Carbonia, Italy, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its innovative approach to cultural heritage preservation and destination transformation. Originally founded in 1937 to house coal miners, Carbonia faced economic decline after the mines closed in 1970. In response, the municipality, in collaboration with regional tourism associations and cultural institutions, launched a strategic regeneration initiative starting in 1999 with the “Carbonia: the landscape machine” project. This effort revitalised the town’s urban structure and converted the Serbariu mine into a museum and park.

The destination embraced digital innovation through interactive technologies at the Museo del Carbone and the Museum System of Carbonia (SiMuC), including VR, AR, and QR-coded audio tours. It also promoted linguistic heritage by offering tourist information in Sardu, the traditional Sardinian language, and joined the European Network for Linguistic Equality (ELEN). Carbonia’s membership in cultural networks such as ATRIUM and ERIH further amplified its visibility and research capacity.

These efforts have curbed depopulation, increased employment by 12%, and boosted tourism by 72% between 2022 and 2023. Carbonia’s experience demonstrates the power of cultural heritage as a catalyst for sustainable tourism, community pride, and economic renewal. It highlights how even small, post-industrial towns can reinvent themselves with a clear vision and a tourism strategy, serving as a replicable model for other destinations seeking to leverage on their heritage for economic development.