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ECTN organises the 1st Conference of European Cultural Route:
'In the footsteps of Saint Paul, the Apostle of the nations' ECTN as a founding member of the respective European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), established in the frame of: Cult-RInG Interreg Europe project 'Cultural Routes as Investment for Growth and Jobs', with partners: - Region of Central Macedonia, Greece - Lazio Region, Italy - Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, Cyprus. Registration ECTN annual Conference & Awards ceremony online
22 October 2020, 14:00-16:30 CEST Conference Theme: “Post-pandemic recovery of European Tourism through Culture, Heritage and Creativity” Contributions by: ▪ ECTN President ▪ European Commission DG EAC ▪ Europa Nostra Secretary-General ▪ European Travel Commission ▪ NECSTouR President ▪ Interpret Europe ▪ Iter Vitis Cultural Route President ▪ Phoenicians Cultural Route ▪ ECTN Secretary-General Video recording of the Conference Part 1 Part 2 Awards Ceremony “Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2020” Theme: “Special Interest Tourism development and promotion based on Cultural Heritage” Prize Categories: ▪ Industrial Heritage Tourism ▪ Maritime, Coastal and Aquatic Heritage ▪ Innovation & Digitisation, towards Smart Destinations ▪ Transnational Thematic Tourism Products ▪ Wine Tourism ▪ Special Prize of the Jury Closing remarks by ECTN President & Chair of the Jury (Europa Nostra) Video recording of the Awards Ceremony 
Winners of the ECTN Awards 2020 by Category
The joint Jury of the Awards 'Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2020' is pleased to announce the winners and rinners-up by category, as shown below. The Jury is comprised by senior representatives of ECTN, Europa Nostra, European Travel Commission, NECSTouR, as well as European Commission Directorate-General of Education and Culture, supported by the 'Phoenicians Route' and 'Iter Vitis' Cultural Routes of teh Council of Europe. The Awards ceremony was held online on 22 October 2020. Industrial Heritage Tourism 1st Prize: Alūksne Bānītis station Multimedia Expo by Aluksnes municipality, Latvia 2nd Prize Hg Smelting Plant - Heritage of Mercury by Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre, Slovenia 3rd Prize Līgatne Paper - Mill workers village by Culture and Tourism Centre of Līgatne municipality, Latvia Maritime, Coastal and Aquatic Heritage, supported by ‘The Phoenicians Route’ cultural route of the Council of Europe 1st Prize: Via Francigena of the South by European Association of the Via Francigena ways EAVF, Italy 2nd Prize: Towering Tales of the Sea Exhibition by Foundation Estonian Maritime Museum, Estonia 3rd Prize: Araisi Lake Fortress by Amata Municipality, Latvia Innovation and Digitalisation in Sustainable Cultural Tourism, towards Smart Destinations 1st Prize: BlueMed Underwater Museums and Knowledge Awareness Centres by Region of Thessaly, Greece 2nd Prize: Tholos VR Theatre by Foundation of the Hellenic World, Greece 3rd Prize: Museo do Côa by Côa Park Fundation, Portugal Transnational Thematic Tourism Products, including European Cultural Routes 1st Prize: Historic Cafés in the Iberian Peninsula by Associação dos Cafés com História de Portugal (Portuguese Historic Cafés Association), Spain and Portugal 2nd Prize: Vilar Formoso by Câmara Municipal de Almeida, Portugal Wine Tourism supported by the ‘Iter Vitis’ cultural route of the Council of Europe 1st Prize: Vineyard Retreats by the vineyard cottages consortium, Slovenia 2nd Prize: Armenian Ancient Viticulture and Winemaking Traditions Revival by Areni-1 Cave Scientific-Research Foundation, Armenia 3rd Prize: Wine Routes of Moldova by National Inbound Tourism Association of Moldova (ANTRIM), Moldova Special Mention: Industrial Heritage Tour Across Budapest by Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre, Hungary Aphrodite smart interpretation by Kouklia Community Council, Cyprus Rota do Românico [Route of the Romanesque] by VALSOUSA | Associação de Municípios do Vale do, Portugal The winners and runners-up have been selected by the joint Jury amonst 43 applications received from 16 countries, 12 EU member states (Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Romania), and 4 Non-EU countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova). 
