Cultural Cells: A Circular Economy-Driven Blueprint for Creative Tourism and Regional Revitalization in Greece

Abstract

This study proposes a novel creative tourism model integrating artistic creation with circular economy principles to foster regional revitalization in North Euboea, Greece. Employing a case study approach, it develops the concept of “Cultural Cells”—dedicated hubs for artists and art students specializing in painting and sculpture—designed to enhance tourism through immersive engagement. The methodology combines qualitative analysis of regional cultural and environmental assets with theoretical estimates of circular economy indicators, including material reuse and local job creation. Projected indicators based on secondary data were adopted for our case study in North Euboea and indicate that our model can reduce waste through material recycling and foster the generation of socioeconomic benefits via prolonged tourist stays and local collaboration. Overall, the results validate the model’s capacity to establish a regenerative cultural ecosystem that leverages North Euboea’s untapped potential, promoting sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation, and is scalable to other regions.