Bianca Kluin

3 questions to Bianca…

What do your activities for the Urban Leisure & Tourism Lab involve?

‘I initially explored the possibilities for an investigation lab in Rotterdam, and in the last few years I have been involved in setting-up the lab. It is a place where students from various disciplines can collaborate on initiatives that will genuinely work for the city of Rotterdam. I engaged with several parties such as Rotterdam Partners and Nationaal Programma Rotterdam Zuid (NPRZ) to take stock of interesting opportunities for collaboration. My expertise within tourism is mainly in the fields of culture, sustainability, urban dynamics and the experience economy’.

What is your favourite place in Rotterdam and its vicinity?

‘I just love busy places like the Witte de Withstraat and the Museum Park, but I also like to visit the city quarters of North, Crooswijk and South – and the area surrounding the Rotte, obviously. In my work, I am always looking for a clear liaison with Rotterdam. For example, we facilitate collaboration between students and Rotterdam-based partners, and our association with the World Port Days is an outstanding example of that endeavour. Our students designed an escape room to attract more young people to the event and to acquaint them with the Port of Rotterdam’.

What are your dreams for the Urban Leisure & Tourism Lab Rotterdam?

‘Now that the Urban Leisure & Tourism Lab is a reality, I want to keep deploying my expertise and enthusiasm to put Rotterdam on the map in an even more positive way. By way of example, I would be thrilled to be involved, together with students, in the development of Feijenoord or the restructuring of the Zuidplein area’.