07 September 2020
Call for offers: Video recording in Central Macedonia Region, Greece ECTN, as an advisory partner in the Cult-RInG Interreg Europe project responsible for communication activities, wishes to commission an extensive video recording related to the study visits intended to take place with the final conference and had to be cancelled due to the pandemic crisis. The sites of the planned study visits, to be replaced by the extensive video footage, are as follows:
Interested applicants should request the Terms of Reference in writing, by email to: cult-ring@culturaltourism-net.eu Deadline for offers: 21 September 2020, 24:00 CEST. Deadline extended to: 25 September 2020, 24:00 CEST. (CLOSED) 
18 August 2020
Call for offers regarding external expertise for assistance to partners on Cultural and Creative Tourism product development based on Cultural and Creative Industries, in the Cult-CreaTE Interreg Europe project. Interested applicants should request the Terms of Reference in writing, by email to: cult-create@culturaltourism-net.eu Deadline for offers: 28 August 2020, 24:00 CEST (CLOSED) ECTN Awards Ceremony 2019, Granada, Spain
in partnership with Europa Nostra, European Travel Commission & NECSTouR, supported by Iter Vitis Cultural Route of the Council of Europe Video 
ECTN jointly launches the Europe Day Manifesto:
“Cultural Heritage: a powerful catalyst for the future of Europe” with European Heritage Alliance 3.3 members 9 May 2020 Today, ECTN is proud to be amongst the first signatories of the Europe Day Manifesto “Cultural Heritage: a powerful catalyst for the future of Europe”. This is released on 9 May 2020, on the occasion of Europe Day which this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration and the launch of the process of European integration, by the European Heritage Alliance, of which ECTN is a founding member. The Europe Day Manifesto makes several explicit references to tourism and particularty to the revival of cultural tourism. The Europe Day Manifesto devotes one of seven ways in which cultural heritage can act as a catalyst for positive change to tourism under 'Experiencing Europe': "6) EXPERIENCING EUROPE Faced with the catastrophic impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry due to travel and mobility limitations, which puts 13 million European jobs at risk, we fully support the appeal for a major “EU tourism rescue plan”. This plan should include special measures for the revival of cultural tourism, one of the largest and fastest growing tourism segments worldwide which accounts for 40% of all European tourism. Tourism needs cultural heritage and cultural heritage needs tourism. But we recover from this crisis by using it as an opportunity to promote more innovative and sustainable forms of tourism. In doing so, we will deliver lasting benefits for public and private owners of heritage sites and the communities that surround them, generating higher quality experiences and greater enjoyment for visitors". The ECTN Secretariat has submitted the following statement as a signatory: "Cultural Tourism will be the main driver for the recovery of the European tourism sector, especially for international visitors from outside Europe that are always attracted to experience European cultural heritage assets and sites. A specific and targeted campaign and support is therefore needed by EU institutions and EU member states, towards investments in Sustainable Cultutal Tourism development and promotion. This should include intangible heritage, industrial herirage, interpretation facilities, innovation/digitisation, European cultural routes, as well as the contribution of Cultural and Creative Industries to Cultural and Creative Tourism. With sustainable mobility and accessibility towards 'Smart Destinations' in Europe, including culture and creativity". The Europe Day Manifesto can be found and signed on the Europa Nostra website: https://www.europanostra.org/europe-day-manifesto-cultural-heritage-a-powerful-catalyst-for-the-future-of-europe-just-released/ 
ECTN strongly supports and adopts the call by ETC and WTTC on EU Member States to commit to rapid recovery for the European Tourism Sector ECTN strongly and actively supports the important call by the European travel Commission (ETC) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), launched on 27 April 2020, which states that: "The European Union is the largest region in the world in terms of international tourism receipts. In 2019, tourism-related spending in the EU reached 427 billion Euros, representing 6.2% of the EU’s total exports. Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector was responsible for more than 27 million jobs, showing how intrinsic and important the sector is to the European economy. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Travel & Tourism sector is going through an unprecedented crisis. Increased support from governments now is fundamental and must be a priority to save millions of livelihoods that depend on our sector. An estimated 13 million jobs in Travel & Tourism are at risk in Europe. We have recently seen some excellent individual initiatives and leadership from countries and governments around the world, and we believe that full and swift recovery will only be achieved through common efforts and strong public-private collaboration. Therefore, we call on EU Member States to lead and drive a united and coordinated recovery response to the COVID-19 crisis. Together, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) propose EU Member States to jointly commit to four key principles to achieve a faster recovery:
ECTN would like to add that the required recovery of the European Tourism Sector will be stronly based on the very rich and unique cultural and heritage assets of European countries, which always will be of great interests to visitors from all over the World. Therefore, EU institutions and Member States should give priority to cultural tourism development and promotion initiatives in all recovery strategies, plans and funds, towards responsible and sustainable cultural tourism in Europe as a main contributor to socio-economic development, cohesion and employment. 
