EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our vision is to make places worth living by revitalizing local communities and promoting sustainable tourism. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in local communities by connecting travelers with authentic experiences. We believe that by fostering meaningful interactions between tourists and locals, we can create positive change and support the economic, social, and cultural well-being of communities.

Goal

The rapid increase in international tourism has led to various negative consequences. Mass tourism is a big cause of pollution and the destruction of natural environments. Locals are experiencing a decline in living standards. Cultural commodification has led to a lack of authenticity in many tourist destinations. At the same time in Austria alone, over 324,000 households are in shrinking villages. This results in decreased economic activity, public investments, job opportunities, and weakened social networks and community structures. Re:treat strives to tackle the problems of mass tourism and and shrinking villages with one solution.

Methodology

Following the lean startup methodology, we began with the hypothesis that investing in and developing real estate in rural areas within a 1 to 2-hour radius from Vienna would have a positive impact on rural development. However, our research and discussions with mayors in shrinking villages revealed that this hypothesis was not viable, as there were low to no vacancies in real estate and minimal communal revenue from secondary residences.

Based on this feedback, we pivoted and formulated a new hypothesis. We believed that connecting local businesses and making them more accessible to tourists would positively impact rural regions. Mayors indicated potential for regional growth by including local businesses. Our research also uncovered correlations between population growth and the service sector as well as business and knowledge-related services.

Results

To validate our new hypothesis and better understand our target customers' needs, we conducted interviews with potential travelers. The findings confirmed that customers are interested in spending their holidays in micro-tourism areas and are seeking authentic experiences.

Based on these insights, we developed a prototype matchmaking platform that connects locals in shrinking villages with tourists looking for authentic experiences. The platform serves as a marketplace where locals can offer various activities, accommodations, and services, while travelers can easily discover and book these experiences.

Cooperation Partner

• RE:TREAT

Student Team

• Andreea Crudici

• Sebastian-Andreas Dan

• Greta Kämper

• Jakob Pürzelmayer

• Florian Utner

• Gabriel Zehetbauer