Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Pescatori Digitali
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A temporary seasonal transformation project, Pescatori Digitali, aims to create an innovative community-based initiative that revitalises Stintino local historical centre and gives sustainable tourism a new meaning. Location-independent, creative workers live in historic fishermen’s houses and turn local landmarks such as the Museum of the Tonnara into their offices. For a month or more, this coastal village of 1,600 souls becomes a living workspace where tradition and innovation come together.
Italy
Local
Stintino
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-11-30
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Stintino, a 1600 inhabitants’ coastal town in northern Sardegna, suffers from a modern phenomenon which is seasonal mass tourism during high seasons, facing on the other hand emptiness and low opportunities during the rest of the year. The contrast is striking between lively summer months, which last around 4 months with dozens of thousands of tourists, bars and restaurants all open and many locals hired to work on seasonal jobs, and on the contrary autumn and winter months which last 8 months, where the town enters in a sudden silence and quietness, bringing its rate of depression and loneliness among the population, especially young people. Pescatori Digitali aims to reverse this trend by creating a continuous cycle of economic and social development through the presence of new temporary residents. Location-independent workers who can work remotely but also wish to become part of the local community, consisting of Stintino residents, business owners and local stakeholders. The goal is twofold: on one hand, to support the local economy but more importantly the social aspect, through a sustainable co-living model that embraces the authenticity of life in Stintino; on the other, to create a sustainable tourism experience that highlights local traditions and allows participants to immerse themselves in the culture and community of the area. Pescatori Digitali wants to create a community-based space where location-independent workers and creative professionals can integrate into the local community while fostering inclusion, social sustainability and ethical tourism. It transforms underutilized spaces in Stintino into cultural exchange and connection hubs, encouraging the inclusion of new temporary residents through local events. The project seeks to promote the local culture, engage with the community, and contribute to the sustainable revitalization of remote places, valuing a balance between productivity, cultural authenticity, and eco-conscious living.
Coliving
Innovation
Community
Social Sustainability
Sustainable Tourism
The project has aimed to be sustainable since its foundation, as Stintino and its inhabitants fight daily to protect the area's environment. Mass tourism, with its influx of tourists, cars, boats and non-sustainable behaviour, on fragile territory like Sardinia Island and beaches like La Pelosa, has severely damaged the area. Interest in Stintino’s natural beauty grew in the 1960s as air travel became more accessible, marking the start of the tourism boom.Pescatori Digitali encourages participants to live in harmony with their surroundings, promoting slow tourism practices prioritising respect for the territory and reducing environmental impact.
Good environmental practices were implemented throughout the project, including zero food waste, the consumption of local products, and recycling. An awareness event against plastic use was organized, where 12 project participants and 30 locals collected more than 600 kg of plastic from nearby beaches in collaboration with Plastic Free. From sustainable hikes and community dinners using only locally sourced ingredients to repair workshops, the project demonstrated practical ways to reduce environmental impact. We want to show that even a small village can thrive during the low season through responsible and sustainable tourism. Pescatori Digitali invites participants to embrace a slower, more mindful way of travelling—one that values quality over quantity, fostering a deep connection with the place rather than just passing through. By promoting slow tourism, the project encourages living in harmony with the surroundings, respecting the land, and minimizing environmental impact. It’s about proving that small villages don’t need mass tourism to survive; they can prosper through a model that isn’t driven solely by numbers but by the quality of experience and a genuine connection with the local community.
Good environmental practices were implemented throughout the project, including zero food waste, the consumption of local products, and recycling. An awareness event against plastic use was organized, where 12 project participants and 30 locals collected more than 600 kg of plastic from nearby beaches in collaboration with Plastic Free. From sustainable hikes and community dinners using only locally sourced ingredients to repair workshops, the project demonstrated practical ways to reduce environmental impact. We want to show that even a small village can thrive during the low season through responsible and sustainable tourism. Pescatori Digitali invites participants to embrace a slower, more mindful way of travelling—one that values quality over quantity, fostering a deep connection with the place rather than just passing through. By promoting slow tourism, the project encourages living in harmony with the surroundings, respecting the land, and minimizing environmental impact. It’s about proving that small villages don’t need mass tourism to survive; they can prosper through a model that isn’t driven solely by numbers but by the quality of experience and a genuine connection with the local community.
