This post is also available in:
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
This report synthesizes best practices in fostering local and community participation in the development of sustainable river tourism, as presented during the first online seminar of the intercity project STAR Cities (Sustainable Tourism for Attractivity of River Cities). STAR Cities aims to strengthen sustainable river tourism through mutual learning and knowledge exchange among international partners.
The report analyzes four case studies: the Hamburg Industrial Heritage Festival, the Fluxus Labs Kaunas Community Program, Kaunas Modernist Heritage – “Modernism for the Future”, and Vitry Street Art. These cases illustrate diverse approaches to community engagement, financial management, and sustainability assurance, while underscoring the crucial role of local involvement in enhancing the attractiveness and long-term viability of river tourism destinations.
Introduction
The STAR Cities project is an intercity cooperation initiative designed to promote sustainable tourism in riverine areas through experience sharing and collaborative learning. The first online seminar, held following a partner meeting in Kaunas, highlighted best practices in community engagement. This report presents and examines four case studies that demonstrate methods of mobilizing communities, establishing financial mechanisms, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Methodology
The report is based on materials from the webinar “STAR Cities Good Practices: Locals and Communities Engagement”, with contributions from representatives of Hamburg, Kaunas, and Vitry. The data analyzed include project objectives, implementation strategies, achieved outcomes, financial models, challenges, and sustainability measures. Each case was examined as a case study to explore the role and impact of community engagement in sustainable river tourism development.
Case Studies
Hamburg Industrial Heritage Festival
-
Objectives: To raise awareness of industrial heritage linked to the River Elbe, increase tourism revenue, strengthen rural–urban connections, and develop a network of volunteers.
-
Implementation: Organized biennially since 2011, the festival attracts around 120 participants each edition, relying heavily on local volunteers (primarily retired workers and engineers).
-
Impact: The festival generated significant media attention, contributed to the establishment of industrial heritage routes, and attracted 15,000–18,000 visitors per edition.
-
Challenges: Recruiting and retaining elderly volunteers, and addressing limited human resources within small community groups.
Fluxus Labs Kaunas Community Program
-
Objectives: To empower local communities through art, foster river-related cultural initiatives, and build capacity for sustainable activities beyond Kaunas 2022 – European Capital of Culture.
-
Engagement Mechanism: “Fluxus Agents” served as facilitators, supporting communities in implementing initiatives, organizing workshops, and mobilizing resources.
-
Illustrative Practices: Storytelling and artistic performances along the Neris and Nemunas rivers, community festivals, ceramics exhibitions, and river-related nature conservation events.
-
Sustainability: The program emphasized training in management and fundraising skills, enabling communities to sustain activities after the conclusion of public funding.
Kaunas Modernist Heritage – “Modernism for the Future”
-
Objectives: To preserve and reinterpret the value of modernist architecture (1918–1940) while engaging communities in urban heritage.
-
Approach: Establishment of a heritage community, free public tours, restoration workshops, and development of an open-access heritage database.
-
Outcomes: More than 70 art projects, including a 45-minute documentary involving hundreds of residents, which strengthened Kaunas’s image as a modern river city.
-
Sustainability: Strengthened international cooperation and valorization of heritage as a resource for sustainable tourism.
Vitry-sur-Seine Street Art
-
Objectives: To enhance the city’s image through street art and graffiti, transforming Vitry into an “open-air museum.”
-
Activities: The association Don’t Believe in Band organized free art tours, attracting approximately 1,500 visitors annually, while promoting co-creation between artists and residents.
-
Support: The Val-de-Marne Tourist Board facilitated partnerships, promoted the initiative, and organized a regional street art festival.
-
Challenges: Securing community consent prior to creating artworks was essential to ensure acceptance and sustainability.
Discussion
The case studies highlight several key principles for engaging communities in sustainable river tourism:
-
Grassroots Initiatives – Successful projects often originate from community needs and interests.
-
Diverse Approaches – From large-scale festivals to small-scale initiatives, varied methods effectively engage different groups.
-
Institutional Support and Local Autonomy – Central coordination and financial support complement community self-determination.
-
Direct Interaction – Particularly vital when working with older populations or digitally excluded groups.
-
Long-term Strategies – Capacity-building in management and fundraising is crucial for sustainability.
-
Multidimensional Impacts – Initiatives enhance tourism, strengthen local identity, raise heritage awareness, foster social connections, and create economic opportunities.
Conclusion
The STAR Cities webinar demonstrated that empowering and engaging local communities is fundamental to the development of sustainable river tourism. Practices from Hamburg, Kaunas, and Vitry illustrate how community involvement enriches tourist experiences while fostering vibrant, resilient, and culturally rooted communities. Continued academic and practical exchange among STAR Cities partners remains a cornerstone in disseminating and scaling up these successful models.