Call for offers 4 May 2020
regarding external expertise for assistance to partners during development of Action Plans in the Cult-CreaTE Interreg Europe project The Call document can be requested by email: cult-create@culturaltourism-net.eu Closing date for receipt of offers: 12 May 202 24:00 CEST (CLOSED) 
European tourism sector demands urgent supportive measures to reduce devastating impact of COVID-19 17 March 2020 The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, the voice of the European travel and tourism sector, has issued the following statement on the implementation of urgent measures to limit the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on the sector. The effects of the outbreak are already being felt throughout the global economy. Economic activity has dropped, and all evidence points towards a significant downturn in areas affected by the virus. The tourism and travel sector is particularly hit. Millions of jobs are currently at stake, while many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) risk closing their business. Support for tourism must be a priority in the crisis response, recovery plans and actions of affected economies. The European Tourism Manifesto alliance welcomes the immediate response presented by the European Commission on 13th March to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. We call for immediate implementation of these measures, which should be reinforced by additional instruments focused on the tourism sector. Action is required now to strengthen the resilience of the sector in the long run and prepare the ground for a swift recovery from this unprecedented crisis. The European Tourism Manifesto alliance calls upon the European Commission and national governments to swiftly implement the following urgent measures:
Download the statement ECTN Conference 2020 Call for presenters launched
The conference is organised in close cooperation with City of Krk and University of Rijeka, ECTN members. The submitted Abstracts should address at least one of the following topics linked to cultural and heritage tourism:
Submission deadline: 1st June 2020 (online) - Extended to 1 July (NEW) EUROPEAN TOURISM SECTOR CALLS FOR SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT TO CHINA
The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, the voice of the European travel and tourism sector, has issued the following statement on the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on EU-China tourism cooperation. Brussels, 24 February 2020: We offer our solidarity and support to China and the Chinese people during an exceptionally challenging time, and commit to work with our partners in Europe and Asia to that end. From higher education to retail, hospitality to transportation, the social and economic impact of COVID-19 crisis on travel and tourism illustrates the importance of Europe’s relationship with China. The strong mutual interest in both cultural and commercial exchange between China and Europe was shown by the EU-China Year of Tourism in 2018. We must draw on its legacy in this difficult time to ensure that Chinese visitors are welcome and respected throughout Europe. From expedited visa facilitation to attractive offers, public and private sectors must collaborate to enable and support a strong recovery. Public safety is the prime concern of governments, and we recognise the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation, with the strong support of the UNWTO. Travel restrictions that exceed such recommendations may cause unnecessary alarm, disruption and adverse economic impact across all sectors. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the European Tourism Manifesto alliance
The European Tourism Manifesto alliance gathers more than 50 European public and private organisations, covering the whole tourism value chain and beyond. The alliance calls on the European Union for action on key policy priorities for the tourism sector. ECTN Awards 2020 launched!
Categories:
Download the call for entries and application form here 
The European Association of Via Francigena ways joins ECTN
The Via Francigena is a "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" according to the definition of the Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) on Cultural Routes approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 8 December 2010. Via Facigena was amongst the winners of the ECTN Awards 'Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2019', in the category 'Transnational Thematic Tourism Products'. The European Association of Via Francigena ways (EAVF) is a voluntary association of Regions and Local Authorities of Italy, Switzerland, France, England, which currently accounts 178 members. It was established on 7 April 2001 in Fidenza (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) to promote the Via Francigena - 1800 kilometres from Canterbury to Rome, through 13 European Regions (Kent; Hauts-de-France; Grand Est; Bourgogne-Franche-Comté; Vaud; Valais; Valle d'Aosta; Piedmont; Lombardy; Emilia-Romagna; Liguria; Tuscany; Lazio), in addition to 4 Regions of southern Italy (Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Apulia) and the Via Francigena of the South in 4 countries (United Kingdom; France; Switzerland; Italy). It carries out activities to enhance and promote the route at all institutional levels: local, regional, national and european. In 2007 the Council of Europe declares EAVF carrier network ("réseau porteur") of the Via Francigena, assigning it the role of official reference point for safeguarding, protecting, promoting and developing the Via Francigena in Europe. https://www.viefrancigene.org/en/ 
New Honorary Member of ECTN: Mr Michael Cramer, former MEP and Chair of the TRAN Commitee
The ECTN General Assembly has approved the nomination by the Board regarding a new Honorary Member, Mr Michael Cramer, former Member of the European Parliament (Greens, Germany, 2004-2019) and ex-Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN, 2014-2017). Mr Cramer is the founder of the 'Iron Curtain Trail' - EuroVelo13 cycling route, which has been certified as "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" in 2019. He has been a keynote speaker at ECTN events, namely in the frame of the Cult-RInG Interreg Europe project, in Riga (November 2017) and in Brussels (October 2018). As a Chair of the TRAN Committee of the European Parliament he has advanced the cause of sustainable cultural tourism and sustainable mobility for tourism. The official award ceremony will take place at the Cult-RInG project high-level event and final conference to be held at end May 2020 in Thessaloniki, Greece. 
