Part II: FAST-LAIN Benefits: from Research to Market Place Project FAST-LAIN Part II: FAST-LAIN Benefits: from Research to Market Place Herbert Hamele, Gordon Sillence ECOTRANS e.V., Saarbrücken Phototourism, Abbekas, 14th October 2011

Project FAST-LAIN Knowledge Networks for Competitive and Sustainable European Tourism (EC – DG Enterprise) Project FAST-LAIN Further Action on Sustainable Tourism – Learning Area Innovation Networks (2011-2012) Ecotrans is running this pilot project to establish a European Sustainable Tourism Observatory and to develop regional sustainable tourism innovation clusters. “Sustainable Tourism - From Research to Market Place” Tourism authorities and research bodies from Germany, Spain, Croatia, France, Sweden, Norway and Portugal - with support from the EC, UNWTO, UNEP, EEA, European Travel Commission, German Tourism Association and Italian Ministry of Regional Development – are working together to monitor their sustainable tourism development regarding a set of main topics (situation, strengths, needs, progress) to map their stakeholders, projects, tools and best practices, and to market their eco-certified tourism. http://destinet.eu/topics/training-education/fastlain

Knowledge networking Innovation in Tourism: Tourism Learning Area approach 2. Regional and Thematic Knowledge Networks 3. DestiNet Sustainable Tourism Portal

Networking and clustering the networks Networking and then clustering the networks allows individuals to see a bigger picture, learn more, get more connections, share knowledge and ideas, build creative teams, and have better access to support, raise finance, plan production and services, engage in markets and develop responsible & sustainable activities A regional approach Regions who develop clusters and businesses who participate in clusters, and communities whose residents are engaged in clustered economies will be strengthening the security and sustainability of their activities and lifestyles

Working in the European Knowledge Economy We need to work in Learning Areas because: So many stakeholders are involved Learning is necessary for innovation, sustainability and improving market performance Learning is best done by knowledge networking Networks need to cluster to achieve vertical and horizontal coherence

What is the situation in your destination? The Excel “Learning Area Workbook” assesses the stakeholders, information sources, good practices, strengths and initiatives, challenges and information needs as “starting situation”

DestiNet – Sustainable Tourism Information & networking portal Tool for „Innovation in Tourism“ - information from the workbook Coherent stucture: local to global level Google maps and Google search DestiNet Atlas with detailed filtering Google translator (59 languages) Bulk uploading and downloading Basket of approval to assure quality Mailing services and survey tools Global „Atlas of Excellence“ Global „Market Place“: green mapping Calendar and News buletin Integration with own websites …

FAST-LAIN uses DestiNet

A regional innovation cluster: Example La Palma Sustainable Tourism Club Destination: Biosfera de la Palma/ Canary Islands uses DestiNet as FAST-LAIN partner: Assess own „competitve and sustainable tourism“ situation Folder for mapping stakeholders, strengths, needs, progress Innovation cluster „La Palma Club“: set up learning area with members International knowledge networking (300 contributors) Green map „Biosfera La Palma“ on the global market place Observatory concept on sustainable tourism

Outlook: Innovation cluster „Phototourism in Söderslätt“ Step 1: Put together what there is (workbook: mapping) stakeholders, good practices, initiatives, sources Own strengths, challenges, information needs, indicators 11

FAST-LAIN Benefits: Innovation cluster „Phototourism in Söderslätt“ Step 2: Regional knowledge networking Söderslätt: swedish platform for internal exchange, mapping, monitoring 12

FAST-LAIN Benefits: Innovation cluster „Phototourism in Söderslätt“ Step 3: International knowledge networking & market access Use information, collaboration, „green mapping“ & market access 13

Thank you for your attention! Contacts herbert.hamele@ecotrans.de gordon.destinet@ecotrans.de 14