In the current European context, characterized by rapid transformations in the tourism sector due to digitalization, changing consumer behavior, and the need to transition toward sustainable models, the DIGITALIZE: Strengthening Tourism Resilience through Digital Solutions project proposes an integrated approach aimed at increasing competitiveness in this sector.
Funded by the Interreg Europe Program, the project will run for four years and aims primarily to support public authorities in developing and adapting regional and local policies by integrating digital solutions into the tourism sector. By leveraging digital technologies, the initiative aims to improve the visitor experience, attract new categories of tourists, stimulate innovation, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
The main objective of the project is to align with existing policies or strategic documents. In this regard, the Integrated Urban Development Strategy (SIDU) of the Municipality of Bucharest has been identified as a relevant instrument for integrating the project’s results, and the Bucharest City Hall has joined the initiative as an associated authority.
Methodological Approach and Areas of Intervention
The DIGITALIZE project is structured in two phases, combining the exchange of experience with concrete improvements to public policies.
The first phase is dedicated to knowledge transfer through thematic workshops, meetings with relevant stakeholders, comparative analyses, and study visits organized to partners in Alytus (Lithuania), Badajoz (Spain), Almodôvar (Portugal), and Reggio Calabria (Italy). The second phase aims to improve public policy tools by integrating lessons learned and already validated solutions.
The directions proposed by the project include:
– Improving the visitor experience through digital tools;
– Attracting a new audience of tourists;
– Stimulating innovation;
– Promoting sustainable tourism.
The Role of ADIZMB and Its Relevance to the Bucharest Metropolitan Area
Within the project, ADIZMB plays an active role in analyzing and promoting digital solutions in tourism across the Bucharest metropolitan area by applying lessons learned from experience-sharing exchanges to the public policy-making process.
In 2025, the main activities within the project focused on conducting an analysis of the current state of tourism in Bucharest, with an emphasis on the level of digitalization and development opportunities, and organizing working meetings with representatives of the Bucharest City Hall, the Ilfov County Council, the Bucharest-Ilfov Regional Development Agency, and cultural institutions. These efforts contributed to strengthening institutional cooperation and creating a common framework for action.
Through its involvement in the project, ADIZMB supports the integration of digital solutions into metropolitan tourism development, contributing to the diversification and increased attractiveness of the tourism offering, as well as its adaptation to the current needs of visitors.
Activities carried out in 2025
– Analysis of the current state of tourism in Bucharest and presentation of findings to the partner group;
– Participation in online meetings among partners held each semester;
– Participation in the online seminar organized by Interreg, “Citizen-oriented innovations”;
– Organizing a meeting with representatives from the Bucharest City Hall – Department of Culture, Education, and Tourism, the Ilfov County Council, ADRBI, and the National Museum of Romanian History to present the project;
– Participation in the study visit to Badajoz, Spain;
– Meeting with the NGO “Muzee de la sat” to include their activities on the Interreg platform under the “examples of good practices” section;
– Participation in the study visit to Reggio Calabria, Italy.
Evaluation and Impact
DIGITALIZE represents a strategic initiative aimed at developing the digital capabilities of the European tourism industry, in line with objectives related to sustainability and regional cohesion.
Participation in this project provides a valuable opportunity to explore and test digital solutions applicable to tourism within the Municipality of Bucharest, as well as to initiate an institutional dialogue on the development of urban policies dedicated to this field, in the context of the year-on-year increase in the number of tourists visiting the capital.
Duration: April 2024 – June 2028;
Total Budget: 209,620 euros;
Funding: Project co-financed by the Interreg Europe program;
Project leader: Hévíz (Hungary)
Partners: Hévíz (Hungary), Alytus (Lithuania), Badajoz (Spain), Almodovar (Portugal), Vlisingen (Netherlands), Rhine-Neckar Regional Association (Germany), Reggio Calabria (Italy), Rișcani (Moldova), Bucharest Metropolitan Area Inter-Municipal Development Association (Romania);
Associated authority: Bucharest City Hall.