On Tuesday 23 May 2023, the launch of our Expertise Network Sustainable Urban Tourism (ENSUT) took place in the A-lab in Amsterdam North. ENSUT is an initiative of the Urban Leisure & Tourism Lab Amsterdam and Rotterdam of Hogeschool Inholland.
The day was opened by Ko Koens, our lecturer in New Urban Tourism. It was an exciting meeting with many (international) guests and a nice substantive program including various guided tours in Amsterdam Noord at, among others, the NDSM wharf, the Ceuvel, the ADAM tower and the A-lab. In Sixhaven, a group visited the Moestuinschool Amsterdam, where adults learn the art of organic gardening. Merijn van de Reep and Frederique Huls of STIPO explained the challenges they face as placemakers in Sixhaven. Subsequently, lab lead Roos Gerritsma told more about regenerative placemaking within the ULT lab Amsterdam, how the quintuple helix model is used and how the lab tries to make a positive impact with students with small interventions. Our graduate student Andromeda Achiaa let visitors listen to a few stories, which will soon be available to listen to via the QR codes on the story bench at Buikslotermeerplein in Amsterdam Noord.
It was a day full of inspiring conversations and opportunities for collaboration with various network partners of ENSUT. Special thanks to Yasemin Oruc, who, as moderator, managed this event perfectly. And finally our compliments to Iris Kerst, program manager of ENSUT, for organizing this wonderful day!
