ECTN supports Accessible Tourism for all
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3(link is external) and celebrated on 3 December around the world, ECTN expresses its strong support for Accessible Tourism for all, particularly for accessibility to culture and heritage.
'Accessibility to heritage' is indeed one of the 30 priority actions included in the ECTN 'Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism'.
In particular, ECTN adopts the UNWTO Guide on accessibility for tourists launched today 03.12.2020:
Ensuring accessibility for tourists with specific access requirements can be a ‘game changer’ for destinations around the world as they look to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic. A new set of Inclusive Recovery Guides from the World Tourism Organization, produced in partnership with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the ONCE Foundation of Spain and Travability from Australia, makes clear the importance of placing inclusivity at the centre of recovery plans and provides key recommendations for achieving this.
Launched on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the UNWTO Inclusive Recovery Guide – Socio-Cultural Impacts of COVID-19: Issue I Persons with Disabilities, draws on the expertise of UNWTO’s Ethics Culture and Social Responsibility Department and its partners. While much progress has been made, the publication makes clear that persons with disabilities and seniors encounter barriers preventing them from fully enjoying tourism experiences, even more so during the pandemic. Now, as UNWTO leads the restart of tourism globally, this guide outlines steps that governments, destinations and companies should take to build back better, becoming more inclusive and competitive.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3(link is external) and celebrated on 3 December around the world, ECTN expresses its strong support for Accessible Tourism for all, particularly for accessibility to culture and heritage.
'Accessibility to heritage' is indeed one of the 30 priority actions included in the ECTN 'Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism'.
In particular, ECTN adopts the UNWTO Guide on accessibility for tourists launched today 03.12.2020:
Ensuring accessibility for tourists with specific access requirements can be a ‘game changer’ for destinations around the world as they look to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic. A new set of Inclusive Recovery Guides from the World Tourism Organization, produced in partnership with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the ONCE Foundation of Spain and Travability from Australia, makes clear the importance of placing inclusivity at the centre of recovery plans and provides key recommendations for achieving this.
Launched on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the UNWTO Inclusive Recovery Guide – Socio-Cultural Impacts of COVID-19: Issue I Persons with Disabilities, draws on the expertise of UNWTO’s Ethics Culture and Social Responsibility Department and its partners. While much progress has been made, the publication makes clear that persons with disabilities and seniors encounter barriers preventing them from fully enjoying tourism experiences, even more so during the pandemic. Now, as UNWTO leads the restart of tourism globally, this guide outlines steps that governments, destinations and companies should take to build back better, becoming more inclusive and competitive.
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/
“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:
- A common response and well-coordinated approach across the EU – to re-establish effective operations, remove travel barriers, reopen borders, and reinstall Schengen, and to re-build confidence in Travel & Tourism. Following EU guidelines and public-private cooperation will be crucial in this regard.
- Recovery plan – Enhance the seamless traveller journey experience, combining the latest technology and protocols to increase health standards evenly across all EU Member States. Consider the “new normal” for the sector with components of health, security, hygiene and sustainability with a traveller centric approach.
- Industry toolbox to resume travel in Europe – Work with the private sector and health experts to define global standards for the new normal, grounded in science and developed together with the industry. Protocols should be developed in a way that can be adopted by businesses of every size across all travel industries and can be implemented in Europe and worldwide.
- Supportive measures – Continue to aid and assist to the Travel & Tourism sector during the recovery phase, throughout the entire travel ecosystem. Governments should not spare financial support for workers, businesses and for promotion in order to achieve a prompt 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.
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
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:
- Temporary state aid for the tourism and travel sector from national governments
- Fast and easy access to short- and medium-term loans to overcome liquidity shortages, including funds made available by the EU through the Corona Response Investment Initiative
- Fiscal relief (both at source market and destination level), starting with SMEs and extending to economic operators of all sizes
- Protection of workers from unemployment and loss of income (short-time work schemes, upskilling and reskilling programmes) and support for self-employed tourism stakeholders
- Fast launch of the European Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme
- Deferment of fiscal and social contributions
- Immediate passing of temporary airport slots waiver
- Support action for the wider field of culture (arts and heritage)
- Better coordination between national authorities in terms of alignment of travel advice to affected regions and requirements on travellers returning from those areas.