Winners of the ECTN Awards 2019 by Category Intangible Heritage Joint 1st Prize: Selasetur Íslands as a Community-Based Tourism Initiative in Northwest Iceland By Selasetur Íslands The Icelandic Seal Center, Iceland Joint 1st Prize: Batana Eco-museum: developing cultural tourism and sustainable communities by safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage By Association House of Batana, Croatia 2nd Prize: Phyti Embroideries on a weaving loom By Phyti Community Council, Cyprus 3rd Prize: Lagoon of Venice as a new sustainable tourist destination By “Operatori Turismo Sostenibile della Laguna di Venezia” – OTS Association (Sustainable Tourism Companies), Italy Heritage Interpretation 1st Prize: Cascais Museum Quarter: cultural dimension of a travel destination By Fundação D. Luis I, Centro Cultural de Cascais, Portugal 2nd Prize: Scientific heritage as a driving force for Tourism in Girona By Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation, Barcelona, Spain Innovation and Digitisation 1st Prize: Hackathon “Cultural adventure at your fingertips” in Slovenia By Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenia 2nd Prize: Heritage of Venice’s Sailing Tradition: New Digital Routes for Sustainable Tourism By Civiltà dell'Acqua (Water Civilization) International Centre, Venice, Italy 3rd Prize: Digital presentation of the Cultral Heritage of isled of Krk By Island of Krk Tourist Board, Croatia Transnational Thematic Tourism Products including Cultural Routes 1st Prize: ‘Iron Curtain Trail’ – Euro Velo 13 as official Cultural Route of the Council of Europe By Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Latvia 2ndPrize: ‘Via Francigena’ – the cultural route of slow tourism and sustainable development By European Association of Francigena Ways - carrier network of the Council of Europe, Italy 3rd Prize: ‘Argonauts’ return’: a transnational Cultural Tourism Route based on Intangible Heritage of Mythology, Poetry, Literature, Performing and Visual Arts By Argonautica Network, Greece Culinary Heritage, Food and Gastronomy Tourism 1st Prize: AgriturAso and “Marche in valigia”: towards a relational tourism destination By Agritur Aso association, Italy 2nd Prize: Zaube Wild Food Festival By Amata Municipality, Latvia 3rd Prize: Universe Alcantara: a network of local entrepreneurs engaged in creating solutions for sustainable tourism in Sicily By Mediterranean Pearls, Italy Wine Tourism 1st Prize: Vines Wines Hikes in Loire Valley By InterLoire: interprofession des vins du Val de Loire, France 2nd Prize: Motovun - the cultural, historical and gastro-oenological center of inland Istria By Tourist board of the Motovun Municipality, Croatia 3rd Prize: Armagnac Confidentiel, secret stones and gourmet vines in Pays d'Armagnac By Pôle d'Equilibre Territorial et Rural du Pays d'Armagnac, France Contributions by Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) to Cultural and Creative Tourism 1st Prize: Barcelos Creative City – Contributions of the Crafts and Folk Arts as paths towards a more sustainable tourism By Barcelos Municipality, Portugal 2nd Prize: Legends of Āraiši By Community of Āraiši, Amata Municipality, Latvia 3rd Prize: Erudite Music Season - Revitalization of the National Palaces through Music in Sintra By Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua, Portugal Actions during the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 - Initiative on ‘Tourism & heritage 1st Prize: ‘We Are What We Eat’ – Celebration of Sintra’s Culinary Heritage By Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua, Portugal 2nd Prize: ‘The voices of the choir’ - Tourism & heritage trough the music in Elx/Elche By Visitelche with Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, Spain Special Prize of the Jury: Aquae Calidae - the favourite baths of emperors, tsars and sultans, goes digital in Burgas By Regional historical museum of Burgas, Bulgaria The winners were announced at the Award ceremony that took place on 24 October in Granada, Spain The winners and runners-up are selected by the Jury (composed by representatives of ECTN, Europa Nostra, European Travel Commission and NECSTouR), out of 55 applications received from 19 countries (4 non-EU). 