The Pescatori Digitali project aimed to answer to a missing connection with Stintino during the off-season, a lack of pride and the hidden potential of the town, in its charms and beauty. Rather than just imagining what could be done to enable these positive aspects, both locals and guests did their part in revitalizing the town’s public and cultural spaces. The community came up with their own ideas of workshops, events and cultural activities that made the town vibrant and beautiful during this otherwise quiet period. For instance, spaces that are typically closed during the winter, such as the Museum of Tonnara, the library, the tourism office, a padel court, and a former church turned into workshop spaces and were reopened and put to use. The Museum of Tonnara was transformed into a venue for organizing talks, workshops, and networking events with local stakeholders, while the tourism office became a coworking office.
Local concerts were organized with local artists, marking an outdoor live performance for the first time in town during the offseason. The bar was packed with locals, demonstrating the community’s need for events tailored to them beyond the tourist season. Similarly, events like fishing with Giorgio, a local resident, followed by cooking together at his home created authentic connections between participants and the community. Workshops like the "Maquete event," where locals and guests collaboratively envisioned an ideal Stintino, produced on a small scale, discussing urban improvements and aesthetics aspects, embowed the context of beauty that the project provided. This approach and series of events fostered a deeper sense of belonging and shared ownership of Stintino among residents. While reactivating underutilized spaces and fostering meaningful interactions between people from different cultures and countries, Pescatori Digitali demonstrates how thoughtful design and cultural programming can address both aesthetic and emotional needs.
Local concerts were organized with local artists, marking an outdoor live performance for the first time in town during the offseason. The bar was packed with locals, demonstrating the community’s need for events tailored to them beyond the tourist season. Similarly, events like fishing with Giorgio, a local resident, followed by cooking together at his home created authentic connections between participants and the community. Workshops like the "Maquete event," where locals and guests collaboratively envisioned an ideal Stintino, produced on a small scale, discussing urban improvements and aesthetics aspects, embowed the context of beauty that the project provided. This approach and series of events fostered a deeper sense of belonging and shared ownership of Stintino among residents. While reactivating underutilized spaces and fostering meaningful interactions between people from different cultures and countries, Pescatori Digitali demonstrates how thoughtful design and cultural programming can address both aesthetic and emotional needs.
Stintino faces profound environmental, economic, and social challenges due to its dependence on seasonal tourism. This reliance has resulted in a divided community, where the town transforms into a bustling tourist destination for a third of the year but becomes a ghost town for the remainder. These dynamics have left many residents feeling disconnected and suffering from depression and loneliness. Pescatori Digitali addresses these issues by redefining Stintino as an inclusive, interconnected space through the concept of an extended coliving and coworking model. Rather than focusing on a single centralized location, the entire town becomes a shared living space, blending remote workers with the local community. This approach creates opportunities for interaction, cultural exchange, also intergenerational, bridging the gap between locals and temporary residents.
Over a three-week period, activities were organized, which were either led by the Absentia team or self-initiated by the guests, allowing for inclusive governance and freedom in the schedule. These activities were designed to be economically accessible, either free or requiring only minimal contributions, shared by the members, ensuring inclusivity. The initiative transformed spaces that typically remain unused during the offseason into dynamic hubs for interaction. The tourist office, usually closed, became a workshop and coworking session place. Local houses that would have been empty were filled with participants from diverse backgrounds. The few opened bars and restaurants, a quiet spot in the low season, became a bustling centre where locals and visitors mingled, sharing stories, languages, and experiences. Vulnerable individuals who might otherwise have faced isolation during this period participated in shared activities and cultural events. Locals not only interacted with the guests but became co-creators of these initiatives, forging strong connections and a sense of shared purpose.
Over a three-week period, activities were organized, which were either led by the Absentia team or self-initiated by the guests, allowing for inclusive governance and freedom in the schedule. These activities were designed to be economically accessible, either free or requiring only minimal contributions, shared by the members, ensuring inclusivity. The initiative transformed spaces that typically remain unused during the offseason into dynamic hubs for interaction. The tourist office, usually closed, became a workshop and coworking session place. Local houses that would have been empty were filled with participants from diverse backgrounds. The few opened bars and restaurants, a quiet spot in the low season, became a bustling centre where locals and visitors mingled, sharing stories, languages, and experiences. Vulnerable individuals who might otherwise have faced isolation during this period participated in shared activities and cultural events. Locals not only interacted with the guests but became co-creators of these initiatives, forging strong connections and a sense of shared purpose.