- Simplification of visa rules for long-haul markets
- Reducing or waiving travellers’ taxes (passenger duties, city taxes, etc.)
- Supporting destinations, by increasing their budgets for promotion, marketing and product development purposes as soon as they are ready to welcome visitors again.
Download the statement
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
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:
- Sustainability
- Digitalisation
- Cultural Heritage & Creativity
- Accessibility
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
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.
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 is selected by the European Commission as a key stakeholder for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018
3 May 2017
ECTN has been selected by the European Commission Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC) as a member of the ‘stakeholders committee for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018’ (EYCH2018). The selection by DG EAC followed a special call of the ‘Voices of Culture and Heritage’ in which 310 applications have been submitted and 35 stakeholder bodies have been selected, including ECTN. Other stakeholders include Europa Nostra and 16 members of the ‘European Heritage Alliance 3.3’. ECTN is the only selected stakeholder with a specific role on tourism, particularly on sustainable cultural tourism which is a target of the EYCH2018.
The first meeting of the EYCH2018 stakeholders committee was held in Brussels on 28 April with the participation of ECTN. The key objectives, implementation, EU initiatives and funding issues were presented by policy officers of DG EAC and exchange of views followed, with comments and suggestions on outcomes to be achieved by the EYCH, key messages and target audiences, promotion of the Year and its activities and communicating with potential audiences. The meeting closed with ideas for cooperation with the Commission and the EY National Coordinators, as well as cooperation among the cultural heritage stakeholders.
According to DG EAC, the EY will:
There will be 10 initiatives under 4 objectives, viz:
ECTN has a clear role on the Tourism and heritage initiative, in promoting sustainable cultural tourism, both in the member regions and at pan-European level, and is ready and willing to lead on this initiative during EYCH 2018. ECTN can provide also key inputs to:
There will be two further meetings to discuss further details about the action plan and ECTN will play an important role in securing the cultural tourism aspects of EYCH 2018 for its members and at pan-European level.
3 May 2017
ECTN has been selected by the European Commission Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC) as a member of the ‘stakeholders committee for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018’ (EYCH2018). The selection by DG EAC followed a special call of the ‘Voices of Culture and Heritage’ in which 310 applications have been submitted and 35 stakeholder bodies have been selected, including ECTN. Other stakeholders include Europa Nostra and 16 members of the ‘European Heritage Alliance 3.3’. ECTN is the only selected stakeholder with a specific role on tourism, particularly on sustainable cultural tourism which is a target of the EYCH2018.
The first meeting of the EYCH2018 stakeholders committee was held in Brussels on 28 April with the participation of ECTN. The key objectives, implementation, EU initiatives and funding issues were presented by policy officers of DG EAC and exchange of views followed, with comments and suggestions on outcomes to be achieved by the EYCH, key messages and target audiences, promotion of the Year and its activities and communicating with potential audiences. The meeting closed with ideas for cooperation with the Commission and the EY National Coordinators, as well as cooperation among the cultural heritage stakeholders.
According to DG EAC, the EY will:
- Promote cultural heritage as a pivotal component of cultural diversity and inter-cultural dialogue
- Highlight the best means to ensure conservation, safeguarding of cultural heritage and enjoyment by a wider and more diverse audience
- Promote cultural heritage's contribution to the economy
- Promote cultural heritage as an important element of the relations between the EU and third countries.
