendly Cities Action Planning Network framed the latest developments in the tourism industry from social, environmental and economical perspectives to help envision the key integrated areas that cities need to tackle for shifting towards sustainable tourism approaches. It highlighted the global tipping point reached by this cross-cutting sector and, as a result, the significant challenges already experienced by cities. Moreover project objective aimed to provide a better understanding of the significant changes needed in public policy, both in terms of governance and leadership, with industry and tourists part of the co-design of solutions, alongside residents and local authorities. Through a participatory approach within the ULG group (˝Urbact Local Group˝), partner cities defined the ways to maintain a balance between local communities and visitors and thus improved the quality of life and services through the implementation of sustainable tourism activities. The main output was creation of Integrate Action plan which defined the local actions to be carried out in response to the sustainable urban development challenges addressed in the project proposal. (EN), Alter Eco (Med programme 2014-2020 (EN) | The aim of the project was to enhance sustainable the development policies for more efficient valorisation of natural resources and cultural heritage in coastal and adjacent maritime areas of sustainable and responsible coastal and maritime tourism in the MED Area. ALTER ECO philosophy is in close link with smartour-up, where we invest in upgrading tourism strategies injecting co-creation in decision making and accelerating digitalization of the sector in favour of sustainability.
Smartour-up PP2, liaison point with ALTER ECO, with the City of Dubrovnik, designed a pilot project and implemented free internet access within the Old Town and integration with the existing Dubrovnik Card application for the purpose of monitoring the movement of tourist and proposing new travel routes. The pilot
project enables the use of new tools for the needs of redirecting tourist from the Old Town area to alternative city attractions in order to increase the flow of people, relive the most burdened city locations and contributed to the preservation, protection and valorisation of valuable cultural and natural resources. DURA will
go beyond this pilot and will built new solutions. Carrying Capacity tooklit developed in ALTER ECO will be also taken into account for the diagnosis phasis of Value plus
(EN), SuSTowns - enhancing SUStainable tourism attraction in small fascinating med TOWNS (Interreg MED 2014-2020) (EN) | In Croatia, the SuSTowns project was carried out by OTRA on the pilot area of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago. The previous project VALUE included the northern part of this archipelago (administrated by the Town of Cres), while the proposed project Value PLUS will expand its domain of activity to other parts of the archipelago (administrated by the Town of Mali Lošinj), where the cultural district will be extended through the dissemination activities.
The assumption of the SuSTowns project was that the Mediterranean fascinating small towns are subject to the decline in fashion and notoriety by tourists. In addition, these towns are at risk of intensive exploitation of their territories and may become over-equipped with infrastructures and services whenever their tourist attraction decreases. The project aim was to intervene at the peak of the growing curve of tourist flows, making sure that these towns maintain the highest tourist flows, averting any risk of alteration of their ecosystems.
The main outcomes of the project were the planning documents to address tourism marketing to produce new methodologies and technological tools which contribute in the strategy focused on stabilizing tourism flows. Therefore, the outputs were addressed to preserve the heritage of such towns which otherwise would see their existence compromised by the effects of overtourism. The challenge of the project was to associate small towns to jointly govern these processes, avoiding that tourist flows cause collapse of the public services for excessive anthropization and to ensure the preservation of local traditions and cultural heritage.
One of the objectives of the action plan developed for the area of Cres-Lošinj archipelago was the diversification the tourist products that are based on valorisation of local natural and cultural resources and tend to extend the tourist season. The project VALUE Plus will rely on and complement the results already achieved within the SuSTowns project.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 749 570.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 199 656.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 92.39%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 199 656.00. Co-financing rate, 92.39%.
Others: Amount, EUR 368 649.00.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Socio-economic analysis of the district areas
SWOT analysis of the district governance model
At least n.3 meetings for each project district area
Report on the integration of the enterprises in the governance models
Meta-District Governance Strategy
Guidelines for the implementation of the strategy in the new target areas
Guidelines for the drafting of the Action Plan
Nr. 5 Governance Agreements subscribed
11 events for the involvement of the target groups in the definition of the Action Plan
Nr. 1 Action Plan
Cross-border Training Plan
Training courses for students
N. 2 exchange study trips
Training courses/laboratories for operators
Didactic kit
Laboratories/Summer school
Gadgets for participants in the training activities
N. 5 districts mapped
N. 5 cultural tourism products
Updated Diomede platform with the new sustainable tourism offers
Press releases and social media pages of the project
Report on the networking activity with other districts in the programme area
Updated Diomede platform with two new districts
Project meetings including kick-off
Communication Plan
Management kit
MAR
Network of Veneto Cultural Hubs
Pilot action implemented in the Museum of Salt of Cervia
Enhancement of the Open-Air Park of Spina
Multimedia tourist guide
Underwater cultural pathway
Pilot action in Dubrovnik
Museum Hub in Patù
N. 5 promotional videos
N. 2 participations in sector specific events/fairs/exhibitions
N. 3 publications on specialistic sector magazines
N. 2 educational tours organised
Report on the Cultural Festival

