How can we involve tourists more closely in the local life of Bergamo and spark a genuine interest in the city, its natural surroundings and its communities? Cheese is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when considering this question – and that is precisely what we wanted to change.
In this project, we focused on analysing data and how it can be used to uncover new perspectives and opportunities for tourism. Our aim was to create a deeper connection between visitors, the city, its people and its cultural heritage. To this end, we examined, amongst other things, trends in visitor numbers, the peak tourist season, the attitudes of Bergamo’s residents towards tourists, and the role of authenticity and sustainability in ensuring a balanced approach to tourism.
During our research, we came across the long-standing tradition of cheese-making in Val Brembana. This opened up an interesting range of possibilities for direct interaction between local communities and international visitors. Tourists could not only learn about traditional production methods, but also engage with local people and gain a more authentic insight into life outside the tourist centre. At the same time, this could help spread the growing tourism more evenly across the areas surrounding Bergamo – an invitation to discover the natural environment and local communities.
The project showed us that data is not just for analysing existing problems. By examining it closely, we discovered unexpected connections that open up new possibilities.
From a confusing jumble of data, the idea emerged for an exchange that could benefit both visitors and local communities - through cheese.
