Insights into the Digital Transformation of Tourism in the Polhov Gradec Dolomites within the TASS Project
At the beginning of September, the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region (RRA LUR), as a partner in the TAAS – Tourism as a Service project, organized the 3rd stakeholder meeting in the birth house of Jakob Aljaž under Šmarna Gora.
Representatives of local communities, institutions, associations, and tourism organizations gathered to discuss the development of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites area as a tourist destination. They explored good practices from Slovenia and abroad that are based on the principles of sustainable tourism, and discussed potential improvements to the Regional Development Programme for the 2021–2027 financial perspective.
What is TAAS?
TAAS (Tourism as a Service) accelerates the digital transformation of tourism and promotes sustainable principles throughout the entire visitor journey (the “360° approach”): from inspiration and planning (digital tools, destination selection), to on-site experience (tourist cards, e-bikes), and the post-visit phase (sharing experiences and empowering local ambassadors).
A key component is the creation of living labs – structured stakeholder dialogues that enable the transfer of good practices, exchange of experiences, and co-creation of solutions tailored to local needs. The project also includes a policy improvement component under the Regional Development Programme 2021–2027.
Smart Tourism Management and Active Tourist Involvement – Key to Sustainable Destination Development
Modern tourism challenges demand a shift from spontaneous growth to thoughtful and data-driven management of tourist destinations. Smart tourism planning forms the basis for sustainable development, relying on digital tools, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term thinking that considers carrying capacity, local community needs, and visitor experience quality.
Rather than allowing uncontrolled tourism growth, destinations today increasingly rely on data on visits, mobility, and visitor behavior to make more strategic decisions. A wide range of stakeholders – from local communities and tourism providers to municipalities and regions – are actively involved in the management process, enabling better alignment with local needs and capacities. This approach ensures that tourism contributes positively to the local environment and enhances visitor experiences.
An important part of smart management is the active involvement of tourists. Visitors are no longer just passive consumers but become co-creators of the tourism offer. They can participate in local workshops, culinary experiences, art projects, and other activities that connect them with local culture and residents. Through digital channels, tourists provide feedback, ratings, and suggestions, which enables destinations to respond quickly and continuously improve their offerings.
Furthermore, tourists are encouraged to adopt sustainable behaviors – choosing eco-friendly transport, accommodations, and activities – and to engage with local initiatives, fostering a stronger sense of connection and authenticity.
This approach leads to more responsible, inclusive, and resilient tourism. Smartly planned destinations that integrate data, sustainability strategies, and active visitor roles are better equipped to foster balanced tourism – one that prioritizes quality of life for locals and authentic experiences for guests over mere numbers.
30 Good Practices from 8 Countries – Inspiration for the Polhov Gradec Dolomites
Stakeholders were presented with an overview of 30 good practices from 8 partner countries, grouped into seven thematic areas:
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Smart tourism management and planning
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Involving tourists in the tourism sector
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Stakeholder collaboration in the tourism ecosystem
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Tools connecting tourism and mobility
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Online tourism campaigns
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Destination promotion portals and apps
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Smart tools for guiding and dispersing visitors at destinations
This overview allows stakeholders to quickly transfer relevant solutions to the specific context of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites. Some international practices can be explored further through online presentations provided by project partners.
Slovenia, too, has its own solutions and visions in the field of digital tourism transformation. Through the TAAS project, Slovenian stakeholders contribute to a shared pool of solutions. Stakeholders were also invited to express which practices they considered most relevant for integration into their local environment via a short questionnaire.
Regional Spatial Plan (RPP) of the Ljubljana Urban Region – A Framework for Spatial Coordination
In parallel, RRA LUR is preparing the Regional Spatial Plan (RPP) for the Ljubljana Urban Region – a strategic document aimed at reducing fragmentation between national and municipal spatial planning acts. It includes urban and landscape concepts, as well as an analysis of the current situation and needs.
Stakeholders will contribute by preparing expert inputs and providing feedback. The final RPP will serve as a basis for managing the Polhov Gradec Dolomites as a tourist destination.