There will be 10 initiatives under 4 objectives, viz:
- Cherishing heritage: developing quality standards for interventions in the historic environment and at heritage sites
- Heritage at risk: fighting against illicit trade in cultural goods and managing risks at heritage sites
- Shared heritage: bringing Europe's cultural heritage, history and shared values closer to people
- Heritage at school: discovering Europe's treasures at an early age
- Youth for heritage: engaging the younger generation
- New uses for heritage: re-imagining industrial, religious or military sites
- Tourism and heritage: promoting sustainable cultural tourism
- Heritage-related skills: enhancing education and training for the traditional and new professions
- Heritage for all: fostering participation and social innovation
- Science for heritage: using research, innovation, science and technology for a better conservation and presentation of heritage
ECTN has a clear role on the Tourism and heritage initiative, in promoting sustainable cultural tourism, both in the member regions and at pan-European level, and is ready and willing to lead on this initiative during EYCH 2018. ECTN can provide also key inputs to:
- Heritage for all and Shared heritage in terms of accessibility linked to heritage for cultural tourism (both physical and intellectual accessibility)
- Heritage at risk in terms of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, and
- Cherishing heritage in terms of quality schemes for heritage sites
- New uses for heritage in terms of industrial heritage and religious/pilgrimage tourism.
There will be two further meetings to discuss further details about the action plan and ECTN will play an important role in securing the cultural tourism aspects of EYCH 2018 for its members and at pan-European level.
ECTN participates in a high-level event of European Parliament and UNWTO on ‘Connecting Europe through Innovation’
24 March 2017
ECTN took part in a high-level event organised by the European Parliament and UNWTO in Madrid on 24 March 2017. The event was closely linked to the 1st World Conference on Smart Destinations held in February 2017 in Murcia, Spain, and organised in the frame of the UN ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017’. The concept of this event, “Connecting Europe through Innovation”, aimed to explore how to best stimulate innovation in tourism by connecting public-private initiatives and sharing best practices and how to assist European tourism SMEs through technology with positioning themselves and becoming more competitive in the global marketplace. Emerging opportunities were presented and discussed concerning the adoption of technology that would allow to enhance the sustainability of the European tourism sector and to meet the heightened expectations of the digital traveller.
Speakers included Members of European Parliament, Claudia Tapardel, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on European Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage, Inés Ayala Sender and Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, Members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, Ministers of Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis of Malta and Mircea Dobre of Romania, Deputy Head of Unit European Commission, DG GROW, Unit F4 - Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries Iuliana Gabriela Aluaș and Secretary-General of UNWTO Taleb Rifai.
The first theme was “Connecting Europe through smart mobility”, including the key challenges in connectivity and how these can be transformed into opportunities through the deployment of digital technology, the promotion of seamless mobility within Europe, and the positioning of Europe as an attractive destination globally. The second theme was “Assisting European tourism SMEs in navigating the digital landscape”, on how to empower European tourism SMEs to better take advantage of the opportunities provided by the digital market. The focus was around the challenges and opportunities regarding digital travellers. All of the above aspects are highly relevant for cultural and heritage tourism destinations in Europe.
ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas had the opportunity to discuss the above issues with MEP Claudia Tapardel, the Romanian Minister of Tourism and UNWTO officers, particularly in relation to cultural tourism related requirements for ‘smart destinations’, a theme of the 2017 annual conference to be held in Sibiu, Romania, on 20-21 September 2017. Claudia Tapardel MEP, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on European Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage, as well as Dr Taleb Rifai UNWTO Secretary-General are invited keynote speakers at the ECTN Conference.
24 March 2017
ECTN took part in a high-level event organised by the European Parliament and UNWTO in Madrid on 24 March 2017. The event was closely linked to the 1st World Conference on Smart Destinations held in February 2017 in Murcia, Spain, and organised in the frame of the UN ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017’. The concept of this event, “Connecting Europe through Innovation”, aimed to explore how to best stimulate innovation in tourism by connecting public-private initiatives and sharing best practices and how to assist European tourism SMEs through technology with positioning themselves and becoming more competitive in the global marketplace. Emerging opportunities were presented and discussed concerning the adoption of technology that would allow to enhance the sustainability of the European tourism sector and to meet the heightened expectations of the digital traveller.
