On 17 September 2026, the Małopolska Regional Development Agency (MARR) organised an ENRICH-US Info Day in cooperation with the Municipality of Łapanów, Poland.
The event formed part of the stakeholder engagement process of the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE project ENRICH-US, which aims to strengthen sustainable eco-cultural tourism governance in rural and inland areas.
Understanding local challenges and opportunities
The meeting focused on reviewing and validating the territorial diagnosis and stakeholder mapping developed for the Polish pilot area, involving the municipalities of Łapanów, Łącko and Podegrodzie.
Participants discussed existing tourism resources, cooperation mechanisms and challenges affecting the sustainable development of local tourism.
A key topic was the need to improve coordination between municipalities, local businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders involved in tourism development.
Exploring a suitable governance model
The discussion considered different approaches to tourism management and highlighted the potential of a hybrid governance model combining elements of a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and a Public–Private–Community Partnership (PPCP).
Such an approach could help strengthen cooperation, improve coordination of local tourism activities and ensure that the needs and interests of different stakeholder groups are taken into account.
Participants emphasised that any future governance model should remain realistic, practical and adapted to the capacities of the participating municipalities.
From strategy to measurable benefits
One of the main conclusions of the Info Day was that successful tourism governance should produce tangible results rather than remain limited to strategic planning.
The future model should support the development of joint tourism products, stronger stakeholder cooperation and measurable benefits for local communities and businesses.
The outcomes of the meeting will contribute to the development of the Polish territorial governance concept and the preparation of further participatory activities within ENRICH-US.
By encouraging cooperation across municipal boundaries, the project aims to build a stronger foundation for sustainable, community-oriented eco-cultural tourism development in Małopolska.