During our event in November, most of bars and restaurants in Stintino were closed. The town was in its usual offseason silence—until Pescatori Digitali arrived. Without disrupting the town’s rhythm, the project slowly and consistently integrated into the local community through different activities. These activities served as a bridge between locals and international participants, fostering interaction in a way that felt organic rather than imposed. The library, typically open year-round but nearly empty in winter, was transformed into a coworking space, breathing life into an otherwise underutilized public venue.
Throughout the project, 19 activities were organized—some planned by the organizers, others self-initiated by the remote workers themselves, others by the locals. For a small town, this level of cultural engagement is rare; in places of similar size, there are usually no more than two local events during the same period. Beyond the social impact, this activity also brought a small but significant economic boost to the few businesses that remained open (one bar and one shop for instance), with long-term visitors who actively contributed to the local economy instead of simply passing through. More importantly, Pescatori Digitali introduced a new kind of cultural activity—one that was consistently visible and rooted in the local civil society. In seasonal tourist towns, cultural events are often tailored primarily for visitors, reinforcing the idea that culture belongs to tourists rather than the residents. Pescatori Digitali challenged this model by creating activities for and with the local community, alongside international creatives who were not just passing through but actively engaging. Unlike summer tourists who come to consume, visit the beaches, and leave, the project brought a small group of highly active participants—people who had the time and willingness to meet locals, organize activities, and contribute meaningfully to daily life.
Throughout the project, 19 activities were organized—some planned by the organizers, others self-initiated by the remote workers themselves, others by the locals. For a small town, this level of cultural engagement is rare; in places of similar size, there are usually no more than two local events during the same period. Beyond the social impact, this activity also brought a small but significant economic boost to the few businesses that remained open (one bar and one shop for instance), with long-term visitors who actively contributed to the local economy instead of simply passing through. More importantly, Pescatori Digitali introduced a new kind of cultural activity—one that was consistently visible and rooted in the local civil society. In seasonal tourist towns, cultural events are often tailored primarily for visitors, reinforcing the idea that culture belongs to tourists rather than the residents. Pescatori Digitali challenged this model by creating activities for and with the local community, alongside international creatives who were not just passing through but actively engaging. Unlike summer tourists who come to consume, visit the beaches, and leave, the project brought a small group of highly active participants—people who had the time and willingness to meet locals, organize activities, and contribute meaningfully to daily life.
A wide variety of stakeholders are involved in Absentia’s work and the initiative behind Pescatori Digitali, from the Town Municipality to organizations based in Spain. First and foremost, the idea was developed in collaboration with Sende, the world’s first rural coliving space, which has been operating in Galicia, Spain, for over ten years. This partnership helped us refine our vision and strengthen our goal of making Stintino an innovative and sustainable hub during the offseason. As part of this collaboration, the organizations have visited each other, exchanged ideas, and developed common strategies for the revitalization of rural and remote communities. Absentia activated its European network—built in part through the Erasmus+ program—enabling the team to establish partnerships with like-minded organizations. All of them responded positively to the invitation to participate in the project and helped us recruit participants.
At the local and regional levels, the Museum of Tonnara has provided us with a space to conduct activities since the organization was founded, and once again allowed us to use it as a hub during the project, transforming it into a venue for talks, workshops, and networking events. For instance, we partnered up with the Nodi community and hosted a full house event with young locals who returned from abroad and decided to stay in Sardinia. The Municipality of Stintino also supported us by granting access to the local library and tourism office, as well as assisting in the project's promotion, with the personal involvement of the town mayor. Fondazione Sardegna provided financial support after we won a local development tender, securing the necessary funds to implement the project. The active involvement of stakeholders at all levels adds significant value to the community, both in Sardinia and across Europe, making Pescatori Digitali a truly pan-European initiative and an example of multi-level engagement and collaboration.
At the local and regional levels, the Museum of Tonnara has provided us with a space to conduct activities since the organization was founded, and once again allowed us to use it as a hub during the project, transforming it into a venue for talks, workshops, and networking events. For instance, we partnered up with the Nodi community and hosted a full house event with young locals who returned from abroad and decided to stay in Sardinia. The Municipality of Stintino also supported us by granting access to the local library and tourism office, as well as assisting in the project's promotion, with the personal involvement of the town mayor. Fondazione Sardegna provided financial support after we won a local development tender, securing the necessary funds to implement the project. The active involvement of stakeholders at all levels adds significant value to the community, both in Sardinia and across Europe, making Pescatori Digitali a truly pan-European initiative and an example of multi-level engagement and collaboration.
