Description
Since 2011, the number of summer visitors to Tõstamaa Manor has increased about five-fold but without a café or robust and multi-lingual tour and informational offerings, it has been difficult for the manor to capitalize on this and provide the best experience possible for visitors. This project will use a four-fold approach to help Tõstamaa Manor build on the momentum it has generated since its 2004 renovations and become a cultural hub for visitors and residents alike. First, the project will allow for the acquisition of media equipment and the development of a manor café. Second, adult education classes will be offered to local residents. A third aspect of the project is the development of more robust informational materials for visitors to the manor. Finally, the project will allow for the creation of a development strategy for handicraft tourism. In combination with the project’s handiwork adult education classes, this plan will help to provide economic opportunities for artisans in the area and to develop tourism around the manor.
Summary of project results
Tõstamaa manor is used by the local gymnasium, but the whole manor complex is connected with local daily life. The aim of the project “Tõstamaa Manor School as a Multi-Faceted Community Center for Tourism and Culture” was to broaden the use of manor complex. In frame of the project multimedia equipment was purchased to improve the conference facilities, but most of all to use it as a community cinema. In addition several needed interior pieces and relevant costumes were purchased as well as the inventory to run a manor café, including a table set for 100 people. It is worth to mention that the dishes with symbols of Tõstamaa were produced by a local pottery. To improve the visiting experience, but also to augment the tourism products visitor maps and a thorough booklet on the manor were compiled and printed. A big effort was given to involve more local people in the activities and elaboration of new services by training them. For example the courses on guiding, English and Russian language took place; also a study tour to Ligatne in Latvia was made to learn from neighbours’ experience. A special attention was given to improve the handicraft skills and the development plan for handicraft tourism was elaborated. The project reached its goals and was well promoted in local and national media, but it was also very visible in social media. The activities carried out support regional development, the sustainability of the school and the better use of the protected monument. As a result of the project the technical equipment of the school was improved, the skills of the local inhabitants, the tourism and community services were elaborated. The knowledge about cultural heritage grew and there is a better vision to use it as a source of services and local development.
Summary of bilateral results