Local first — rooted in Ghent
GoExplore is a young, Ghent-based project developed from within the city and in close dialogue with its local context.
From the outset, the project has focused on making the identity of Ghent tangible through local stories, makers, flavours and objects that genuinely belong to the city.
As the project evolves, we are actively deepening our collaboration with local artisans, small producers and creative initiatives.
Strengthening local sourcing and partnerships is a clear strategic priority in the current phase of GoExplore’s development.
For GoExplore, “local” is not a visual theme or decorative element — it is a conscious and ethical direction that guides how the project is growing.
It reflects our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and cultural identity through meaningful, long-term collaboration.
Our goal is to ensure that what visitors experience through GoExplore increasingly and authentically belongs to Ghent, and that the value created through tourism is embedded within — and circulates back into — the local ecosystem.
Slow & mindful city experience
GoExplore is built around the idea of slow and mindful city exploration.
We believe that a city like Ghent is best discovered on foot, without rush, pressure or fixed schedules.
Instead of crowded itineraries or checklist-based tourism, GoExplore encourages small-scale discoveries, personal routes and moments of attention.
This approach allows visitors and locals to engage with the city in a more meaningful way, while also contributing to a more balanced use of public space and neighbourhoods beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
By promoting slower, self-guided exploration, GoExplore aligns with the vision of sustainable urban tourism that values quality of experience over quantity of visitors.
Sustainability by design — practical, not symbolic
Sustainability is embedded in the design of GoExplore from the outset.
The project was conceived with responsible tourism in mind, focusing on low-impact exploration and conscious consumption.
Our format is intentionally compact and curated, encouraging visitors to explore the city without additional transport, large groups or unnecessary material use.
We actively minimise the use of plastic and disposable packaging, and prioritise recyclable and reusable materials wherever possible.
The box itself is designed to be reused, and many of its elements are meant to live on beyond the first use — as souvenirs, objects or keepsakes that continue to tell the story of Ghent.
For GoExplore, sustainability is not a trend or marketing label.
It is a practical framework that guides everyday decisions: what we include in the box, how we package it, who we collaborate with, and how we present the city to its visitors.
GoExplore is being developed in close dialogue with the city of Ghent and its local ecosystem.