The design and implementation of Pescatori Digitali blended several disciplines and knowledge acquired by Absentia. What ought to be noted is that the organization used its experience and expertise in EU-funded projects to implement the project, from looking at the open calls, writing the project and drafting the budget, using its network to find relevant stakeholders and participants and eventually implementing the activities. These competencies gained at the European level were put to use at the local level, for the community. From cultural programming, urban development in remote areas, sustainable tourism, remote work culture, environmental action, and community engagement, the project was shaped to use the spaces available and how people can interact with it within the town. Instead of focusing on just one aspect, the project worked on several fields where those naturally overlapped throughout the project. More than just a series of activities, it became an experiment in how a small town could remain active beyond the peak months.
By bringing location-independent workers, with creative minds and a range of different skills, who are looking for more than just a temporary escape, the project ensured that the interaction wasn’t just between guests but between guests and locals, where knowledge, experiences, and skills were exchanged naturally. The community did not just observe the activities; they became part of them. For instance, regular “tuna talks” were implemented, where the guests had the opportunity to present and address any topic that he/she would like to. From talks on coastal communities by guests from Iceland (East of Moon), to making video games or reforestation in Panama, many different disciplines and knowledge fields were discussed during this time. As it went from preparing local traditional dishes together or discussing ideas for the town’s future, Pescatori Digitali turned everyday interactions into opportunities for engagement.
By bringing location-independent workers, with creative minds and a range of different skills, who are looking for more than just a temporary escape, the project ensured that the interaction wasn’t just between guests but between guests and locals, where knowledge, experiences, and skills were exchanged naturally. The community did not just observe the activities; they became part of them. For instance, regular “tuna talks” were implemented, where the guests had the opportunity to present and address any topic that he/she would like to. From talks on coastal communities by guests from Iceland (East of Moon), to making video games or reforestation in Panama, many different disciplines and knowledge fields were discussed during this time. As it went from preparing local traditional dishes together or discussing ideas for the town’s future, Pescatori Digitali turned everyday interactions into opportunities for engagement.
The innovation of the project lies first in its idea, converting a deserted remote town during the offseason into a small hub for innovation, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism, for whom this idea would have been impossible until it happened. Focusing on that Pescatori Digitali is the response to tackle challenges that towns affected by mass tourism face, Absentia saw it as an opportunity to find grassroots and sustainable solutions to increase the overall quality of life in the town and its community, and this whole year round. Regarding its innovation in its implementation, rather than introducing large-scale interventions, the project worked with what was already there. In many initiatives about sustainable tourism, the program and activities are aimed at visitors, with little involvement from the local community.
Pescatori Digitali turned that model around, ensuring that activities were not just for locals but co-created with them.
Concrete examples are the library, usually empty in winter, which became a coworking space where remote workers and locals shared a common area. The Museum of Tonnara, typically a static exhibition, transformed into a venue for talks, workshops, and networking events, while the tourism office, closed during the offseason, was repurposed as a work and meeting space. These changes weren’t just about functionality; they helped integrate cultural, economic, and social activity into the town’s existing fabric. A simple concert at Bar Meloni, the only bar open in winter, became more than just an event; it was a moment where the town felt alive in a season where it usually isn’t. A beach clean-up with locals and project participants was not just about removing plastic but about reinforcing a shared responsibility for the place. Events were not predefined performances but living moments that grew out of the people and spaces involved, aiming to be innovative while not reinventing the wheel to attempt to duplicate something that
Pescatori Digitali turned that model around, ensuring that activities were not just for locals but co-created with them.
Concrete examples are the library, usually empty in winter, which became a coworking space where remote workers and locals shared a common area. The Museum of Tonnara, typically a static exhibition, transformed into a venue for talks, workshops, and networking events, while the tourism office, closed during the offseason, was repurposed as a work and meeting space. These changes weren’t just about functionality; they helped integrate cultural, economic, and social activity into the town’s existing fabric. A simple concert at Bar Meloni, the only bar open in winter, became more than just an event; it was a moment where the town felt alive in a season where it usually isn’t. A beach clean-up with locals and project participants was not just about removing plastic but about reinforcing a shared responsibility for the place. Events were not predefined performances but living moments that grew out of the people and spaces involved, aiming to be innovative while not reinventing the wheel to attempt to duplicate something that
To kick off the project, it was decided to access regional funds with Fondazione Sardegna in 2024, participating in a tender for local development. Pescatori Digitali applied a methodology that prioritized a community-driven approach, using local needs in the design and development of the project idea. The territorial development, social innovation, and community engagement to transform Stintino into a collaborative hub during the low season was the keystone. Rather than imposing predefined structures, the project adapted to existing spaces and resources, integrating international professionals into local life through a co-living and co-working model.
