The workshop, organised by Munster Technological University (Ireland) on 2 November, will bring together local stakeholders to review the progress of the SMART Coast pilot actions and discuss future initiatives for sustainable visitor management in coastal areas.
The European SMART Coast project will hold a stakeholder event on 2 November 2026 at Munster Technological University (MTU), North Campus, in Tralee, Ireland. The meeting will focus on the preliminary results of the pilot actions implemented during summer 2026, with particular attention to the Maharees coastal area in County Kerry.
Sharing results and experiences across Atlantic coastal regions
During summer 2026, the SMART Coast pilot territories began testing different solutions to improve visitor management, including sustainable mobility measures, smart parking sensors, traffic monitoring systems and visitor information and awareness initiatives.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to present and discuss the preliminary results of these actions, both in Maharees and in the participating territories in France, Spain and Portugal.
The programme will also include findings from resident and visitor surveys and sentiment analysis, offering insights into perceptions of tourism sustainability and the challenges associated with managing visitor flows in coastal destinations.
Engaging local stakeholders in future pilot activities
A key objective of the event is to involve local stakeholders in evaluating the actions implemented so far and identifying priorities for the next phase of the project.
Discussions will focus on the planning of the 2027 Maharees pilot activities, as well as the potential to replicate successful initiatives in other coastal areas.
The event will conclude with a planning meeting involving Munster Technological University, Kerry County Council, Maharees Conservation Association and Fáilte Ireland, the organisations working together on the Irish pilot.
By combining practical experience, research findings and stakeholder participation, SMART Coast seeks to develop solutions that respond to the specific challenges of coastal destinations while supporting more sustainable tourism development across the Atlantic Area.