The Be.CULTOUR project achieved substantial progress in transforming cultural tourism into a sustainable and circular model, delivering several key results across its pilot and mirror regions. A multidimensional dashboard was developed to assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism, equipping local authorities with tools to manage tourism flows and protect cultural assets more effectively. A major achievement was the creation of a vast Community of Interest, which includes 6 pilot heritage sites, 16 mirror innovation ecosystems, 3 advisers, and 16 members of a learning community. This community fostered debates and reflections on circular and sustainable tourism across almost all European regions. Through this network, local stakeholders in pilot sites were engaged in co-creating Action Plans for circular cultural tourism, tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of less-known and deprived heritage sites. The project’s ambition to leverage cultural and natural heritage for regional development was supported by the exploration of four key concepts—circular tourism, human-centred development, cultural Europeanisation, and smart data management—alongside the identification of niche innovation areas and emerging tourism trends. Innovative tourism solutions, including digital tools for enhancing visitor experiences and eco-tourism services, were prototyped and tested. These innovations, many identified through an Open Call, were successfully implemented in pilot regions, contributing to both local economic growth and improved engagement with cultural heritage. Surveys conducted with visitors and residents of the pilot sites also provided valuable insights into the needs and desires of tourists in lesser-known areas, shaping future strategies. Be.CULTOUR's dissemination activities effectively raised awareness, engaging a wide audience and making the project visible across diverse regions. The Beyond Tourism Manifesto was broadly shared, offering policy recommendations for sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, tailored place-branding strategies strengthened the identity of cultural destinations, helping attract more visitors while ensuring the preservation of local heritage. In summary, Be.CULTOUR has delivered practical tools, innovative solutions, and strategic frameworks that are already guiding sustainable tourism development in Europe, ensuring the long-term impact of the project.