The methodology was built on sustainability, adaptability, and participation. The project repurposed underutilized spaces turning them into venues for work, learning, and cultural exchange. These locations were not just functional workspaces but meeting points where locals and participants could collaborate. Rather than designing activities for passive consumption, the project facilitated opportunities for co-creation, ensuring that both locals and visitors played an active role. A key part of the methodology was the integration of participants into the town’s daily life. The selection process focused on creating a diverse mix of professionals, ensuring a rich exchange of skills and perspectives. Participants engaged in activities that blended work, learning, and community interaction. Workshops and talks covered topics such as sustainability, the digital economy, and local traditions, while outdoor activities like hiking and water sports helped connect participants with the natural environment. Cultural initiatives, including concerts and participatory art, reinforced the link between professional collaboration and creative expression. The project also activated local businesses and institutions, facilitating professional synergies that extended beyond the program’s duration.
The methodology was built on sustainability, adaptability, and participation. The project repurposed underutilized spaces turning them into venues for work, learning, and cultural exchange. These locations were not just functional workspaces but meeting points where locals and participants could collaborate. Rather than designing activities for passive consumption, the project facilitated opportunities for co-creation, ensuring that both locals and visitors played an active role. A key part of the methodology was the integration of participants into the town’s daily life. The selection process focused on creating a diverse mix of professionals, ensuring a rich exchange of skills and perspectives. Participants engaged in activities that blended work, learning, and community interaction. Workshops and talks covered topics such as sustainability, the digital economy, and local traditions, while outdoor activities like hiking and water sports helped connect participants with the natural environment. Cultural initiatives, including concerts and participatory art, reinforced the link between professional collaboration and creative expression. The project also activated local businesses and institutions, facilitating professional synergies that extended beyond the program’s duration.
The model developed by Pescatori Digitali can be replicated in other rural and remote communities, as well as adapted to specific neighbourhoods facing depopulation, economic stagnation, or seasonal inactivity. The approach does not rely on a fixed set of resources but rather on using what is already available, making it highly transferable to different contexts. Any town or neighbourhood with underused spaces, a willingness to experiment with alternative forms of community engagement, and a local network that can support minimal infrastructure could implement a similar initiative.
The methodology, based on coliving and coworking within existing local structures, can be applied to remote and/or rural communities that seek to attract remote workers, creatives, or professionals looking for deeper engagement with a place. The integration of participants into local life, rather than isolating them in dedicated hubs, is what makes this model scalable. The process of reopening and repurposing spaces can be tailored to different locations depending on available infrastructure. This principle has already proven effective in Stintino during the pilot project.
The engagement process can also be transferred to other settings, with local institutions, businesses, and residents playing a key role in shaping the experience rather than being passive observers. The same structure of co-creation between visitors and locals can be adapted to different types of communities. Concretely, a town like Stintino, which experiences sharp seasonal fluctuations, could use this approach as a long-term strategy to maintain economic and social activity throughout the year, reducing its dependency on mass tourism. This is not a theoretical concept; the structure is in place, the process is tested, and the results demonstrate that any place with a strong identity and a need for revitalization can implement and sustain a similar initiative.
The methodology, based on coliving and coworking within existing local structures, can be applied to remote and/or rural communities that seek to attract remote workers, creatives, or professionals looking for deeper engagement with a place. The integration of participants into local life, rather than isolating them in dedicated hubs, is what makes this model scalable. The process of reopening and repurposing spaces can be tailored to different locations depending on available infrastructure. This principle has already proven effective in Stintino during the pilot project.
The engagement process can also be transferred to other settings, with local institutions, businesses, and residents playing a key role in shaping the experience rather than being passive observers. The same structure of co-creation between visitors and locals can be adapted to different types of communities. Concretely, a town like Stintino, which experiences sharp seasonal fluctuations, could use this approach as a long-term strategy to maintain economic and social activity throughout the year, reducing its dependency on mass tourism. This is not a theoretical concept; the structure is in place, the process is tested, and the results demonstrate that any place with a strong identity and a need for revitalization can implement and sustain a similar initiative.
