Preserving local charm for tourism while actively engaging the community in the proces
Close your eyes and listen to the video
To get a feel for the topic, watch the video below with headphones or the sound turned up. I created this video to introduce the client to the key issue addressed in the project.
Toerisme Rupelstreek plans to expand its tourism region by developing a new visitor centre in the village of Noeveren. Noeveren is a small village with a strong identity, known for its historic brickworks industry. The village is designated as protected heritage, and its residents are cautious about innovation and renovation, as Noeveren is one of the last places that still retains the character of the brickworks period.
The aim of this project was to understand and engage with the characteristics, needs, motivations and behaviours of Noeveren’s residents and local organisations, in order to ensure that the new tourism centre could be integrated in a respectful and meaningful way.
The research was conducted by a team of three. We were a small, international and multidisciplinary team, with diverse professional backgrounds and nationalities. I was involved throughout the entire research process, contributing to all stages of the project.
Building of the future tourism centre in Noeveren
Methodologies
Desk Research
Semi-Structured Interviews
Door-to-Door Interviews
Participatory Neighbourhood Map
Demographic Analysis
Results
The findings of the Noeveren research project were compiled into a comprehensive research report delivered to the client. Based on these insights, the client now has clear guidelines on how to involve the local community in the development of the new tourism centre in Noeveren.
A key focus of the recommendations is neighbourhood engagement, with the aim of fostering collaboration and minimising potential resistance to the new tourism centre.
Watch the video below to see the vision we sought to realise for Toerisme Rupelstreek through this project.