The European research project INTERSMARTS, as part of a broader strategy to develop smart and sustainable tourism destinations, has successfully completed the study and comparative analysis of approximately 100 case studies collected from countries across the Black Sea region and the Mediterranean Basin.. The primary objective of this process was to identify and extract best practices that address modern tourism challenges and enhance the resilience of tourism destinations.
The study focused on four key thematic areas that significantly impact the quality and sustainability of the tourism product:
- Overtourism
- Pollution and environmental degradation
- Innovation
- Seasonality
Using a comparative methodological framework and drawing from both qualitative and quantitative data, the project team mapped out a range of strategies, measures, and technical interventions implemented in diverse environments. A common denominator across all cases was the effort to harmonize tourism development with the needs of local communities and the environment, without compromising the economic viability of the regions involved.
The project was supported by a broad mechanism of transnational cooperation, involving public and private stakeholders, academic institutions, subject-matter experts, and local organizations. Special emphasis was placed on knowledge transfer and the adaptation of solutions to the geographical, social, and developmental characteristics of each area.
The extraction of best practices was based on a multi-criteria evaluation framework, which combined:
- The effectiveness of the interventions
- The acceptance by the local community
- The replicability and adaptability of the practices in other contexts
- The level of technological maturity
- The environmental and social compatibility of the solutions
The documentation and presentation of these practices now constitute a valuable knowledge base, which can be utilized by policymakers, local authorities, businesses, and researchers alike. The overarching goal is to support the transition toward a more equitable, responsible, and balanced tourism model, one that safeguards natural and cultural capital while also ensuring social cohesion and economic prosperity.
INTERSMARTS highlights that sustainable tourism is not merely a theoretical concept, but a necessary and implementable strategy—with clear, measurable benefits for the environment, local communities, and future generations.