Speakers included Members of European Parliament, Claudia Tapardel, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on European Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage, Inés Ayala Sender and Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, Members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, Ministers of Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis of Malta and Mircea Dobre of Romania, Deputy Head of Unit European Commission, DG GROW, Unit F4 - Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries Iuliana Gabriela Aluaș and Secretary-General of UNWTO Taleb Rifai.
The first theme was “Connecting Europe through smart mobility”, including the key challenges in connectivity and how these can be transformed into opportunities through the deployment of digital technology, the promotion of seamless mobility within Europe, and the positioning of Europe as an attractive destination globally. The second theme was “Assisting European tourism SMEs in navigating the digital landscape”, on how to empower European tourism SMEs to better take advantage of the opportunities provided by the digital market. The focus was around the challenges and opportunities regarding digital travellers. All of the above aspects are highly relevant for cultural and heritage tourism destinations in Europe.
ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas had the opportunity to discuss the above issues with MEP Claudia Tapardel, the Romanian Minister of Tourism and UNWTO officers, particularly in relation to cultural tourism related requirements for ‘smart destinations’, a theme of the 2017 annual conference to be held in Sibiu, Romania, on 20-21 September 2017. Claudia Tapardel MEP, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on European Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage, as well as Dr Taleb Rifai UNWTO Secretary-General are invited keynote speakers at the ECTN Conference.
CTN participates in the 1st UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations
16 February 2017
The 1st World Conference on Smart Destinations took place at Murcia, Spain, co-organized by UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Spanish Ministry of Tourism and the Region de Murcia.
This conference is in frame of the UN 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017', of which ECTN is an official supporter and participant. The 1st UNWTO World Smart Destinations conference is of high interest to ECTN, as it includes sessions on the new digital traveler, digital accessibility, innovation, management of cultural heritage sites, quality, visitor satisfaction, new visions, multi-modality, sustainability, resilience, creative destination, physical accessibility, tourism as a driver for development and sustainable management of resources.
ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas was a delegate at the conference. The Smart Destinations themes are well in line with the ECTN 'Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism' and its priorities. Of particular relevance are the common themes of physical and digital accessibility, visitor experience, quality, sustainable mobility, creative tourism, cultural heritage sites as smart attractions, digitisation, innovation promotion, sustainability and economic development. ECTN looks forward to cooperating with UNWTO on current and future projects towards Smart Destinations for Cultural Tourism. A special session on Smart Destinations will be included in ECTN's 10th Cultural Tourism Conference to be held in Sibiu, Romania, in September 2017, in order to capitalize the key findings and outputs.
16 February 2017
The 1st World Conference on Smart Destinations took place at Murcia, Spain, co-organized by UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Spanish Ministry of Tourism and the Region de Murcia.
This conference is in frame of the UN 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017', of which ECTN is an official supporter and participant. The 1st UNWTO World Smart Destinations conference is of high interest to ECTN, as it includes sessions on the new digital traveler, digital accessibility, innovation, management of cultural heritage sites, quality, visitor satisfaction, new visions, multi-modality, sustainability, resilience, creative destination, physical accessibility, tourism as a driver for development and sustainable management of resources.
ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas was a delegate at the conference. The Smart Destinations themes are well in line with the ECTN 'Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism' and its priorities. Of particular relevance are the common themes of physical and digital accessibility, visitor experience, quality, sustainable mobility, creative tourism, cultural heritage sites as smart attractions, digitisation, innovation promotion, sustainability and economic development. ECTN looks forward to cooperating with UNWTO on current and future projects towards Smart Destinations for Cultural Tourism. A special session on Smart Destinations will be included in ECTN's 10th Cultural Tourism Conference to be held in Sibiu, Romania, in September 2017, in order to capitalize the key findings and outputs.
ECTN joining the celebrations for the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017!
9 January 2017
ECTN has joined the celebrations for 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (#IY2017), designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and facilitated by UNWTO.
The #IY2017 will promote tourism`s role in the following five key areas:
Key area No 4 is of course of highest importance to ECTN, but the others are also of high relevance to sustainable and responsible cultural and heritage tourism development and promotion.