ECTN celebrates 10 years of activities 2009 - 2019 ! ECTN was established as AISLB in Brussels on 20 May 2009. This year ECTN celebrates 10 years of continuous activities and growth, from the 6 founding members in 2009 to 29 members in 2019 and from 5 countries to 19 countries! During its 10 years of existence, ECTN has participated in 5 EU co-funded projects (4 currently active, established by the ECTN Secretariat), organised 9 international conferences and awarded annual prizes for 'Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism' since 2014. ECTN is a member of the Stakeholder Committee of the 'European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018' (EYCH2018), selected by the European Commission DG EAC in 2017. ECTN was an official supporter of the UN 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017', facilitated by UNWTO. ECTN is a signatory of the 'European Manifesto for Growth & Jobs' led by the European Travel Commission and a founding member of the 'European Heritage Alliance 3.3', led by Europa Nostra. 
ECTN keynote address at the International Conference on Archaeology and Tourism, entitled:
'The Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism & the European Year of Cultural Heritage legacy' ECTN Awards 'Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism' 2014 - 2019 !
Veneto Region joins ECTN
Veneto Region, Italy, has joined ECTN as a member, following successful cooperation in ECTN projects CHARTS INTERREG IVC (2012-2014), CHRISTA Interreg Europe (2016-2020) and Cult-CreaTE Interreg Europe (2018-2022). 
ECTN participated in the 3rd UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and CultureThe theme ‘for the Benefit of All’ had two priorities:
1) creating more inclusive partnerships between tourism and culture stakeholders that contribute to SDG implementation; and 2) promoting tourism development that encourages cultural interaction and ensures the benefits are shared by all communities involved. 
Androula Vassiliou confirmed as Honorary Member of ECTN
Former European Commissioner for Culture Mrs Androula Vassiliou, currently Vice-President of Europa Nostra was confirmed as Honorary Member of ECTN at the closing ceremony of the ECTN annual Conference, in Pafos, Cyprus, on 26 October 2018. Mrs Vassiliou had been proposed as ECTN Honorary Member during her term as EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, as a recognition of her contribution to cultural tourism in initiatives such the European Heritage Label and her video message at the 2013 ECTN Conference. Winners of the ECTN Awards 2018 announced!
In partnership with Europa Nostra and the European Travel Commission, supported by NECSTouR The ECTN 'Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2018' Awards were announced at a ceremony on 25 October in Pafos, Cyprus. The ECTN Awards for 2018 have been held in cooperation with Europa Nostra (EN) and the European Travel Commission (ETC), supported by NECSToUR, as a contribution to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 (EYCH2018), initiative on 'Tourism and heritage: responsible and sustainable tourism around cultural heritage'. In total 57 candidates from 15 countries had submitted applications, under 7 thematic categories. The selection has been made by a jury comprised by representatives of ECTN, EN, ETC and NECSToUR. The winners are as follows, by theme category: Religious & Pilgrimage 1st Prize The Way of St Francis a new sustainable way to discover Italy, by Sviluppumbria – Regional Economic Development Agency for Umbria, Italy 2nd Prize South Limburg, a spiritual Awakening by Tourist Board South Limburg, Netherlands 3rd Prize Camino Lebaniego, the first solar powered “online” pilgrimage route by Government of Cantabria, Spain Cultural Landscapes 1st Prize Colonies of Benevolence of Wortel and Merksplas by Kempens Landschap is a Flemish non-profit organization that aims to protect valuable landscapes in the province of Antwerp, Belgium 2nd Prize A train for the Casilini Ecomuseum by Ecomuseo Casilino ad Duas Lauros, Italy 3rd Prize Rota do Românico - An experience founded on History by VALSOUSA - Associação de Municípios do Vale do Sousa, Portugal Industrial & Military 1st Prize Flanders Fields 2014-2018: developing a future-proof, transformative WW1 remembrance tourism By Visit Flanders, Belgium 2nd Prize Industrial Herritage of Berguedà by Berguedà Development Agency, Spain Historic Villages and Towns 1st Prize The revival of Kalopanayiotis village into a sustainable tourism destination By Yiannakis Papadouris Foundation, Cyprus 2nd Prize Ostana: return and development By Comune di Ostana, Italy 3rd Prize Kėdainiai – the unique multicultural XVIIth century town of Dukes Radvilos in the heart of Lithuania By Kėdainiai District Municipality, Lithuania Cultural Sites 1st Prize Gaudi’s Crypt, the first UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in the World in obtaining the Biosphere