As all pre-tasks and assignments are linked to the main theme, let us repeat the essential elements of “Future-Proof City Trips” that you will need to keep in mind for this pre-task 2:

The main research focus of ACEEPT 2023 is:

How to keep cities relevant as tourist destinations in the future?

We focus on Beta-cities or secondary cities (cities that are less known to the foreign visitor). We believe this topic is especially relevant to ACEEPT, since many participating countries represent each other’s main tourism markets.

As specific target group, we’ll focus on the young urban traveller.

In other words: you-in the near future!

 

What is this pre-task about?

For the ACEEPT project week, we work closely together with Visit Antwerp, who is the actual client: this pre-task was designed with and for them. Visit Antwerp would like to know very much how other, similar European Beta-cities (= your best practices) are working and which challenges they face.

To help you do this research, Visit Antwerp is giving you 10 questions for you to work with, integrated in the pre-task structure below and marked in yellow.
In this pre-task 2, the 10 questions from Visit Antwerp will be combined with certain elements from the Customer Cycle. Even if many of you may be familiar with this concept, we are aware that various different versions exist, all perfectly usable.

Note: the Customer Cycle will be integrated more elaborately in pre-task 3.

 

HOW TO START THIS PRE-TASK?

1/Brainstorming phase (essential, but not to be included in pre-task itself)

The main introductory questions for this pre-task 2 are:

What does “Future-Proof City Trips” mean specifically for your country, for your own national tourism reality, for your own Beta- cities?

2/Which city will you choose?

Ask yourself the following questions: Apart from the major A-cities in your country (the “usual suspects”): Which secondary or Beta-cities, according to you and according to the national or regional tourism organizations, should be promoted more to international visitors and still have growing potential as a city-trip destination?

Use these criteria to discuss within your national team which city you want to present for your country. Of course, it helps if you know and love the city yourself, but keep in mind that you want to attract (first-time) visitors who would decide to choose your specific city for their next city trip!

 

General structure for your presentation:

(Focus on those elements which are particularly relevant for your best practice)

 

Which beta-city have you chosen? + describe (or show) situation and accessibility

Why have you chosen this city as best practice for a future-proof city trip? Explain your choice.

 

What is the city’s DNA? Which specific themes are promoted?

• What are the classic highlights, USP’s that cannot be missed? (to “meet the visitor’s expectations”)
• What are the hidden gems, the surprises? (to “exceed the visitor’s expectations”)

 

Who are the targeted visitors? (apart from national tourism)

• European neighbouring countries? Which ones specifically?
• Other international markets? Specific target groups?
• Potential for young urban travelers?

 

On which platforms are they (the city) active- and can they indeed be found? (Customer Cycle- Inspiration)

• Where do you think or suggest visitors find inspiration and/or look for information about your city? (not the same thing!)
• Which channels are being used? How “new” are they?
• Which are the “convincing factors” (how to convince visitors to choose your city as their next destination?)

Does your city have a TIC (Tourist Information centre?)

Traditional type? Alternative types/ examples of hospitality?

 

Which digital developments are being (or will be) used?

Think of apps, wayfinding, AI, metaverse...?

 

What is the DMO's role (destination management organization) and how is it organized?

 

How is the relation/balance residents- tourists? Any specific projects?

 

What are the major urban development projects and how is the visitor /tourist included in them?

 

Is there a long-term planning/vision and what are the specific initiatives for the future?

 

Conclusion + Critical reflection and recommendations

Even if we ask you to present your city as a “best practice”, there could be room for improvement. What are the biggest challenges they face?

Can you offer some specific recommendations of how to make the city more “future-proof” indeed or how to make it more appealing to the young urban traveler?

 

(Final) slide with most important sources and websites (to be included in pre-task but not during presentation)

 

This pre-task 2 is to be prepared within your national team.

On day 1 of the project week, Monday November 20, all national teams will present their best practice.

Every team has 15 minutes to present, so be concise and focus on the most relevant elements for the beta-city that you chose
Make sure to practice your presentation a few times and time it.

Keep in mind that you present your city to a full aula of potential first-time visitors. You want to inform and inspire us... So present and promote your city with passion and enthusiasm!

 

 

1. Who are the visitors currently?
   Do they target (other) specific visitor groups?
2. Which specific themes are promoted?
3. On which platforms are they active- and can they indeed (easily) be found?
4. What are the biggest challenges they face?
5. Do they have a TIC (Tourist Information centre?) Which type? Are they alternative types/ examples of hospitality?
6. Which digital developments are being (or will be) used? Think of apps, wayfinding, AI, metaverse...?
7. What is the DMO's role (destination management organization) and how is it organized?
8. How is the relation/balance residents- tourists? Any specific projects?
9. What are the major urban development projects and how is the visitor /tourist included in them?
10. Is there a long-term planning and what are the specific initiatives for the future?