Projects and actions
RESEARCH AND TRANSFER ACTIVITIES 2023 - 2024
1. ANALYSIS OF CRAFTMANSHIP IN THE TOURISM SUPPLY AND PROMOTION OF THE COSTA DAURADA
What's been done
This project has focused on identifying and analysing the artisan sector of the province of Tarragona as a potential tourist resource. Systematic research has been carried out through municipal websites, county councils and tourist offices to locate active artisans, develop a preliminary database and understand the legal framework that regulates artisanal activity. Tangible craftsmanship (textiles, glass, wicker, ceramics, etc.) has been prioritised to the detriment of gastronomy.
Main conclusions
There is a great wealth of craftsmanship, but it lacks institutional visibility. 73% of tourism websites on the Costa Daurada do not refer to local artisans.
There is a noticeable lack of strong professional associations and a fragmentation of initiatives, despite outstanding examples such as the women basket weavers of the Gaià river and the Lace-making School of L'Espluga de Francolí.
Craft fairs often lack continuity, and local artisans are underrepresented.
Proposals for improvement
Create themed routes.
Develop a website or data cloud with up-to-date information.
Edit a quarterly leaflet on fairs.
Promote training in communication and customer service for artisans, as well as enhancing the value of the official artisan certification.
2. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF HOTELS AND CAMPSITES ON THE COSTA DAURADA THROUGH WEB ANALYSIS
What's been done
Analyses have been conducted on how tourist accommodation establishments (hotels and campsites) communicate their commitments and actions, in terms of sustainability, through their websites. A total of 200 hotel websites and 47 campsites on the Costa Daurada have been reviewed to ascertain whether they include sections dedicated to sustainability and which specific measures appear.
Main conclusions
Only 34% of hotels and 25.5% of campsites include specific information regarding sustainability on their websites.
Generic commitments are common (e.g., recycling or saving water), but specific data and measurable indicators are lacking.
The most common actions relate to waste reduction and water or energy consumption, but they are often not specified or quantified.
Proposals for improvement
Commit to visible and communicable measures, such as the installation of solar panels, the use of renewable energies, environmental certifications, the elimination of single-use plastics and collaboration with local producers.
Make sustainability a competitive differentiation strategy, especially within a context of climate vulnerability.
3. HOW TO COMMUNICATE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TOURISM SECTOR?
What's been done
This project complements the previous phase and focuses on improving the way companies and tourist destinations communicate their environmental sustainability. Good practices and effective channels for transmitting sustainable actions both online and offline have been identified.
Main conclusions
Sustainability must be made visible through specific tabs on the websites, highlights on social networks and content in electronic newsletters.
Communication must also be physically present on-site through signage, sustainable products, in-room information, exhibitions, and collaborations with local producers.
Proposals for improvement
Incorporate workshops, experiences and guided tours with sustainable values.
Involve the staff, training them as sustainability ambassadors.
Offering customers rewards for sustainable behaviour or creating eco-friendly merchandising products.
4. ANALYSIS OF WEB ACCESSIBILITY IN THE TOURISM PROMOTION AND SUPPLY OF THE COSTA DAURADA
What's been done
34 official tourism promotion websites (municipal, regional, provincial and regional) have been evaluated to measure their degree of digital accessibility using the AccessMonitor tool, based on the WCAG 2.1 criteria. In addition, the inclusion of specific content related to accessible tourism was analysed
Main conclusions
The average accessibility score is acceptable (7.94/10), but only 3 websites include a specific section on accessible tourism.
Accessibility information is mostly limited to beaches, with almost no mention of museums, accommodations, or accessible routes.
Accessibility statements only appear on 11 of the 34 websites, and are often in breach of regulations.
There is a widespread deficit of accessible and inclusive content, both in web design and in the information provided.
Proposals for improvement
Improve coordination between institutions.
Update web portals.
Train professionals in digital accessibility.
Commit clearly to universal tourism as both a fundamental right and an opportunity for differentiation.
