The IndusTour project is promoting tourism to former industrial sites across six European countries to create a new kind of holiday experience [1].
This initiative seeks to boost tourism in industrial heritage areas by repurposing sites that once drove economic production. By transforming these locations into attractions, the project aims to preserve history while generating new revenue for regions transitioning away from heavy industry.
The project involves six regions across six European countries [1], [2]. These sites include a variety of industrial landmarks, such as an old steelwork, a 17th-century mill, and a car factory [1].
"What do an old steelwork, a 17th‑century mill and a car factory have in common? All three are industrial sites... and tourist attractions!" a Euronews narrator said [1].
The effort is a partnership with the European Commission [1], [2]. The goal is to shift the perception of industrial landscapes from remnants of the past to active cultural assets.
Similar trends are appearing globally, though with different technological focuses. In China, industrial tourism is being integrated with artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and cutting-edge experiences by 2026 [3]. Additionally, some sectors are focusing on industrial mining tourism as a new opportunity for old mines [4].
While the European approach emphasizes the heritage of mills and factories, the global movement suggests a broader trend toward the commodification of industrial ruins. The IndusTour project focuses specifically on the European experience, utilizing the continent's dense history of the Industrial Revolution to draw visitors [1], [2].
“"What do an old steelwork, a 17th‑century mill and a car factory have in common? All three are industrial sites... and tourist attractions!"”
The rise of industrial tourism reflects a global shift in how cities and regions manage post-industrial decay. By rebranding defunct factories and mines as cultural landmarks, governments can preserve architectural history and stimulate local economies without requiring the total demolition and redevelopment of urban spaces.
