Pilot action success story: Smart tourism village in Alta Valpolcevera

Date: 22.09.2025
 

The MTAV pilot “Smart Tourism Village Testing” has transformed Valpolcevera into a hub for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable tourism. By creating shared spaces and promoting local businesses, the initiative has given residents—especially young people—a place to connect, develop new ideas, and showcase the potential of smart tourism in rural and peri-urban areas.

A Space for Community and Innovation

At the heart of the pilot is the new coworking space equipped with four PC stations, offering residents a place for daily activities, professional development, and community projects. For young people, it has become a meeting point to discuss fresh ideas, explore entrepreneurship, and shape the future of their region.

The pilot also produced a promotional video, engaging 10 local companies and highlighting Valpolcevera’s tourism potential. This digital storytelling tool not only raised awareness of smart tourism but also provided visibility to local enterprises committed to sustainable development.

Engaging the Region and Beyond

Through awareness efforts and events:

  • Over 200 citizens learned about ValpolceveraLAB and the opportunities it offers.

  • An international meeting took place, connecting the pilot with the Italia-Francia Marittimo project CAMBIO VIA.

  • A public opening event showcased the coworking space and its role as a hub for smart tourism.

These activities positioned Alta Valpolcevera as a forward-looking territory, linking local heritage with digital opportunities.

Institutions Involved

The pilot was made possible through strong local partnerships:

  • Local Authorities: Municipalities of Campomorone, Ceranesi, Mignanego, Sant’Olcese, Serra Riccò

  • Private Sector & SMEs: Cooperativa di Comunità Borghi Sparsi; Azienda Agricola Il Mezzano; Azienda Agricola Villanetti; Azienda Agricola Gli Artisti; Azienda Agricola Valverde; Azienda Agricola Borgo dei Driin; Posto Tappa Passo dei Giovi; Ristorante Bertin; Pilan e Cereseto Società Agricola; Salumifici Parodi e Cabella

Contact

Pierluigi Vinai
General Director, Anci Liguria
Email: progettieuropei@anciliguria.eu
Phone: +39 010 557 4075

 

The Smart Tourism Village pilot demonstrates how rural and peri-urban areas can embrace digital tools, coworking spaces, and storytelling to strengthen communities, support local businesses, and attract visitors through sustainable tourism models.