PALP, a sustainable project: cultural, touristic, social and economic dynamism in mountain regions
PALP enhances the (re)discovery mountain regions through innovative and accessible cultural tourism that fosters the development of a circular economy ecosystem. It offers projects and events on a human scale, without large-scale infrastructures, promoting local and seasonal gastronomy, which raise public awareness of the challenges facing mountain regions by offering them an environmentally friendly tourist experience. Cultural heritage and local communities are at the heart of the approach.
What issue does your project address, and why do you want to tackle it?
Culture is both a driving force and a factor in sustainable development in mountain regions. The PALP wishes to make its own contribution to the implementationof a new, less energy-intensive way of consuming tourism and culture, one that moves away from urban centers and so-called ‘traditional’ cultural venues, that encourages environmental awareness and the involvement and encounter of local players from different social backgrounds, lowland and mountain, rural and urban, artists, farmers, etc.
What is your project about and how does it make tourism in the Alps future-proof?
Based on the approach initiated, PALP wishes to continue developing its short circuit model and to establish itself as a model for other destinations with new cultural tourism offers at the crossroads of innovation and tradition. With its overall project, PALP aims to strengthen the links between culture, economy, science and tourism by setting up singular projects combining artistic, technological and sustainable experimentation and by the exploration of new formats for creation and reflection
How do you measure your project's success?
One of PALP's key success factors is the establishment of collaborative networks and local partners wishing to contribute to the development of a dynamic and short-circuit ecosystem. By drawing on the knowledge, skills and active involvement of these players, it promotes and defends a model that can be adapted to specific characteristics, thereby motivating or inspiring other regions. The diversity of partners, the involvement of the local population and the success of the offer are indicators.
Who are the people behind the project and what is your secret to a great collaboration?
The PALP is supported by the non-profit association Grand Mirific created in 2011. The headquarter is in Bruson, Val de Bagnes. The professional structure employs in 2024 19 persons (11 FTE) and can rely on a pluridisciplinary and complementary team with a creative and proactive capacity to think, conceptualize and produce every year innovative and singular cultural and touristic projects with the support of local and diverse partners.