Certification of Sustainable Tourism management by Consorci de Turisme den Baix Llobregat, Spain 2nd Prize Recovery and revaluation of the cultural and natural heritage of the historic garden Parc Samà by Cambrils Municipal Tourist Board, Spain 3rd Prize Routes in Marpissa, a three-day, experiential, cultural festival in the traditional settlement of Marpissa, Paros island by Routes in Marpissa, Greece Transnational Thematic Tourism Products 1st Prize Sea, Nature, Sicily – Underwater and nautical itinenaries Sicily, Tuscany, Sardinia, Balearic Islands, Provence, Andalusia by the Phoenician’s Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe 2nd Prize Creation of a Cultural Dipole in a cross border area Creation of two Museums/ cultural poles, in Serres (Greece) and in Petrich (Bulgaria), cooperation on tourism and culture by Municipality of Serres, Greece Contributions by Cultural and Creative Industries 1st Prize Discover Dingli Cliffs – Innovative cultural and eco-tourism activities in rural Dingli, Malta by La Pinta Ltd., The Cliffs Interpretation Centre, Malta 2nd Prize Imaginarius Creation Centre – Art and Public Space (ICC) by Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal 3rd Prize Istra Inspirit – reviving cultural and historic heritage of Istria through cultural tourism by Istria Tourism Development Agency, Croatia Special Prize of the Jury Raudondvaris Manor stables arrangement and adaption for arts incubator activities by Public institution “Raudondvaris Manor”, Lithuania re to edit.
ECTN participated in the 3rd UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism:
Wine Tourism as a Tool for Rural Development 
ECTN participated in the 2nd UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations 2018
NECSTouR, the Network of European Regions for a Sustainable and Competitive Tourism, supports the ECTN Awards for Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2018, as a contribution to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, in partnership with Europa Nostra and the European Travel Commission
ECTN welcomes the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative!
In line with a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament, the European Commission is launching a competition to award the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism. This brand new initiative rewards European cities and gives them the opportunity to share their exemplary practices as smart tourism destinations. Deadline for applications is 30 June 2018. The initiative will showcase accomplishments by tourism destinations across the EU in the following areas:
ECTN welcomes and supports this excellent initiative, particularly since the areas of Sustainability, Cultural Heritage & Creativity are directly related to ECTN's role in promoting Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Europe, as well as 'Accessibility to Heritage' being a good practice already included in the ECTN Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism. ECTN urges all its eligible members to apply. www.SmartTourismCapital.eu 
ECTN in new Interreg Europe projects!
ECTN is a partner in a new Interreg Europe project approved by the monitoring committee, one of 54 projects approved out of 234 applications received in the third call for project proposals. Cult-CreteTE (Cultural and Creative Industries contribution to Cultural and Creative Tourism in Europe) aims to redeploy Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) for the development and promotion of Cultural and Creative Tourism (CCT) strategies, with sustainability, innovations, capitalisation, policy learning, policy implementation and capacity building. Cult-CreteTE is led by Vidzeme Tourism Association in Latvia, with partners Veneto IT, Nicosia CY, Cork IE, Dundee UK, Naoussa EL, Pecs HU, Kujawsko-Pomorskie PL. ECTN has also supported another winning application, DESTI-SMART (Delivering Efficient Sustainable Tourism with low-carbon transport Innovations: Sustainable Mobility, Accessibility and Responsible Travel), led by Metropolitan Development Agency of Thessaloniki, Greece, with partners Bremerhaven DE, Sardenia IT, Mallorca ES, Funchal PT, Hastings UK, Pafos CY, Lake Balaton HU, Greenways LV and Bournemouth University UK as an advisory partner. DESTI-SMART aims to improve the transport and tourism policies of EU destinations, by integrating strategies for sustainable mobility, accessibility and responsible travel with efficient & sustainable tourism development, for transition to a low-carbon economy, through efficiency, resilience, multimodality, novel low-carbon transport systems, cycling & walking, with implementation innovations, policy learning and capacity building. Both of the above topics, CCIs for CCT and SMART Destinations, are included in the ECTN 'Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism', which is a contribution of ECTN to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.
