Talking Tourist Places, as the Innovative Platform in Tourism (Marneuli Municipality)

Abstract

The project EU4Business-Connecting Companies, managed by Euro-chambers and funded under the EU4Business initiative of the European Union, launched in 2009 to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU), its Member States, and its six Eastern neighbors (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) (EU4Business, n.d.) The project involved collaborating with two organizations: "Travel Agency Saba" in Tbilisi, Georgia, and "Movimento Life Beyond Tourism-Travel to Dialogue Srl Soc. Ben" in Florence, Italy. The primary goal of this collaboration was to promote cross-border cooperation and create a platform for joint activities and projects aimed at promoting tourism products at both local and international levels. One specific initiative mentioned was the implementation of the "Talking Places" program in specific Georgian heritage sites. The project also involved establishing agreements with local administrations to support these initiatives. The research project titled "Marneuli Municipality Talking Tourist Places as a Tool for Green Economy of the Community" was oriented on the Kvemo Kartli region (Marneuli Municipality). The project included various research activities, such as conducting a needs assessment in the tourism sector. The ultimate aim was to encourage the local community to follow Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), create an eco-friendly environment, use a storytelling platform to promote local culture, and contribute to the international attractiveness of the region. Financial support for this initiative was guided by HEKS-EPER Georgia and the European Union. The project aimed to increase the average stay of visitors, enhance the visibility of less-known destinations, and promote cultural mindfulness and typical local products. Overall, it appeared to be a comprehensive effort to foster sustainable tourism development and economic growth in the target region.