During three days in July 2024, the partners of the European project HITTS (Heritage Innovation, Territory, Tourism, Sustainability) gathered in the stunning setting of Millau, France, to hold the project’s second transnational meeting. This initiative, co-funded by the Interreg SUDOE program, aims to promote social cohesion and territorial development through social innovation, heritage enhancement, and sustainable tourism.
The meeting was organized by the French project partners, the Regional Natural Park of Grands Causses and Aven Armand – Montpellier le Vieux – SA. Representatives from the eight beneficiary entities of the project participated, including organizations from Spain, Portugal, and France, enabling a diverse and enriching exchange.
Among the highlighted activities, work sessions and workshops were held to address key topics for the project’s development, such as the application of advanced technological tools, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the creation of digital twins. These tools are fundamental to building a sustainable tourism model that integrates heritage management and tourism promotion in a balanced way.
As part of the agenda, participants also explored the rich heritage of Millau. The visits included the Millau and Grands Causses Museum as well as the tour of La Cité de Pierre, a protected geological park that blends history and nature in a unique setting.
The primary goal of the HITTS project is to revitalize rural areas and address common challenges such as depopulation and territorial degradation. In this sense, transnational meetings allow partners to share best practices, strengthen synergies, and advance the development of common methodologies applicable in various contexts.
The next project meeting will take place in February 2025 in Tomar, Portugal, focusing on the exchange of best practices in cultural and natural heritage management, as well as sustainability and tourism strategies.