ECTN participates in the official opening of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year at the Doge's Palace, Venice
ECTN had been invited by the European Commission DG GROW to to the official opening of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY) on Friday 19 January 2018 in Venice, at the Doge's Palace and the ECTN Secretary-General participated. The ECTY was announced jointly in July 2016 by the President of the European Commission and the Chinese Prime Minister. It aims at increasing the investment opportunities in China for European operators and boosting European growth and jobs by promoting Chinese tourism to the EU. ECTY was launched by Commissioner Bieńkowska and the Chairman of China National Tourism Administration. ECTN is ready to contribute to ECTY 2018, in terms of responsible and sustainable cultural tourism which is highly relevant to both EU and China tourism sectors. ECTN is also facilitating synergies between ECTY 2018 and EYCH 2018, as the only member of the EYCH 2018 Stakeholders Committee with a tourism mandate.
A VERY HAPPY AND CREATIVE 2018 - EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE !
ECTN participates in the European Tourism Day 2017 in Brussels
ECTN participated in the 2017 edition of the European Tourism Day on 28 November in Brussels, organised by the European Commission. This year the conference addressed the topic of "The future of EU tourism" and will look into issues such as access to finance under the next EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework, the tourism value chain and its implications on consumers, businesses and local communities as well as the future of tourism governance at EU, national and regional level. The event gathered up to 400 participants, including Commissioners, other representatives of the European Commission and high-level representatives of public authorities at EU, national and regional level. We’ll also line up representatives of prominent European sector associations, the tourism and travel industry as well as other relevant stakeholders.
Granada, Spain and Västra Götaland, Sweden, join ECTN Board
Representatives from Granada County Council (Diputación Provincial de Granada) - Spain, and from Västra Götaland Region (Västra Götalands Regionen) - Sweden, have been elected to join the Board of ECTN. They join the existing Board members, representatives from Vidzeme Tourism Association - Latvia (President), Pafos Regional Board of Tourism - Cyprus (Vice-President), Sibiu County Tourism Association - Romania, CIM Ave - Portugal, and Dubrovnik City Development Agency DURA - Croatia.
10th Cultural Tourism Conference held in Sibiu, Romania, 20-21 September 2017
The 2017 ECTN Annual Conference has been organized in the framework of:
The United Nations 70th General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (IY2017), which is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the contribution of sustainable tourism to development among public and private sector decision-makers and the public, while mobilizing all stakeholders to work together in making tourism a catalyst for positive change. IY2017 aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector, facilitated by UNWTO. European Cultural Tourism Network joined the celebrations of the International Year by promoting tourism`s role in the key area of ‘Cultural Values, Diversity and Heritage’, one of the five key areas of the IY2017. ECTN organizes an international conference since 2005 on a theme related to cultural tourism in a different country every year. For the past 4 years, the annual conference is organized in the frame of ‘European Heritage Days’ and ‘European Cooperation Day’. Our 2017 Conference theme was dovetailed with the UN IY2017 and took place within IY2017 activities. The 10th international conference ‘Cultural Values, Diversity and Heritage: Pillars of Sustainable Tourism for Development’ discussed the latest trends in the field of cultural values, diversity and heritage towards sustainable tourism for development, including innovation, creativity, R&D and sustainable tourism product development. The conference explored major challenges, risks and opportunities for sustainable and responsible tourism development related to cultural values, diversity and heritage, as well as suggest practical steps for the development and marketing of cultural tourism products and services. ECTN as a signatory of the ‘European Tourism Manifesto for Growth & Jobs' has included this Conference in the Manifesto Working Programme 2017. The conference was organised in close cooperation with Sibiu County Tourism Association and in conjunction with the Interreg Europe project CHRISTA – Culture and Heritage for Responsible, Innovative and Sustainable Tourism Actions (2016 – 2020).
Message by the UNWTO Secretary-General Message by the Committee of the Regions
ECTN at the Working Group of Member States' experts on Sustainable Cultural Tourism, in Bruges
ECTN presented its aims, activities and the Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism to the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Working Group of Member States' experts Priority Area C "Cultural and Creative Sectors: Creative Economy and Innovation" Topic C3: Sustainable Cultural Tourism, in Bruges, Belgium, 12 September 2017 
European Parliament Conference “A European strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism industry, a key driver for job creation”, in Brussels on 27 September, International Day of Tourism.
The event was opened by European Parliament President Tajani, with the participation of Vice-President Katainen, the responsible Commissioners, the Chairs of the TRAN, IMCO and CULT parliamentary committees, leading MEPs, as well as the Presidents of the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, senior representatives from the European Investment Bank and other leading stakeholders. Discover the detailed programme of the event here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/eu-affairs/20170901STO82905/ Aimed at citizens, policy makers, the investor community, market participants of the tourist sector and stakeholders’ representatives, the conference will look at the Tourist sector, focussing discussion on three areas: · Supporting investments, improving the business environment and upgrading skills; · Tourism innovation and digital economy; · Promoting Europe as the number one tourist destination. 
