Collaboration on Energy Safari across the region

In 2010, Skive Kommune and Samso Energy Academy collaborated on developing an 'Energy Safari' concept for tourists with an interest in environment and green transition. The concept has been rethought and more partners invited along for RETHINK Cultural Tourism.

On Wednesday, October 1, a conference held at Centralværkstedet in Aarhus will present the results from the 10 test projects funded by RETHINK Cultural tourism in February. RETHINK Cultural tourism is a collaboration between Midtjysk Tourism, Cultural Capital of Aarhus 2017, VisitAarhus, Aarhus Kommune and Region Midtjylland.

One of the 10 projects is Energy Safari. This concept was originally developed in 2010 as a collaboration between the Samso Energy Academy and Skive Kommune and was highly successful. In connection with the further development of the project, Ringkøbing-Skjern Kommune and the Climate Secretariat in Aarhus were also involved in this cross-regional cooperation.

As a test project under RETHINK Cultural Tourism, Energy Safari has explored, whether the high level of awareness that signify both Skive and Samso, can be used to display the entire Danish model and the Danish culture. For this purpose, 'packages' of attractions in the four municipalities have been composed, with a focus on energy and cultural experiences.

Peter Christensen, who is project manager at Samso Energy Academy, talks about the partnership:

"Denmark is known for its green profile and our expertise in areas such as energy projects and sustainability. And Region Midtjylland is the absolute leader in the field. Therefore, it makes sense that we must come together to offer international tourists packages with tailor-made tours around the region," says Peter Christensen.

Read more about Samso Energy Academy's strategic role in the 2017-project.

Test drives for an international audience
Part of the project's funding has gone to hold test drives for an international audience and lay the first stepping stone to the creation of a green visiting portal visit in Region Midtjylland. The portal will serve as an external communication window for guests and internal coordination tool for partners in the project.

There have also been collaborations with consultants who, in addition to a target group analysis, have made a business model with recommendations to ensure the project's future ties through the creation of an organization that can respond to supply and demand.

Climate Coordinator at Eco City Skive, Karl Krogshede, is also confident about the future of the project:

"I firmly believe in the project's continued eligibility and existence. Skive Kommune continues working on the project where a key focus will be to coordinate with the various municipalities, ensuring further dialogue and a strong collaboration across the region," says Karl Krogshede.

Peter Christensen supports the optimism shown by Karl Krogshede:

"We are on to something special in the green area in this region. And the concept can easily be developed and used in other areas, for example, coupled with culture in the form of dining experiences or a trip to a museum. In the end, it is all about telling the audience a number of good stories and knowing who you are talking to. It is one of the strengths of this project and will, in my opinion, ensure its sustainability,” says Peter Christensen.

Read more about RETHINK Cultural Tourism's 10 test projects (in Danish).

Read more about Eco City Skive.