ENRICH-US is introducing tailored frameworks for eco-cultural tourism governance to support rural and inland communities across Central Europe.
The project works with three main governance models: Destination Management Organisations, Community Cooperatives and Public–Private–Community Partnerships. Each model offers a different way to organise cooperation among local stakeholders, improve coordination and support sustainable tourism development.
Destination Management Organisations help connect municipalities, tourism businesses, cultural institutions and community actors around shared destination priorities. They can support coordinated promotion, visitor information, resource planning and long-term destination management.
Community Cooperatives focus on local ownership and community-led development. They bring together residents, local organisations and small businesses to co-create tourism solutions that reflect local identity, heritage and community needs.
Public–Private–Community Partnerships create structured cooperation between public authorities, private sector actors and local communities. This model can help align investments, services and decision-making while keeping local benefits and sustainability at the centre.
In ENRICH-US, these models are not only discussed conceptually. They are linked with complementary tools such as digital mapping, cultural content systems and eco-tourism infrastructure. These tools are designed to address territorial needs, improve visitor experience and optimise the use of local resources.
The models and tools will be tested and refined through pilot actions in the participating territories. This practical approach will help ensure that the solutions are adaptable, transferable and useful for other rural and inland areas in Central Europe.
By combining governance innovation with local participation, ENRICH-US supports communities in shaping tourism development that is sustainable, inclusive and rooted in local values.