Analysis of digital threats, challenges, and opportunities affecting UNESCO sites and the upcoming training programme. Those are the main steps ahead of the project DACC discussed in the 2nd project meeting held in Pyrgos on 27 and 28 april 2026.
Following the kick-off meeting held in Matera on 30 October 2025, this second meeting marked an important milestone in the cooperation path launched by the project. During the working sessions, the italian and greek partners exchanged views on the current state of implementation, focusing on project objectives, shared methodologies, upcoming activities, and expected results. The discussion confirmed the common commitment to supporting the digital transformation of tourism and cultural services in the UNESCO sites involved in the project.
Particular attention was dedicated to the technical activities currently underway, especially the analysis of digital threats, challenges, and opportunities affecting UNESCO sites. This key project activity is being implemented through a common methodology developed by the partnership and includes the use of questionnaires addressed to tourism operators, SMEs, cultural stakeholders, and other relevant local actors. The aim is to identify existing needs, gaps, and opportunities linked to the digitalisation of services, in order to build a solid basis for the next phases of the project.
The partners also discussed the development of the upcoming training programme, which will be launched in the coming months. The training activities will actively involve local operators and stakeholders, helping them strengthen their skills and capacities in the field of digital transformation, with a view to improving the quality, accessibility, and innovation of tourism services connected to UNESCO heritage.
On 28 April, the partners had the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Archaeological Museum. Thanks to the guidance of an expert local guide, the visit became an immersive experience, allowing the partners to better understand the historical, cultural, and symbolic value of the site. Walking through the ancient spaces of Olympia and discovering the stories connected to its monuments offered a meaningful moment of reflection on the importance of protecting cultural heritage while making it more accessible through innovative and digital tools.
This study visit further reinforced the link between the project activities and the cultural contexts involved, highlighting how digital transformation can become a valuable instrument to enhance the visitor experience, support sustainable tourism, and promote UNESCO sites across the Greece–Italy Programme area.
The meeting was hosted by the Chamber of Ilia and brought together all project partners: ASSET Basilicata as Lead Beneficiary, Kapodistriaki Development S.A., and the Municipality of Monte Sant’Angelo, with the participation of the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Greece–Italy Programme. It represented not only an important step in the technical implementation of DACC, but also a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation, share knowledge, and build a common vision for the future of cultural and digital tourism in the cross-border area.
