Imagine a museum without walls, where the streets are galleries and the neighbors are guides. A museum that invites you to explore history through your mobile phone, discovering hidden treasures in every corner. This is the Interactive Museum John XXIII, a pioneering community based sustainable tourism project that we have had the honor of accompanying from Simbiotic.
What is Sustainable Tourism and why is it important?
Sustainable tourism is not just about visiting amazing destinations, but about doing so in a responsible way, minimizing the negative impact on the environment and, maximizing the benefits for local communities. It is about enjoying the journey today without compromising the future of the destination, preserving its natural and cultural wealth for generations to come.
Sustainable tourism is based on three main pillars:
- Social and cultural sustainability: It respects local culture, preserves traditions, and promotes intercultural exchange, generating a positive impact on the identity and well-being of communities.
- Environmental sustainability: Minimizes the ecological footprint of tourism, protecting ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and promoting the responsible use of natural resources.
- Economic sustainability: Generates economic benefits for the local community, creating jobs, encouraging small business development, and promoting fair income distribution.
The Interactive Museum John XXIII: A Case of Success in Sustainable Community Tourism
The Interactive Museum John XXIII, winner of Call 20 - Explore and ConVive of the Instituto Distrital de Turismo (IDT) and the Fondo de Desarrollo Turístico (FONDETUR), is an inspiring example of how sustainable community tourism can transform a neighborhood. This project is born in John XXIII, a neighborhood on the eastern slopes of Bogotá with a rich history, a vibrant cultural identity, and a resilient community. Andres Santamaria, IDT Director, has highlighted the importance of this project , recognizing its contribution to community tourism and innovation in the city.
This museum, unlike traditional ones, does not have a physical venue, but extends through the streets of the neighborhood, turning the public space into a scene of memory and encounter. The community is actively involved in the creation and management of the museum, sharing their stories, memories, and knowledge to build a unique narrative that unfolds through technology.
The Impact of the Museum on John XXIII:
The Interactive Museum John XXIII not only preserves the memory of the neighborhood but has also generated a positive impact on its present and future:
- Promotion of tourism: Has begun the process of positioning the John XXIII neighborhood as an attractive tourist destination, attracting new visitors and generating income for the community.
- Community empowerment: The inhabitants of the neighbourhood have been actively involved in the creation and management of the museum, strengthening their identity and sense of belonging.
- Local Economic Development: The museum is fostering the local economy, benefiting small businesses and neighborhood entrepreneurs.
- Improvement of public space: We encouraged the improvement of the neighborhood's infrastructure, safety, and cleanliness, creating a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors.
- Inclusiveness and accessibility: The museum has been designed to be accessible to people with visual impairments, offering audio descriptions that allow you to enjoy the experience in its entirety.
Simbiotic: Driving Innovation for Sustainable Tourism
At Simbiotic we have accompanied Tissus Turismo Comunitario, Aves Capital and the communal action board of the neighborhood in the development and implementation of the museum. Our role has focused on:
Conceptualization of the tourist experience: We help design an innovative and engaging experience, harnessing the potential of the neighborhood and technology.
Development of the digital platform: We created the museum’s digital platform, including the QR code management. The platform was implemented with free Google tools to avoid costs to the community initiative and making efforts to make the experience accessible for people with visual impairments.
Community training: We trained neighborhood guides in the use of technology and museum management for later operation.
Promotion and dissemination: We support the museum’s communication strategy to give it visibility.
A Model with a Future:
The Interactive Museum John XXIII is an inspiring model that demonstrates that sustainable community tourism can be a powerful tool for neighborhood and city development. We believe that this model, which combines innovation, community participation, and respect for cultural heritage, has great potential to be replicated elsewhere.
At Simbiotic, we continue to work to drive sustainable tourism by creating innovative solutions that have a positive impact on communities and the environment. If you are interested in knowing more about our projects, contact us.
