From April 2021 to March 2022, Eurac Research’s Center for Advanced Studies led the LTEK 2030+ project—short for Landestourismusentwicklungskonzept 2030+. The initiative aims to shape a new, sustainable tourism culture in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy.,
Project Goals and Scope
- Scientific foundation: LTEK 2030+ establishes data-driven guidelines for tourism development tied to spatial planning laws—especially Provincial Law 9/2018 on landscape protection.
- Holistic analysis: The project explores economic, social, cultural, and educational aspects of tourism, integrating these with land-use and governance strategies.
- Normative vision: It frames preferred tourism models for 2030+, supporting balanced growth that aligns with local values and environmental capacities.
Key Components
- Regional Tourism Assessment
A detailed review of tourism trends in South Tyrol provided a solid evidence base for planning. - Municipality Profiling & Governance
Local authorities were classified based on tourism intensity and land-use strategies to guide tailored municipal plans. - Tourism Monitoring Tool
LTEK 2030+ introduces an innovative monitoring platform, improving how tourism growth and impacts are tracked in real-time. - Strategic Recommendations
The final phase delivered actionable guidance for both provincial and municipal stakeholders to support sustainable tourism policies.
Why It Matters
Mountain destinations like South Tyrol face unique pressures. A recent study showed that travelers prioritize pristine nature and landscape far more than cultural elements—underlining the need to protect and highlight natural environments effectively. LTEK 2030+ directly responds to this preference by emphasizing landscape-friendly tourism development.
The project offers:
- A data-backed planning tool rooted in local context and planning law.
- A long-term vision for sustainable and landscape-sensitive tourism.
- Empowerment tools for municipalities—helping to use customized strategies and shared monitoring platforms.
In Summary
The LTEK 2030+ initiative, guided by Eurac Research, sets a new benchmark for responsible regional tourism planning. Grounded in rigorous analysis, aligned with legal frameworks, and sensitive to environmental values, it provides South Tyrol with a credible roadmap toward a balanced and sustainable tourism future.