By acting TOGETHER – We achieve MORE – stage II – shaping the local policy in tourism

About this project

<p>The aim of the project is to increase civic involvement at the local level through participatory intersectoral cooperation between self-governments, NGOs, entrepreneurs and inhabitants in the development of two local policies in the area of tourism for the Sławno County and the Szczecin Metropolitan Area. The project is implemented in cooperation with a partner from Norway - Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, a public institution of higher education. The problem we are addressing is the low level of local partnership and participative cooperation in the tourism sector. There is also a lack of documents defining local policies in this area. In the second stage of the project we will implement ‘The model of cooperation for self-governments and NGOs in tourism sector’ described in the Guidebook on self governments – NGO cooperation in tourism sector, that we developed in the first stage. Within the project we will organise two conferences (in Darłowo and Szczecin), initiating project activities. There will be training-consulting workshop for local leaders as well as study visits: in Poland and in Norway. We will carry out a participatory process of developing local tourism policies. Direct project beneficiaries are residents of two partner regions: Sławno County and Szczecin Metropolitan Area, in particular representatives of municipalities, NGO activists, as well as entrepreneurs. Our Norwegian partner, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), will provide the persons involved in the project with knowledge and good practice examples from Norway, where the system of cooperation in creating and implementing local tourism policies has a long tradition.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The partner from the Donor States was a partner from Norway - Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) - a university educating staff and conducting research, among others. in the area of ​​the tourism sector. The scope of bilateral cooperation began with mutual acquaintance and presentation of our own activities, which constituted the basis for subsequent activities. Partner's representative prof. Ove Oklevik - a lecturer and researcher at this university, conducted a lecture via the Internet and then discussion during a workshop training for local leaders of both areas covered by project activities. During the analysis of the state and the preparation of reports and development of local policies, he supported us with his experience, pointing out areas that were particularly important for creating local policy and conditions of cooperation in this area. A program was prepared together and on September 13-18, 2022, a study trip to the Norwegian project partner was organized using bus and air transport. As planned, a group of 8 people took part in the trip, four people from each area covered by the project activities. The destination was the city of Bergen and the surrounding area. The aim of the trip was to directly become acquainted with Norwegian experiences and good practices. The participants held a number of meetings and conversations with representatives of local organizations undertaking activities similar to our ROT and LOT, representatives of the region's authorities as well as industry organizations and economic entities. Meetings were also held with local authorities and entities managing tourism in this region of Norway. The final effect of this action is to be the transfer of Norwegian good practices to Poland and the establishment and strengthening of cooperation with partners from Norway.

Project partners

• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Donor project partner· Norway