The contribution of ECTN to celebrating #IY2017 is mainly in the form of sharing the “Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism – Second edition”, launched in Brussels on 30 November 2016, which will be included in the #IY2017 website under ‘sharing solutions’. ECTN will also share all of our events and activities planned to take place during 2017, namely the annual Conference and Award contest to be dedicated to #IY2017, the thematic Workshops for the two Interreg Europe projects CHRISTA and Cult-RInG for which ECTN is responsible for the communication aspects.
ECTN is proud to be one of the first international associations to actively take part in the celebrations of #IY2017, as the only pan-European network that provides the vital links between cultural values, heritage and sustainable tourism development!
For more details about #IY2017 please visit: www.tourism4development2017.org
9 January 2017
ECTN has joined the celebrations for 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (#IY2017), designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and facilitated by UNWTO.
The #IY2017 will promote tourism`s role in the following five key areas:
- Inclusive and sustainable economic growth
- Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction
- Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change
- Cultural values, diversity and heritage
- Mutual understanding, peace and security.
Key area No 4 is of course of highest importance to ECTN, but the others are also of high relevance to sustainable and responsible cultural and heritage tourism development and promotion.
The contribution of ECTN to celebrating #IY2017 is mainly in the form of sharing the “Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism – Second edition”, launched in Brussels on 30 November 2016, which will be included in the #IY2017 website under ‘sharing solutions’. ECTN will also share all of our events and activities planned to take place during 2017, namely the annual Conference and Award contest to be dedicated to #IY2017, the thematic Workshops for the two Interreg Europe projects CHRISTA and Cult-RInG for which ECTN is responsible for the communication aspects.
ECTN is proud to be one of the first international associations to actively take part in the celebrations of #IY2017, as the only pan-European network that provides the vital links between cultural values, heritage and sustainable tourism development!
For more details about #IY2017 please visit: www.tourism4development2017.org
ECTN organised a Special Workshop on Sustainable Cultural Tourism and European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 in Brussels
6 December 2016
On 30 November 2016, the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Member of the ‘European Heritage Alliance 3.3’ and signatory of the ‘European Tourism Manifesto for Growth and Jobs’, organised a Special Workshop with the theme: ‘Sustainable Cultural Tourism, European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 and beyond’.
The event took place at EU Info Centre, Rue Archimède 1, Brussels (Schuman).
This event was addressed to cultural heritage and tourism organisations and stakeholders to exploit synergies and cooperation opportunities regarding sustainable cultural tourism development and promotion in Europe, with emphasis on the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 (EYCH 2018) and EU co-funding programmes.
Distinguished speakers were:
During the event, the enhanced and updated second edition of the ‘Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism’ was launched, two ECTN Interreg Europe projects CHRISTA (Culture & Heritage for Responsible Innovative & Sustainable Tourism Actions) and Cult-RInG (Cultural Routes as Investments for Growth & Jobs) were presented and potential actions for sustainable cultural tourism were discussed related to the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, EYCH 2018, EU-China Tourism Year 2018 and EU co-funding programmes.
Participants came from several national, regional and local authorities, cultural and tourism organisations, NGOs, cultural routes and other networks.
Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism
6 December 2016
On 30 November 2016, the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Member of the ‘European Heritage Alliance 3.3’ and signatory of the ‘European Tourism Manifesto for Growth and Jobs’, organised a Special Workshop with the theme: ‘Sustainable Cultural Tourism, European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 and beyond’.
The event took place at EU Info Centre, Rue Archimède 1, Brussels (Schuman).
This event was addressed to cultural heritage and tourism organisations and stakeholders to exploit synergies and cooperation opportunities regarding sustainable cultural tourism development and promotion in Europe, with emphasis on the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 (EYCH 2018) and EU co-funding programmes.
