Rotterdam, Netherlands, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its innovative approach to community-based cultural tourism.

Following a rapid increase in tourism in the 2010s, the city sought to prevent overcrowding and party tourism by promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across its districts. From 2020 to 2023, two Living Labs were established within the EU-funded SmartCulTour project to co-create tourism offers in collaboration with residents, entrepreneurs, and local stakeholders.
Through six workshops, participants used creative tools such as system mapping, personas, and visitor flow mapping to design proposals for sustainable district development. Outcomes were consolidated into a report that guides future tourism initiatives. 

Since 2023, the process has been complemented by neighbourhood events - such as Rooftop Days and collaborative painting sessions - that strengthen dialogue between residents, entrepreneurs, and tourism officials.
 

Rotterdam’s experience demonstrates how co-creation, innovative tools, and long-term vision can turn tourism into a driver of neighbourhood development while ensuring community well-being. 

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.