Mass tourism has turned many coastal and rural towns into seasonal destinations where economic activity and cultural life are concentrated in a few months, leaving the rest of the year in stagnation. Stintino exemplifies this challenge, with an economy heavily dependent on the summer season. As soon as tourism slows, streets empty, businesses close, and opportunities disappear, forcing younger generations to leave. The absence of activity increases social isolation while environmental degradation continues due to overcrowding and unsustainable practices. The project offers an alternative by integrating temporary residents into the local economy and social life without adding pressure on existing resources.
The town itself was transformed into a collaborative and productive space without requiring large investments or new infrastructure. Depopulation in small towns is also linked to the lack of professional and social opportunities. Many rural areas struggle to retain young people, the project created professional and creative connections between locals and an international network of professionals. Environmental impact remains a challenge in mass tourism-dependent areas. The project shifted the focus toward slow tourism, replacing short-term mass consumption with meaningful engagement. Instead of attracting large groups of transient visitors, the initiative brought smaller numbers of participants who immersed themselves in daily life. Sustainability was not just a concept but a practice, with zero food waste, local sourcing, and active environmental restoration. The project has shown that small seasonal towns do not need to rely solely on peak months to remain active. The town remained socially and economically engaged without mass tourism, major financial resources, or external interventions. Existing local potential shaped the initiative, proving that solutions to over-tourism, depopulation, and environmental degradation can emerge at the community level.
The town itself was transformed into a collaborative and productive space without requiring large investments or new infrastructure. Depopulation in small towns is also linked to the lack of professional and social opportunities. Many rural areas struggle to retain young people, the project created professional and creative connections between locals and an international network of professionals. Environmental impact remains a challenge in mass tourism-dependent areas. The project shifted the focus toward slow tourism, replacing short-term mass consumption with meaningful engagement. Instead of attracting large groups of transient visitors, the initiative brought smaller numbers of participants who immersed themselves in daily life. Sustainability was not just a concept but a practice, with zero food waste, local sourcing, and active environmental restoration. The project has shown that small seasonal towns do not need to rely solely on peak months to remain active. The town remained socially and economically engaged without mass tourism, major financial resources, or external interventions. Existing local potential shaped the initiative, proving that solutions to over-tourism, depopulation, and environmental degradation can emerge at the community level.
Despite an initial €8,000 grant from Fondazione Sardegna, Pescatori Digitali had a significant impact, boosting Stintino’s visibility in the low season and actively engaging the local community. The project demonstrated that a small seasonal town could sustain economic and social activity year-round, proving that mass tourism is not the only viable model for rural economies. The project reactivated spaces that would otherwise remain empty for months, showing that existing infrastructure can be repurposed to host cultural, professional, and social activities. Beyond economic benefits, the project strengthened social cohesion and cultural engagement, creating an active local scene during a period when the town would typically be silent. By designing activities that placed locals at the centre, rather than catering exclusively to visitors, the initiative encouraged community-led participation and increased cultural interaction. These exchanges contributed to a renewed sense of belonging and purpose, proving that even a small town can remain vibrant outside the summer months.
The project also had a strong indirect impact, influencing how locals and institutions perceived the offseason. The presence of engaged visitors who actively contributed to the community challenged the perception that seasonal towns must remain inactive for part of the year. With more than 50 inquiries from locals about the project’s return, the town recognized that small-scale, well-integrated initiatives could provide lasting benefits beyond traditional tourism cycles. The initiative demonstrated that seasonal towns do not have to rely solely on mass tourism to remain economically and socially active. Without large funding or major infrastructure, the project provided a replicable model for how rural and coastal communities can foster year-round activity through cultural exchange, professional engagement, and sustainable local development.
The project also had a strong indirect impact, influencing how locals and institutions perceived the offseason. The presence of engaged visitors who actively contributed to the community challenged the perception that seasonal towns must remain inactive for part of the year. With more than 50 inquiries from locals about the project’s return, the town recognized that small-scale, well-integrated initiatives could provide lasting benefits beyond traditional tourism cycles. The initiative demonstrated that seasonal towns do not have to rely solely on mass tourism to remain economically and socially active. Without large funding or major infrastructure, the project provided a replicable model for how rural and coastal communities can foster year-round activity through cultural exchange, professional engagement, and sustainable local development.
