An academic study conducted at a university in Milan appeared to have explored new dimensions in the way tourism is understood and practiced globally. This research, titled “Designing Travel Experiences in Sustainable Tourism: Analysis and Comparison of International Case Studies,” was said to examine the intersection between tourism, sustainability, and the active role of communities through a concept called co-design.

Through the review of ten international case studies from countries such as Lapland, Portugal, Thailand, Finland, Italy, Taiwan, Spain, and Switzerland, the study reportedly revealed how participatory models of tourism are reshaping the sector. It seemed to suggest that this approach, centered on collaboration and community inclusion, has the potential to replace traditional tourism with something more equitable, authentic, and sustainable.

Reimagining Tourism as a Force of Regeneration

The core of this thesis appeared to advocate for the evolution of tourism into a space that goes beyond service consumption. The research appeared to propose that tourism should be viewed as a regenerative and collaborative activity where both visitors and locals play active roles in crafting experiences. Instead of relying on pre-designed packages, destinations were said to benefit more from flexible and locally tailored journeys.

By placing communities at the heart of the travel experience, the study seemed to suggest that tourism could not only enrich travelers’ understanding of local culture but also help revitalize traditions, preserve landscapes, and foster emotional and economic resilience. This model was described as a way to shift tourism from being exploitative to mutually beneficial.

Practical Applications for the Travel Industry

According to the research, the study could have practical consequences for those shaping the tourism industry today. For example, destination planners might find new frameworks for replacing outdated tourism systems with more inclusive, place-sensitive models. Hospitality professionals, it was implied, could also use these insights to better design experiences that are more engaging, culturally respectful, and environmentally responsible.

The researcher seemed to suggest that modern travelers are increasingly driven by a desire for connection, purpose, and authenticity, and are more likely to choose destinations that offer opportunities for meaningful engagement. This shift in traveler preference, according to the thesis, aligns perfectly with co-designed tourism.

• Co-designed models invite visitors to be participants, not just consumers.
• Local engagement helps strengthen cultural identity and regional pride.

Insights from Theory and Practice

One notable strength of the study appeared to lie in its ability to bridge academic theory with real-world examples. Using multimedia data, interviews, and field documentation, the research aimed to go beyond conceptual analysis and observe the actual impacts of participatory tourism.

Three central insights seemed to have emerged:

1. Collaboration is essential: Destinations that involve both locals and travelers in co-creating tourism tend to offer more meaningful and sustainable experiences.
2. Sustainability must be adaptive: Strategies should reflect the ecological, cultural, and social context of each destination.
3. Technology should enhance connection: Tools like interactive media, augmented reality, or smart signposts can deepen visitor understanding, provided they are used to support, not replace, human interaction.

Local Communities as Designers

The thesis reportedly emphasized that the most resilient and successful tourism models were those shaped by the communities themselves. Rather than treating locals as passive service providers, the research suggested that they should be recognized as co-creators of travel experiences.

Several examples illustrated this concept:

In Portugal, a culinary initiative was said to have involved students and local partners to create a zero-waste food experience, showcasing regional recipes and reusing materials in its design.

In Apulia, located in Italy, a historic travel route along the Via Appia was reimagined by five municipalities through the use of community workshops and digital tools that connected historical knowledge with modern-day travelers.

In Sawankhalok, in Thailand, local stakeholders were believed to have worked together to create tourism activities linked to a UNESCO-recognized heritage site, promoting shared governance and cross-cultural learning.

These examples were said to illustrate that genuine involvement results in more resilient and context-specific tourism solutions.

Embedding Sustainability Through Design

One of the thesis’s significant conclusions appeared to be that design plays a vital role in embedding sustainability not just as an objective, but as a lived reality. Drawing from the definition of sustainable tourism that incorporates economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the study reviewed different tourism models including ecotourism, regenerative tourism, slow tourism, and solidarity tourism.

It was observed that across these models, sustainability came alive when integrated into narratives, touchpoints, and relationships between locals and guests. This way, destinations could become spaces where values are shared, stories are honored, and resources are respected.

The Role of Innovation: Phygital and Nature-Based Experiences

The study further highlighted how some initiatives combined technology with tradition to enhance visitor experiences. In Lapland, a storytelling journey known as the Mill Elf Journey was said to use QR codes, eye-tracking tools, and multimedia platforms to immerse travelers in regional folklore, creating a multi-sensory and intergenerational experience.

In Ceutì, a town in Spain, the implementation of solar-powered smart information points reportedly allowed locals to co-create digital heritage content, bringing the town’s cultural assets to life through a sustainable tech lens.

Meanwhile, Switzerland and Finland were cited as destinations that have invested in biophilic and nature-centered tourism. The Botel of the Lakes in Switzerland was said to offer tranquil floating accommodations off the grid, promoting mindful and reflective travel. On Elisaari Island in Finland, visitors reportedly participated in activities designed to foster personal growth, environmental connection, and emotional renewal.

These examples indicated that tech-forward and nature-based models can coexist and complement each other in delivering holistic tourism experiences.

Participatory Tourism Gains Global Traction

The comparative nature of the research seemed to show that participatory design in tourism is not limited to any one geography or culture. From UNESCO-listed towns to islands and protected parks, co-design appeared to deliver consistent benefits: it improved traveler satisfaction, supported local economies, and strengthened community resilience.

It was suggested that by enabling travelers to become active contributors, destinations could move away from tourism that consumes to tourism that co-creates and regenerates.

This shift was described as both urgent and inevitable in the face of mounting global challenges, including climate change, cultural erosion, and tourism fatigue. In this light, the thesis offered not just a study, but a potential blueprint for transformation.

Overall, the findings were framed as a call to reimagine tourism as a shared platform for learning, respect, and resilience. With proper implementation, this model could empower communities, elevate visitor experiences, and reshape the global travel landscape for the better.