Distinguished speakers were:
- Michael Cramer, Chair of Transport and Tourism TRAN Committee, European Parliament
- Cllr Tony Buchanan, Vice-Chair of NAT Commission, Committee of the Regions
- Antonio Cenini, European Commission, DG Growth, Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries Unit, on the EU-China Tourism Year 2018
- Cathrine Magnant, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Education & Culture senior officer on EYCH 2018
- Alan Vella, Project Advisor, Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME)
- Jean Charles De Cordes, Head of Cooperation of the Council of Europe Brussels Office (on behalf of Stefano Dominioni, European Institute of Cultural Routes)
- Iulia Niculica, Project Manager, European Travel Commission on 'Tourism Manifesto'
- Piet Jaspaert, Vice-President of Europa Nostra / European Heritage Alliance 3.3
- Adam Bodor, Advocacy and EuroVelo Director, European Cyclists Federation.
During the event, the enhanced and updated second edition of the ‘Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism’ was launched, two ECTN Interreg Europe projects CHRISTA (Culture & Heritage for Responsible Innovative & Sustainable Tourism Actions) and Cult-RInG (Cultural Routes as Investments for Growth & Jobs) were presented and potential actions for sustainable cultural tourism were discussed related to the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, EYCH 2018, EU-China Tourism Year 2018 and EU co-funding programmes.
Participants came from several national, regional and local authorities, cultural and tourism organisations, NGOs, cultural routes and other networks.
Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism
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ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas made an intervention at the European Tourism Day event in Brussels on 29th November 2016, as follows:
“I am the founder of a partnership that focuses on 'Culture and Heritage for Responsible, Innovative and Sustainable Tourism Actions', working together as CHRISTA Project in the INTERREG Europe programme of Interregional cooperation, on priorities of intangible heritage, industrial heritage, interpretation facilities and innovations in digitization of heritage deployed for cultural tourism development and promotion. The CHRISTA Partners are destination authorities from nine EU member states, also including the European Cultural Tourism Network ECTN an international association based in Brussels, the only pan-European network that brings together the cultural and tourism sectors.
CHRISTA is committed to support the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, as a unique opportunity in a lifetime to showcase and share our rich European heritage. We see our role as enhancing synergies of EYCH 2018 with sustainable cultural tourism. The Communication of 30 August 2016 makes several references to Sustainable Cultural Tourism, which we as CHRISTA and ECTN greatly appreciate, and we are ready to divert our actions with secured funding from ERDF to celebrate and support EYCH 2018, aiming to contribute to its success!
The Commissioner for Tourism mentioned EYCH 2018 and we expect that Commissioner for culture will present more details about 2018 at the closing session today.
In this respect, we are launching tomorrow here in Brussels a second edition of a CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM at an event by ECTN, as our contribution to EYCH 2018. There will be speakers from the European Parliament, Committee of the Regions, European Commission DGs EAC & GROW, Council of Europe, EASME, European Travel Commission, Europa Nostra, European Cyclists Federation, and everybody is welcome. Our aim is to bring the cultural and tourism sectors together in preparing for EYCH 2018, also the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 which includes ‘CULTURAL VALUES, DIVERSITY AND HERITAGE’ as one of five key areas.
ECTN's questions to the panelists are:
Finally, if I may announce that in the next, third call of Interreg Europe programme ECTN is planning to submit a proposal on Cultural and Creative Industries, synergies with cultural and creative tourism, and suitable destination authorities are welcome to be our project partners!”
“I am the founder of a partnership that focuses on 'Culture and Heritage for Responsible, Innovative and Sustainable Tourism Actions', working together as CHRISTA Project in the INTERREG Europe programme of Interregional cooperation, on priorities of intangible heritage, industrial heritage, interpretation facilities and innovations in digitization of heritage deployed for cultural tourism development and promotion. The CHRISTA Partners are destination authorities from nine EU member states, also including the European Cultural Tourism Network ECTN an international association based in Brussels, the only pan-European network that brings together the cultural and tourism sectors.
CHRISTA is committed to support the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, as a unique opportunity in a lifetime to showcase and share our rich European heritage. We see our role as enhancing synergies of EYCH 2018 with sustainable cultural tourism. The Communication of 30 August 2016 makes several references to Sustainable Cultural Tourism, which we as CHRISTA and ECTN greatly appreciate, and we are ready to divert our actions with secured funding from ERDF to celebrate and support EYCH 2018, aiming to contribute to its success!
