1. 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

2. 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 ( )
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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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 …

8. FAST-LAIN uses DestiNet

9. 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

11. 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

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

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

14. Thank you for your attention!
Contacts 14