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion Value Plus project will produce effects under pillar 4 "Sustainable Tourism", which focuses on developing sustainable and responsible tourism potential in the programme area by creating innovative quality products and services. The project finds synergy with the "Diversified tourism offer" and "Sustainable and responsible tourism management" topics of the EUSAIR action plan and with the 5 flagships: AirCulturalRoutes; ColTourAir; DES_AIR; CRUSAIR and Green Mapping for the Adriatic-Ionian region. The results will contribute to the following 5 priorities defined by the flagships: the development of new itineraries by integrating and coordinating the network of districts, through WP1 and WP3, which respectively envisage the development of a management model that will be transferred to all the target areas by harmonising the regional management of the itineraries of the enterprises and supply chains operating in the different tourist areas and the creation of innovative and sustainable alternatives to seasonal mass tourism by enhancing access to cultural heritage through digital tools, such as the DIOMEDE platform that will allow an expansion of the network in the districts involved; the improvement of the performance of tourism enterprises and supply chains through WP1 and WP3; the increase of skills in the sector by favouring new job opportunities with WP2, which envisages the development of training and education courses addressed to students and tourism operators; the increase in the number of cultural events and the development of the interregional network of sustainable tourism through WP3 and WP4, i.e. the development of cross-border routes the planning and promotion of events, exhibitions and cultural events and festivals. Finally, indirectly, the objectives achieved related to Pillar 4 will also positively impact Pillar 2, "Connect the Region", of the EUSAIR strategy, increasing the level of connectivity of the Italy-Croatia region.
EuropeanGreenDeal Through the actions envisaged by PLUS VALUE, it will contribute to some of the objectives of the EU Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final, identified as "Research and Innovation", "Preserving biodiversity" and "Sustainable mobility". The actions under the project will lead to the creation of research cultural hubs that will mobilise and promote innovation by increasing the level of R&D investment. The creation of transnational coworking spaces contributes to the increase of innovative solutions in the tourism sector, involving students, researchers and also citizens in the tourism innovation process. Secondly, although the project does not envisage direct actions for the preservation of biodiversity, WP2 will be used to develop awareness-raising campaigns on the naturalistic emergencies found in the project's target districts. Finally, the Value Plus project through the promotion of sustainable tourism aims at spreading slow mobility on alternative routes that do not involve the use of high-emission means of transport. In this context, the results obtained with Value in the Po Delta Park will be capitalised on, such as the use of railway HUBs, antennae, bike-pedestrian itineraries, ports and waterways.
Other Value Plus contributes to the EU strategy for sustainable tourism, P9_TA(2021)0109. The project finds synergies with key principles of the strategy: Rebuild, Strengthen and Rethink. The planned activities will create new opportunities for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, from which the tourism sector has been severely affected, in the cultural districts covered by the project by raising awareness of the importance of sustainable and accessible tourism (Rebuild). The project will develop innovative itineraries that take into account present and future social, environmental, and economic impacts, exploring new solutions that preserve cultural and natural heritage while benefiting stakeholders (Strengthen). The Cross-Border Training Plan recognises the need for coordinated actions to transfer the knowledge and value of cultural districts to business systems in the project region. Creating sustainable routes in the target districts encourages the use of slow mobility and thus the use of means of transport with a lower carbon footprint. Value Plus recognises the need for support to the tourism industry and promotes the principles of the circular economy also through the use of brands and certifications that recognise the importance and connection of sustainable tourism routes (cultural, eno-gastronomic, artistic, and environmental). The project focuses on the diversification of the tourism product to attract a wider slice of visitors in seasonal periods other than summer to areas alternative to mass tourism (Rethink). Finally, the project endorses the points of the "Refocus" principle, according to which the governance policy at the EU level must be strengthened by creating a specific directorate dedicated to tourism to favour the revitalisation of the sector and in particular the change towards a sustainable approach.
Other The Value Plus project aligns with the principles on which the European Landscape Convention (ETS No.176) is based, i.e. the diversity and quality of European landscapes as a fundamental resource to be safeguarded, managed and planned through the cooperation of the member states. In particular, Value Plus is in synergy with the specific measures identified in Article 6 of the Convention and is relevant to Articles 7 and 8. The project aims to respect these principles by contributing to sustainable landscape management and forward-looking planning for the enhancement of the landscapes of the cultural districts in the project area. It recognises landscape as an essential component of people's lives and as part of the cultural heritage of the target tourist districts. The project will contribute to the awareness raising of the local and non-local populations by involving stakeholders in the management process and the design of new cultural routes. Furthermore, the project implements cross-border cooperation for the exchange of information and knowledge and the elaboration of a common management plan for the enhancement of landscapes.
Other Value Plus contributes to the European Commission digital strategy C(2022) 4388 final, in particular to Objective 1 'Digital Culture'. It will increase the dissemination of cultural heritage through digital technologies, making the knowledge and information acquired through the project itself and the previous Value (2014-2020) accessible. WP3 of the project will contribute through the application of digital tools, the updating and increasing of the content offered by the Diomede platform. New themes, new cultural districts, new sustainable routes designed by the project, and information on local and entrepreneurial initiatives will be published and made available, and new graphics will be developed making the platform more attractive and practical to use. The platform will be promoted via social media, press releases and flyers of local events.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Italia (IT), Ravenna, Via di Roma, 13, 48121
Italia (IT), Ariano; Adria; PortoViro; Loreo (RO), San Basilio; G.Badini; Cà Cappello; R.Marconi, N/A; 59; N/A; 53, 45012-011-014-017
Italia (IT), Cervia (RA), Via Nazario Sauro (Magazzino del sale “Torre”) , 24, 48015
Italia (IT), Comacchio (FE), Strada Foce, N/A, 44022
Hrvatska (HR), Medulin, N/A, N/A, 52203
Italia (IT), Patù (LE), Via Felice Cavallotti , 30, 73053

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 0.5
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 0.3

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR79) Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations: 0.4
(RCR104) Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations: 0.25

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

76 / 76 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

486 / 486 (100%)

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Value plus to cultural districts for the tourist enhancement of the cross-border area

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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