In recent years, tourism has often prioritized economic growth, sometimes at the expense of sustainability. Phenomena such as overtourism, loss of cultural identity, pressure on infrastructure, and environmental degradation have highlighted the need for a responsible approach.
TOURISMO addresses these challenges by building on the HERIT-DATA project and integrating advanced tools for sustainable tourist flow management. The Snap4City platform, developed by the DISIT Lab – Università di Firenze, allows real-time monitoring of visitor density and behavior through thermal cameras, drones, people counters, and tracking systems. These tools are applied in eight pilot sites across the MED area, including Florence, to optimize interventions and strategic decision-making.
Main Objectives
- Test innovative solutions for sustainable management of tourist flows.
- Monitor and analyze flows to support effective and sustainable decisions.
- Preserve cultural and natural heritage while ensuring high-quality tourist experiences.
- Actively involve stakeholders and local communities, promoting synergies between different ecosystems.
Role of FRI
The Fondazione per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione contributes expertise in innovation, technology transfer, and Smart Cities. Its experience in managing tourism data, drafting the Strategic Plan of the Metropolitan City of Florence, and participating in the National Smart Communities Technology Cluster ensures solutions that are sustainable, replicable, and impactful.

