Data and Context

The development of Coolvoyage Sardinia is grounded in data-driven insight and regional context, reinforcing the relevance and strategic potential of the project within European, UK and Sardinian priorities.

Tourism in Sardinia

• In 2023, Sardinia welcomed 2.2 million international arrivals, generating a tourism expenditure of over €1.6 billion, with a growth of +50% compared to pre-COVID levels.
• The island recorded 15.7 million overnight stays in 2023, with further growth in early 2024 (+6.3%).
• Despite this, large areas of inland and non-coastal Sardinia remain underrepresented in mainstream tourism, often lacking digital visibility and sustainable access.

Van Life and Outdoor Travel Trends

• Across Europe, the van life and camper sector has seen double-digit growth in recent years, with over 1.4 million new vehicle registrations in 2023.
• The UK alone recorded a 21% year-on-year increase in van registrations in 2022.
• Van life and independent outdoor travel are increasingly linked to values such as sustainability, freedom, and community, especially among younger travellers and digital nomads.

Creative and Cultural Economy (UK Reference)

• The UK’s creative and cultural industries contributed over £220 billion to the economy in 2023, representing 9.3% of GDP.
• The “Creative Industries” sector alone generated £124 billion, confirming the economic and social importance of cultural-led development and cross-border collaboration.

These data points inform the project’s methodology and justify its multi-dimensional approach: cultural, economic, and environmental. Coolvoyage Sardinia positions itself at the intersection of community empowerment, sustainable tourism, and cultural storytelling, aligned with EU and regional policy frameworks.