What is proposed
The SMARTS project aims to develop innovative technological tools for the analysis and sustainable management of urban and tourist mobility, with a view to promoting the inclusive development of the local area and the community’s heritage. A distinctive feature of the project is the use of big data from diverse sources, including data provided by telecommunications companies and user-generated content on social media. In-depth research will be conducted on the characteristics of tourism and cultural mobility to identify the main challenges this phenomenon poses in terms of environmental, social, and cultural sustainability, as well as in terms of inclusion and democratic participation. Specific actions will be defined to enhance the artistic and cultural heritage through big data analysis using the innovative methodologies defined in the project. The technological tool will be designed, developed, and tested in the pilot area of Catania, starting with detailed analyses covering the urban area and key aspects of tourism activities (number and type of tourists, duration, destinations, and heritage sites visited). The goal is to support stakeholders in defining new pathways for the economic and cultural development of the target region. This includes the use of urban areas that are less visited and underappreciated by visitors.