A participatory approach to empowering residents' voices contributes to spreading tourism
About this good practice
The Dragon Trail consist of a series of dragon figurines (small sculptures) disseminated around Kraków, but only outside of the old city centre. The idea of realizing and installing dragon figurines came from the residents of Kraków, who each year submit various, sometimes unconventional projects related to the city as part of participatory activities funded by the civic budget. The idea was based on using the city's iconic symbol - the dragon sculpture next to the Wawel Castle - as a guide, leading tourists and residents to fascinating spots throughout Kraków. The designs of the dragons were inspired by the works of two renowned Kraków-based illustrators, Andrzej Mleczko and Edward Lutczyn. Their shapes were brought to life by Prof. Jan Tutaj and Dr. Jacek Dudek from the Faculty of Sculpture at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. The Dragon Trail currently consists of 23 dragons, each with a unique 'biography', explaining the history of the location where it is placed, encouraging residents and tourists to explore local legends and anecdotes. These stories can be accessed by scanning the QR codes on their pedestals. The project remains open-ended. As a result, we can expect more dragon figurines to appear around the city soon, both through residents’ initiatives and private contributions.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The trail was funded using the citizens' Civic Budget (residents vote on projects to decide how to allocate part of the city budget, allowing residents to fund initiatives they find meaningful). Some of the dragons were funded through private initiatives (this require approval by city authorities).
Evidence of success
Each sculpture features a QR code that allows visitors to learn the legend of the respective dragon. These codes also help measure the trail's success by providing data on the number of visits to the associated website. The number of new sculptures, financed from private funds each year/ or from the civic budget, may prove the project's success.
Potential for learning or transfer
An important learning point is that the idea came from residents, who's voice was empowered by a well design participatory activity. This allowed to design a new attraction that is valuable for both residents and visitors. Moreover, residents feel represented by it and visitors have an incentive to explore less popular areas of de city, contributing to decongestion the city centre. Through these trails, tourists can explore lesser-known corners in an engaging way. This model of sightseeing can be particularly beneficial for families with young children, as it allows them to better remember the city they are exploring. Similar initiatives have already been implemented in other Polish cities (Wrocław, Gdańsk and Olkusz).
Key success factors to potentially replicate such an initiative include effective coordination by local authorities. Potential barriers to the replication of this initiative include necessary funding and the lack of necessary promotional activities.
Further information
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