The Commissioner for Tourism mentioned EYCH 2018 and we expect that Commissioner for culture will present more details about 2018 at the closing session today.
In this respect, we are launching tomorrow here in Brussels a second edition of a CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL TOURISM at an event by ECTN, as our contribution to EYCH 2018. There will be speakers from the European Parliament, Committee of the Regions, European Commission DGs EAC & GROW, Council of Europe, EASME, European Travel Commission, Europa Nostra, European Cyclists Federation, and everybody is welcome. Our aim is to bring the cultural and tourism sectors together in preparing for EYCH 2018, also the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 which includes ‘CULTURAL VALUES, DIVERSITY AND HERITAGE’ as one of five key areas.
ECTN's questions to the panelists are:
- How project partnerships and Networks may contribute to EYCH 2018,
- What are the priorities and expectations of EU institutions for 2018,
- Is UNESCO planning to participate in 2017 with UNWTO and 2018 with the EU?
Finally, if I may announce that in the next, third call of Interreg Europe programme ECTN is planning to submit a proposal on Cultural and Creative Industries, synergies with cultural and creative tourism, and suitable destination authorities are welcome to be our project partners!”
Raitis Sijats, President of ECTN, Adriaan Linters, Secretary-General of E-FAITH, 30 November 2016, Brussels
ECTN signed the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with the European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage
30 November 2016
Raitis Sijats, President of ECTN, Chairman of Vidzeme Tourism Association (Latvia) signed Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage (E-FAITH).
E-FAITH promotes the research in and study, recording, conservation, development, management, and interpretation of Industrial and Technical Heritage and
facilitates co-operation in Europe between those engaged in these activities.
The Memorandum aims at setting the guidelines for the cooperation between ECTN and E-FAITH, in order to enhance joint cooperation by pursuing active and fruitful formal relationships in the future.
The Memorandum will provide mutual opportunity to have ever closer cooperation in the common topics, such as: make joint submissions to EU institutions on relevant matters and respond to consultations; organise joint events on themes of common interest and mutual benefit, undertake exchanges on cultural and industrial heritage tourism development and promotion; cooperate for the training of guides and interpreters of industrial heritage sites for visitors, support the European Union Institutions (Commission DG GROW Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries Unit and DG Culture, the European Parliament Transport and Tourism Committee and Culture Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee), as well as jointly seek support from relevant European Union programmes, funds and initiatives.
30 November 2016
Raitis Sijats, President of ECTN, Chairman of Vidzeme Tourism Association (Latvia) signed Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage (E-FAITH).
E-FAITH promotes the research in and study, recording, conservation, development, management, and interpretation of Industrial and Technical Heritage and
facilitates co-operation in Europe between those engaged in these activities.
The Memorandum aims at setting the guidelines for the cooperation between ECTN and E-FAITH, in order to enhance joint cooperation by pursuing active and fruitful formal relationships in the future.
The Memorandum will provide mutual opportunity to have ever closer cooperation in the common topics, such as: make joint submissions to EU institutions on relevant matters and respond to consultations; organise joint events on themes of common interest and mutual benefit, undertake exchanges on cultural and industrial heritage tourism development and promotion; cooperate for the training of guides and interpreters of industrial heritage sites for visitors, support the European Union Institutions (Commission DG GROW Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries Unit and DG Culture, the European Parliament Transport and Tourism Committee and Culture Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee), as well as jointly seek support from relevant European Union programmes, funds and initiatives.
ECTN at ‘World Travel Market’ tourism fair in London, 7-9 November 2016
10 November 2016
ECTN members participated as exhibitors at this year’s ‘World Travel Market’ (WTM) tourism fair in London’s Excel exhibition venue: Central Macedonia Region (Greece), Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (Cyprus), Granada (Andalucia, Spain), Burgas (Bulgaria), