Inspiration

Together with Mechelen and De Kempen, Meetjesland is in Flanders a testing ground for new insights into tourism. Together with the British tourism expert Anna Pollock, Tourism Flanders is investigating new insights into tourism growth by ‘Travelling to Tomorrow’ (Reizen naar Morgen).

We want to make the municipality of Sint-Laureins a thriving destination. If one man in Sint-Laureins is allowed to put this search on the hat as a compliment, then it is Willy Van Zandweghe anyway. Even though he would never do it himself. The chairman of the tourist advisory board in Sint-Laureins is a patient person who connects and unites.

Travelling to tomorrow also means looking differently at economic growth. In arrivals Europe has grown by 6%; Flanders has grown by 10% last year. Shirley Nieuwland shared an interesting piece on the application of Kate Raworth’s ‘Doughnut Economics’ applied to Anna Pollock’s ‘flourishing’ destinations.

Welcome to the story of a future in travel and hospitality that is being re-authored as we speak. This story is currently unfolding in the governmental office of Visit Flanders and its Holiday Participation Centre.

For a year we, together with various partners, have thought about the transformative power of tourism for the visitor, occupant and destination. We have bundled the result of this co-creative thinking process into the magazine ‘Journey to tomorrow’.

Being aware, taking responsibility, connecting and collaborating: the four ingredients for making the transition from a tourist destination to a flourishing place and community. We explained that entrepreneurs are happy to make a contribution. The government is listening and trying to find out how to strengthen its role. And there are also people who are proud of their place, who offer hospitality...

The tourism of tomorrow will be rooted in local communities. In neighbourhoods, villages and cities that thrive and, as a result, enjoy welcoming enthusiastic visitors. A flourishing community is very much connected to its specific place; where people work together, where visitors can feel at home and residents can nurture and share their love for the place.

Our voyage of discovery in a world full of change is a quest to find the ingredients for a flourishing destination. Fifty people gathered for a two-day writing adventure. They reflected on the discoveries from studies, workshops, conversations and think-tanks.

Inspired by his participation in the Tourism Transforms project, Erik Hennes from Tourism Meetjesland created a core group in order to raise the issue of tourism of the future in the ‘Kreken’ area (a part of Meetjesland).

We must start thinking differently and involve the visitor, according to entrepreneurs. The visitor’s experience is key.

Tourism is more than just the economy. As a visitor, you will bristle with creativity in some places and find profound inspiration in others. The passion that residents show, ensure that some places are full of inspiration and therefore remain with you. Entrepreneurs do not exist separate from the community but are part of it.