The CLUSTERATLAS4MED journey in Italy has now entered an exciting new phase dedicated to shaping the future of rural tourism.
In Italy EXO launched the first Rural Living Lab of the project’s territorial co-design process, with the valuable support and hospitality of the Local Action Group GAL START 2020. It was not just a meeting: it was the beginning of a shared path to imagine, discuss and build the future of rural tourism in Basilicata.
The room brought together a rich mix of local voices: public authorities, Local Action Groups, tourism operators, consortia, accommodation providers, tourist guides, tour operators, training organisations, cultural associations and business representatives. This diversity of perspectives is exactly what the Rural Living Labs are about: creating a real space for dialogue among the different actors of the tourism ecosystem.
The discussion started from the CLUSTERATLAS4MED vision and from the results of the project benchmark analysis, which were positively received by the participants. From there, the group worked on a shared understanding of rural tourism in the Basilicata context: a form of tourism able to enhance landscapes, culture, traditions, agriculture and local communities, while creating stronger connections between rural areas, villages and urban centres.
The exchange was open, concrete and full of useful insights. Participants highlighted some of the main challenges that still limit the full potential of rural tourism in the region: training needs, digital skills, coordination among territories, stronger community involvement, data sharing, governance and cooperation between public and private actors.
At the same time, the meeting confirmed a strong willingness to work together. Digitalisation was not seen only as a matter of tools, but as a wider opportunity to improve skills, services, accessibility, promotion, cooperation and decision-making.
This is where the future Lucanian cluster for rural tourism can play a key role: helping local actors connect, share needs and ideas, access knowledge and opportunities, and turn individual efforts into a more coordinated and visible territorial offer.
The first Rural Living Lab in Metaponto was only the first step. The process launched by the project coordinator, EXO, will continue throughout June and July with further meetings across the provinces of Matera and Potenza, involving more stakeholders in a growing co-design journey.
The next appointment will take place on 25 June in Potenza (Italy), hosted by GAL PERCORSI.
CLUSTERATLAS4MED is moving forward with enthusiasm, building bridges between people, territories, knowledge and innovation — one Rural Living Lab at a time.
Last Update
25/06/2026
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