A successful first interregional meeting of the IndusTour project held in Lyon

From November 26-28, in Lyon, capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a first interregional meeting of the IndusTour project was organized, and it gathered partners from Denmark, Croatia, Czech Republic, Serbia and Cyprus.

Two thematic workshops dedicated to creating a common definition of industrial tourism and exploring how active companies could become an integral part of the region’s tourism offer were held. Discussions focused on business motivation, minimum quality standards and practical tools for the support to the companies which are willing to take in the visitors. A presentation of good practices of the Regional council followed.

During second day, IndusTour partners took part in the national meetings of the Entreprise et Découverte, French society for business visits, which are being organized every two years. That was an opportunity to gain an insight into one of the most advanced national strategies for industrial tourism in Europe.

After expert roundtables and international case studies presented, participants found out how company visits can enhance corporate branding by attracting workforce, territorial identity and diversifying tourism. Examples from all over Europe showed how structural management, unique territorial branding and strong private-public cooperation can elevate industrial tourism to the level of a significant driver of regional development.

A steering group session also took place, where partners reviewed the progress of the project and assessed the communication achievements from the project’s first semester.

Three-day visit to Lyon ended by visit to nuclear facility EDF Saint-Alban Saint-Maurice, showing how so showing how even so complex industrial sites could offer interesting educational experiences to the public.