Public-Private Partnership in Barents Tourism (KO177)
Funded by Kolarctic ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The project’s objective is to support the economic and social development in the project’s target region. The project will contribute to improving the development of tourism industry in the Barents region. Specific objective of the project is creation and initiation of development mechanisms in long term public private partnership for the tourism industry on all stakeholder levels. In practice it means developing cooperation models between Barents region tourism stakeholders (educational organizations, regional authorities, businesses and business support organization) in order to achieve common goals.

Main activities

Establishing research and development peer-review group Creating Action Plan for Barents region tourism research and development Activating research and development cooperation in public-private partnership Establishment of a tourism center in Monchegorsk: cooperation test-case research

Achievements

The project has developed cooperation models between Barents region tourism stakeholders, in order to achieve common goals. Authorities, educational institution, businesses and business supporting organizations have participated. One central result of the cooperation is e.g. an Action Plan for Barents region tourism research and development based on real needs of tourism stakeholders. The Action Plan focuses on five key areas: cooperation, education and knowledge, accessibility and transportation infrastructure, product development and place identity. By promoting cooperation through cross-border private and public partnerships, the Action Plan contribute to making the region more attractive to visitors and thus promoting economic growth and social wellbeing.