Successful projects are those that effectively engage stakeholders, understand and respond to their needs, and deliver concrete lasting benefits. We've collected project examples from various parts of the world - and practical lessons to be learned from them - through recommendations by our expert trainers and contributors, as well as based on crowdsourced submissions. EU4Culture: Stronger Communities and Initiatives Implemented by DVV International in Armenia and its partners, this project aims at inclusive and sustainable growth of Shirak, Kotayk and Gegharkunik by helping the selected communities identify and effectively utilize their material and non-material assets, including natural, cultural and human resources that promote cultural and tourism development and increase environmental awareness. These are among the regions that have the highest poverty rates in the country. However, these regions also have significant potential in tourism, with rich natural and cultural assets. The project focuses on capacity building, not only to help communities develop their local tourism products, but also to ensure that local actors will remain engaged and empowered to lead inclusive and sustainable growth of these regions in the long-term. Learn more about this project Great Malvern Farmers Market, Worcestershire, UK Great Malvern Farmers Market is a year-round monthly market in Worcestershire, UK, featuring fresh produce by local growers and farmers. All produce sold are local to the region, by growers, farmers, and food and drink producers from within 30 miles of Malvern. In 2018, the Worcestershire Farmers Market Group, which oversees all farmers’ markets in the region, decided to close Great Malvern Farmers’ Market, after failing to attract stallholders and in turn visitors. Based on feedback from the stallholders, it was identified that the necessary solution was to find a new market operator. The Malvern Hills District Council was was given two months to find a new operator, otherwise the market would cease to exist permanently. Learn more about this project Mediterranean Ecotourism Destination (DestiMED) Working with 13 Protected Areas in 6 countries (Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Croatia, Albania), the DestiMED project aims to build pre-conditions for a Mediterranean destination management organization (DMO) that will harmonize quality standards and tools to monitor compliance, propose attractive ecotourism offers promoted through a lasting brand. Learn more about this project Nakatsugawa-Ena Tourism Council: Becoming a Sustainable Tourism Destination The Nakatsugawa-Ena area (Kiso Valley Region, Central Japan) is rich in forests, and famous for locally produced chestnuts sweets. Recently the area has become an attractive destination for foreign independent travelers who visit the area for hiking the famous Nakasendo trail, and visiting the hot spring resorts nearby. To promote a more balanced development of tourism, the local Tourism Council seeks to establish and promote the Nakatsugawa-Ena area as a sustainable tourism destination to attract inbound tourists. Learn more about this project Next Tourism Generation (NTG) Alliance Rapidly changing digital technology and destination impacts of tourism are leading to influences which are causing significant pressures on the destination society, its local economy, culture and natural environment. The NTG project aims to provide a European and National Blueprint Strategy to respond to the fast changing and increasing skills gaps in digital, green and social skill sets. Learn more about this project Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Destination Development With the aim of making Seychelles an international best practice example for sustainable tourism, the Foundation is implementing a 5-year strategy through an integrated collaborative approach between public, private sector, academia and NGOs. Learn more about this project Vanadzor Industrial Tourism Center - Integrated Rural Tourism Development (IRTD), UNDP Armenia Although most inbound visitors to Armenia seek nature and adventure experiences, there is a significant opportunities for urban areas across the country to develop niche products, tapping into the potential of cities in offering both attractive physical spaces for leisure and a new type of tourism experiences. For this purpose, this project aims to develop known and new urban destinations highlighting diversified services and to create and strengthen income generating opportunities for local businesses and communities. Learn more about this project