The 2nd ENRICH-US Stakeholder Workshop in Benešov continued the participatory process launched during the first local workshop. While the first meeting introduced the project, the diagnosis results, stakeholder mapping and governance models, the second workshop focused on discussion and validation of the most suitable governance approach for Bystřice.
The workshop brought together representatives of the Town of Bystřice, Posázaví o.p.s. / DMO Posázaví, CHOPOS s.o., Benešovsko s.o., MAS Posázaví and other actors relevant for local and regional development.
At the beginning of the workshop, IRR briefly summarised the three governance models introduced within ENRICH-US: Destination Management Organisation, Community Cooperative and Public–Private–Community Partnership. This was followed by an open discussion on how these models could be applied in the specific context of Bystřice.
A key topic was the existing cooperation between Bystřice, MKIC Bystřice and DMO Posázaví. The discussion confirmed that Bystřice already has a functioning connection to DMO Posázaví and that MKIC Bystřice plays an important local coordination role. Therefore, creating a completely new governance structure does not appear to be necessary or realistic.
The workshop results indicate that the most suitable direction for Bystřice is a combined model: stronger operational connection with DMO Posázaví, supported by local coordination around MKIC Bystřice, the municipality and local stakeholders. Community-based elements are also important, especially for involving businesses, associations and residents in concrete tourism activities.
Participants identified several practical priorities for the next phase, including preparation of content for digital information tools and totems, development of concrete tourism routes or products, improved information sharing and stronger cooperation with DMO Posázaví.
The evaluation feedback confirmed strong interest in further participation. Stakeholders generally supported a practical hybrid approach that builds on existing structures instead of duplicating them. The workshop therefore contributed significantly to validating the future direction of the Czech pilot action and created a solid basis for the next phase of ENRICH-US implementation in Bystřice.