Fernandes, JoanaNogueira, Sónia P.2026-01-292026-01-292026Fernandes, J.; Nogueira, S. P. (2024). Synergies for cross-border tourism: a collaborative proposal for rural revitalization in Northern Portugal and Spain. In Proceedings of 19th Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies (CISTI2024). Springer, Cham. ISBN 978-3-032-12878-2 p. 185-194978-3-032-12878-223673370http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35653Attracting tourists to rural areas is a complex challenge, often overshadowed by the allure of urban or beach destinations. Limited infrastructure, sparse amenities, and a lack of visibility in the tourism industry contribute to the difficulty in drawing visitors to these less-explored regions. Accessibility issues, stemming from limited transportation options, further deter potential tourists, as rural destinations may be challenging to reach compared to well-connected urban centres. To address these challenges, collaborative efforts are essential. Regional entities must work together to make rural areas more appealing to tourists seeking unique adventures off the beaten path. The visibility of rural destinations also requires collaborative promotional campaigns that leverage digital platforms and social media to reshape perceptions about rural travel. This study introduces a project aiming to develop an online platform supporting the structuring of tourist products in the cross-border areas of Northern Portugal and Castile and León in Spain. Focusing on nature tourism, wine and gastronomy, cultural and landscape tours, and active tourism, the project addresses common challenges such as aging populations, depopulation, and limited digital connectivity in both regions. By fostering collaboration and offering a structured approach to sustainable and ecological tourism, the project aims to enhance visitor attraction and promote synergies between the resources of both regions. The proposed online platform will provide comprehensive tourist information about the cross-border areas, facilitating the commercialization of tourist resources in a structured manner. Whether suggesting frequenting independent travellers or collaborating with tour operators and inbound travel agencies, the goal is to stimulate tourist attraction, prolong their stay in the region, and boost the economy of these cross-border areas.engTerritorial cohesionSustainable development goalRural regionsRegional entities collaborationRural tourismconference paper10.1007/978-3-032-12879-9_18