Global success stories

Population: 2,100
Focus: Regenerative tourism and community reinvestment

Overview

Fogo Island is a small island community that faced economic decline after the collapse of the cod fishing industry. To address job losses and population decline, the Shorefast Foundation led the development of the Fogo Island Inn.

The inn is a high‑end, environmentally responsible hotel that celebrates local culture and landscape. Profits are reinvested into the community to support long‑term economic and social well‑being.

Key components

• Social and economic impact
  Profits from the inn are reinvested in local initiatives such as small business loans, education programs, and cultural activities.
• Sustainable development
  The inn uses local materials, energy‑efficient systems, and traditional building methods. Shorefast also supports sustainable fisheries through the Fogo Island Fish Cooperative.
• Community engagement
  Residents are involved through cultural programming, artist residencies, and training as cultural ambassadors.

Lessons for economic development

• Regenerative tourism can strengthen local economies while protecting culture and the environment.
• Reinvesting profits locally helps build skills, small businesses, and long‑term resilience.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• A clear reinvestment model appeals to investors seeking long‑term, values‑driven returns.
• Community‑centred tourism projects can reduce risk by building strong local support.

References and additional information

• Shorefast Foundation
• Fogo Island Inn

Population: 7,400
Focus: Agri‑tourism and preserving rural character

Overview

Rappahannock County strengthened its economy through agri‑tourism while protecting its rural landscape. The county supported wineries, bed and breakfasts, and farm‑to‑table restaurants, while using zoning rules to limit large‑scale development.

Key components

• Agri‑tourism development
  Tourism focuses on farms, vineyards, and local food, building on the county’s agricultural heritage.
• Zoning and planning
  Zoning rules limit building size and density, protect farmland, and require design standards that maintain rural character.
• Community‑led initiatives
  Residents and business owners help shape tourism planning and development.

Lessons for economic development

• Involving residents builds support for long‑term growth.
• Using local assets creates a strong and distinct tourism identity.
• Zoning can guide growth while protecting community character.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Clear land‑use rules give investors certainty.
• Sustainable agri‑tourism attracts investors seeking small‑scale, values‑based projects.

References and additional information

• Virginia Tourism Corporation

Population: 3,800
Focus: Heritage‑based and slow tourism

Overview

Follina revitalized its economy by focusing on heritage tourism centred on its 12th‑century abbey. The community promotes slow tourism to encourage longer stays and deeper cultural connections.

Key components

• Heritage tourism
  Historic sites and cultural events attract visitors interested in history and architecture.
• Slow tourism approach
  Tourism prioritizes quality over visitor volume, reducing pressure on local services.
• Community involvement
  Residents offer tours, workshops, and food experiences, keeping benefits local.

Lessons for economic development

• Cultural heritage can be a strong driver of economic growth.
• Slower tourism models can support local businesses without over‑development.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Well‑maintained cultural assets increase investment appeal.
• Small‑scale, sustainable tourism projects attract long‑term investors.

References and additional information

• UNESCO World Heritage
• Veneto Tourism

Population: 15,000 (including surrounding area)
Focus: Eco‑tourism and Indigenous partnerships

Overview

The Malahat SkyWalk opened in 2021 as a fully accessible outdoor attraction featuring a treetop walkway and lookout tower. The project was developed in partnership with the Malahat Nation and aligned with regional destination development goals.

At the same time, partners launched the South Island Spirit Loop to encourage visitors to explore the wider region, increasing visitation and economic activity.

Key components

• Malahat SkyWalk
  A unique attraction built using sustainable design, with most construction spending within British Columbia.
• Indigenous partnerships
  The Malahat Nation helped shape the design and visitor experience, embedding culture and history.
• Tourism and economic impact
  The SkyWalk attracted about 250,000 visitors in its first year, supporting local businesses and jobs.
• Innovation and accessibility
  The attraction is fully accessible and designed to be inclusive.

Lessons for economic development

• Regional collaboration increases visitor reach and economic benefits.
• Indigenous‑led partnerships strengthen authenticity and shared outcomes.
• Anchor attractions can support broader corridor‑level growth.
• Sustainable infrastructure supports long‑term resilience.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Cultural partnerships build investor confidence.
• Sustainable design attracts values‑based investors.
• Unique attractions create strong business cases.
• Public‑private‑Indigenous partnerships reduce investment risk.

References and additional information

• Malahat SkyWalk
• Spirit Loop
• Malahat Nation
• Pacific Marine Circle Route
• Sooke to Port Renfrew Regional Tourism Association

Population: 30,000
Focus: Nature‑based tourism in a UNESCO site

Overview

The Gros Morne Tourism Regional Implementation Project connects six communities around Gros Morne National Park. The initiative focuses on regenerative tourism that protects natural and cultural resources.

Key components

• Community‑led tourism planning
• Managing impacts on housing and jobs
• Strong governance and evaluation

Lessons for economic development

• Working across communities supports shared growth.
• Managing tourism impacts protects community well‑being.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Strong community support signals readiness for investment.
• Clear frameworks attract responsible investors.

References and additional information

• Parks Canada

Population: 10,000
Focus: Cultural tourism through urban renewal

Overview

Gamcheon transformed from a declining neighbourhood into a cultural tourism destination through art, culture, and resident involvement. Today, it attracts over one million visitors a year.

Key components

• Art installations and murals
• Reuse of existing buildings
• Strong community participation

Lessons for economic development

• Community‑led revitalization supports sustainability.
• Cultural tourism can create jobs and small businesses.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Reusing buildings reduces development costs.
• Public‑private partnerships improve project success.

References and additional information

• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Gamcheon, Asia’s Artsiest Town
• Visit Korea – Gamcheon

Population: 150,000
Focus: Shoulder‑season tourism and sector strategy

Overview

Kelowna uses events such as Oktoberfest to extend tourism into the fall. Collaboration between breweries, tourism organizations, and local artists creates unique visitor experiences.

Key components

• Regional collaboration
• Immersive visitor experiences
• Seasonal tourism diversification

Lessons for economic development

• Seasonal events reduce reliance on peak tourism periods.
• Partnerships strengthen local economies.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Event‑based tourism attracts shoulder‑season investment.
• Authentic experiences increase visitor spending.

References and additional information

• Tourism Kelowna
• Kelowna Beer Institute

Population: 300,000
Focus: Public‑private riverfront revitalization

Overview

Pittsburgh transformed former industrial riverfronts into parks, trails, and mixed‑use spaces. Public investment helped attract significant private development.

Key components

• Public‑private partnerships
• Mixed‑use development
• Strong economic returns

Lessons for economic development

• Quality of life improvements attract talent and investment.
• Partnerships can unlock large‑scale redevelopment.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Public infrastructure investment reduces private risk.
• Diverse spaces attract a wide range of investors.

References and additional information

• Riverlife Pittsburgh

Population: 500,000
Focus: Gastronomy and cultural tourism

Overview

Lyon built its tourism strategy around food, festivals, and heritage, supported by digital tourism tools.

Key components

• Culinary tourism
• Cultural festivals
• Digital visitor tools

Lessons for economic development

• Thematic tourism helps cities stand out.
• Digital tools improve visitor experiences and data use.

Lessons for tourism investment readiness

• Clear sector focus helps attract targeted investments.
• Strong digital infrastructure signals readiness for innovation.

References and additional information

• Lyon Tourism Office
• ONLYLYON Experience
• Virtual tours of Lyon
• Lyon Digital Guide