The CULTIGEN project—short for CULture, TourIsm, reGENeration through innovative digital solutions and governance platforms—is a collaborative initiative co-funded by the European Urban Initiative. Its mission is to develop sustainable tourism strategies that balance visitor growth with the well-being of local communities, aiming to prevent over-tourism and foster inclusive governance in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Led by the City of Copenhagen, the project aspires to create scalable and replicable solutions that other EU cities can adopt, thereby amplifying its overall impact. It also seeks to influence urban policy-making at multiple levels and strengthen cooperation among European urban areas.

Running from December 2024 to May 2028, with a total budget of 35 million DKK, CULTIGEN will provide Copenhagen with valuable insights into both tourist expectations and residents’ concerns. Key components of the project include the development of an Urban Listening Tool, neighbourhood-level interventions, and a blueprint model for citizen engagement—all aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and participatory governance.

#Destination management #Tourism development #Community engagement #Sustainable tourism #Innovation in tourism