Copenhagen V
CULTIGEN - CULture, TourIsm, reGENeration through innovative digital solutions and governance platforms
As one of Europe’s fastest growing metropolitan destinations, the City of Copenhagen faces a pressing need to manage tourism flows sustainably and prevent over-tourism. In response, they launched CULTIGEN, creating a community-driven, data-centric governance model to balance local and visitor interests. A participatory photo-voice app combines quantitative and qualitative data and generates insights on urban experiences. Supported by local ambassadors, CULTIGEN promotes tourism dispersion, enhancing the cultural appeal of non-central neighbourhoods and boosting local economies. Overall, the aim is to foster sustainable, inclusive balanced tourism.
Our main challenges...
Evidence-based decision-making is crucial for sustainable tourism management, but this is challenged by limited data on visitor behaviour, resident experiences and cultural dynamics.
Tourism is concentrated in central areas, which risks straining infrastructure and reducing residents' quality of life. There is a need for a redistribution of visitor flows across the city.
The integration of local values and perspectives is often overlooked in tourism strategies, resulting in limited opportunities for residents to actively participate in planning and decision-making processes.
and proposed solutions
An Urban Listening Toolkit (ULT) to collect a wide range of data from residents and visitors, integrating qualitative insights and behavioural patterns. This provides a robust foundation for inclusive, data-driven decision-making.
Developing alternative tourism routes to expand the experience beyond the city centre. Redistributing visitors to less explored neighbourhoods helps showcase their unique characteristics, and reduce congestion in central areas.
Community involvement, ensuring shared responsibility for tourism development. Through cocreation processes, CULTIGEN promotes the harmonisation of the wishes and needs of residents and visitors.
Key figures
Milestones
Event communicating project aims and content. 60-70 participants directly involved at project operational level
Announcement of the three selected neighourhoods where CULTIGEN activities will take place
Launch of the first series of signature events taking place in neighbourhood 1
Innovative new photo-voice app available for tourists and locals to download
An assembly where citizens can join the discussion, voicing their views and wishes
Launch of digital audio/visual guides for each of the pilot