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ECTN is pleased to welcome new members as well as previous members re-joining, in order to benefit from the activities and strong membership !
ECTN is a member of the:
ECTN is a signatory of the:
ECTN Projects:
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MEPs, regions, cities and the tourism industry urge the European Commission to come forward with a European Tourism Strategy. 40 MEPs, more than 70 Members of the European Committee of the Regions and representatives of Europe's tourism industry call for a comprehensive strategy supporting the tourism sector in an Open Letter addressed to the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. READ MORE
EYCH 2018 Stakeholder Committee 1st Report published !
TENDER for subcontracting external expertise regarding policies on INTERPRETATION FACILITIES for SUSTAINABLE and RESPONSIBLE TOURISM in the scope of Interreg Europe programme project CHRISTA. TENDER is CLOSED!
To receive Tender Specification and Proposal Form, potential Applicants should send a request to email: coordinator(at)culturaltourism-net.eu. 30 May 2017
Civil society calls on EU Leaders to recognise fundamental role of Cultural Heritage for the future of Europe
3 February 2017 Ahead of the informal summit of European leaders on the future of the EU in Valletta on 03.02.2017, 40 European heritage networks that form the European Heritage Alliance 3.3 are urging EU leaders to recognise the fundamental role of Europe’s shared cultural heritage for bringing people in Europe together. READ MORE
37 European and international heritage networks, that are part of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3, including ECTN, have sent a joint letter calling on 28 EU Heads of State or Government to fully support the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018, and especially to allocate adequate financial resources to the implementation of the Year.
Members of the Alliance also urge the EU Heads of State or Government to seize the historic opportunity of the event marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 2017 to publicly recognise that the entire European project has a wider cultural meaning and significance derived from our shared cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Read the full text of the letter with the list of signatories HERE.
ECTN organised a special event in Brussels on 30 November 2016, to launch the 2nd edition of the 'Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism' and in preparation for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018. READ MORE
ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas made an intervention at the European Tourism Day event in Brussels on 29th November 2016.
READ MORE
ECTN President addressed Cultural Routes Forum in Vilnius
25 October 2016 President of European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Mr Raitis Sijats, addressed the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Forum, which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva from 26 – 27 October 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. READ MORE
European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 announced with particular reference to sustainable cultural tourism
2 September 2016 ECTN greatly welcomes the EYCH 2018 and will strive to incorporate its activities into the EYCH programme. READ MORE
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Cultural Heritage
Counts for Europe compelling evidence of the value of cultural heritage and its impact on Europe’s economy, culture, society and the environment 
ECTN Partners:
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TENDER for subcontracting external expertise regarding policies on INTANGIBLE HERITAGE for SUSTAINABLE and RESPONSIBLE TOURISM. Tender Specification. Form.
14 June 2016 
EU project to protect and preserve European natural and cultural heritage assets and to deploy them for the innovative, sustainable and responsible tourism strategies
31 May 2016 CHRISTA project started in April 2016, involving 10 partners from 10 EU Member States regional and local authorities, as well as tourism authorities in 9 EU regions. READ MORE |
Other NEWS
2016
- ECTN welcomes new member to the network from Poland - Podkarpackie Regional Tourism Board, 18.05.2016
- European Commission announces 2018 as ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage’ proposal, 20.04.2016
- ECTN welcomes new member to the network from Georgia - Caucasus International University, 07.07.2016
- ECTN Welcomes new member to the network from Croatia - City of Jastrebarsko, 04.04.2016
- ECTN welcomes new member to the network from Sweden - University of Gothenburg, Department of Conservation, 24.02.2016
- European Tourism Indicator System ETIS joint conference 2016 on Managing and Promoting Sustainable and Accessible Tourism Destinations
- ECTN welcomes three new destination members to the network from Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia
- Former EU Commissioner for Culture becomes the first Honorary Member of ECTN
- Cultural Tourism Conference 2015 on Industrial Heritage held in Riga
- Awards for 'Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2015' go to Poland, Cyprus and Latvia
- New Member of the Board elected at General Assembly
- ECTN welcomes seven new members to the network from Poland, Romania, UK, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and Greece in 2015
- ECTN signed 'Memorandum of Understanding' with 'Alpine Pearls'
- ECTN supports ‘European Industrial and Technical Heritage Year 2015’
- CoR events Flash May / June / July 2015
- Cultural Tourism serves about half of cruise passengers
- New project ideas were presented at the INTERREG EUROPE launch event 'Europe - let`s Cooperate!'