Interreg project ”Geoturism i Mitten, GiM”

Here you will find information about the project. The page will be updated as the project progresses.

The project

The project is a collaboration between the Geological Survey of Sweden, Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism, Geopark Indalsälven and Tröndelag Reiseliv AS, a three-year project aimed at strengthening geotourism in their respective areas.

The project aims to actively promote sustainable tourism and management of the geological natural values in the area, and to be a place for people to meet. The project aims to strengthen the link between geology and tourism by offering skills development initiatives for the tourism industry through webinars and workshops. We will document geologically interesting sites so that they can be a reason to travel, strengthen place development in Tröndelag and Jämtland Härjedalen, where we at Geopark Indalsälven are the project's example area and hub. The project's knowledge base will strengthen both the tourism industry and be of benefit to the interested public.

Swedish funding comes from the EU programme Interreg Sweden-Norway and Region Jämtland Härjedalen.

The project has 5 work packages.

WP1 Project Management

Project management and coordination in Sweden (SGU) and Norway (Trøndelag Reiseliv AS). Includes financial reporting, planning of project meetings, steering group and reference group meetings. A detailed plan for the steering group will be drawn up once the reporting dates have been finalised.

WP 1.1 Project meetings, steering group meetings, reference group meetings

Two project meetings per year, as well as two or, if necessary, more steering group meetings. The start-up and conclusion meetings are held in person, while the others are mainly held digitally.

WP 1.2 Project management

Regular digital meetings between Swedish and Norwegian project managers, more frequently at the beginning and end of the project. Internal communication according to the communication plan from WP2.

WP2 Communication and Market Development

Establishment of a communication plan, both internal and external. Establishment of an internal communication platform. External communication via websites, newsletters, social media, media, conferences and events. Contributes to visibility, information exchange and targeted marketing of the project.

WP 2.1 Communication and market development plan

Plan for internal and external target groups, messages, activities and follow-up. The document is kept up to date and updated during the course of the project.

WP 2.2 Implementation of the plan

Implementation of communication and marketing initiatives, articles on geological sites, campaigns and materials to highlight the project's results.

WP3 Geological documentation

Supplementing the SGU database with geologically interesting sites in Jämtland Härjedalen, with translations into English and German. Focus on cross-border geological heritage, Geopark Indalsälven, and integration of Sami cultural heritage in the descriptions.

WP 3.1 Selection of locations

Identification of sites of geological, cultural and tourist value close to existing infrastructure. Collaboration with local associations and links to hiking trails such as St Olavsleden and Jämt-Norgeleden.

WP 3.2 Documentation and method development

Application of methods from GEARS and GNIST. Compilation of literature, field visits, classification and registration in the SGU database. Descriptions include natural and cultural values as well as the Sami perspective.

WP4 Location and product development

Development and marketing of geotourism products in Jämtland Härjedalen and Trøndelag. The goal is to create at least five to ten packaged geotourism experiences and a digital map linking geosites to nature, culture, food and accommodation. The SGU database and map viewer are being further developed, and Geopark Indalsälven is serving as a test area.

WP 4.1 Concept development

Development of guided tours, signage, hiking trails, digital experiences and geotourism products. Test families in Sweden and Norway evaluate experiences. Visibility in national and international arenas. Focus on sustainability and Agenda 2030.

WP 4.2 SGU database and map viewer

Adaptation for German translations, updating of input instructions and user testing.

WP 4.3 Model for mediation for families with children

Development of family-friendly activities inspired by Geokids, with integration of a Sami perspective. Activities are adapted for different age groups (0–5 years and 6–12 years).

WP5 Competence development

Connects tourism and geology through knowledge development and networking. Includes mapping of the tourism industry in Trøndelag and further development of corresponding work in Jämtland Härjedalen. Through webinars, workshops and tours, knowledge is spread and networks are built. Geopark Indalsälven takes responsibility for ensuring that the network continues to live on.

WP 5.1 Mapping the tourism industry

Identification of companies within nature and cultural tourism in Jämtland, Härjedalen and Trøndelag that can contribute to the development of the project.

WP 5.2 Competence development for the hospitality industry

Webinar series, workshops, field visits and tours. Focus on understanding and communicating geology, also for guides, the restaurant industry and agriculture. Concludes with a conference on geology and tourism in Geopark Indalsälven.