In its first year, the HITTS project (Heritage, Innovation, Territory, Tourism and Sustainability) has laid the foundations to revitalise the cultural and natural heritage of rural areas in the SUDOE region (Southwest European Space – Spain, France and Portugal). Its goal is clear: to turn these territories into engines of sustainable development, creating economic and social opportunities for their inhabitants and promoting more authentic and responsible tourism.
This year has been key to achieving concrete progress. Detailed studies have been carried out in each territory to assess the state of heritage and its potential for reuse. Thanks to these diagnostics, assets have been identified that can be restored to attract visitors and stimulate the local economy. Community participation has been essential in tailoring strategies to each specific reality.
One of the most innovative achievements has been the creation of an interactive map that allows users to explore the most relevant cultural and natural heritage assets in detail. Technology also enables a virtual tour of the Church of San Lorenzo in Úbeda through a digital twin.
Moreover, citizen engagement has exceeded expectations. More than 1,200 people across three countries participated in a survey about the role of heritage in their daily lives. These findings laid the groundwork for community forums, where ideas were shared on how to make better use of cultural and natural resources. As a result, territorial laboratories were created — collaborative working spaces involving local authorities, businesses and citizens.
In 2025, HITTS plans to hold a transnational workshop in Tomar, Portugal, in February, where project partners will analyse 15 good practices from the SUDOE region, selected from a pool of jointly collected examples during 2024. These will serve as models to be replicated and integrated into the HITTS Strategy.
The HITTS journey has only just begun. In the coming months, the project will continue with new actions to consolidate heritage as a driver of the rural future, combining tradition and innovation to ensure sustainable development full of opportunities.
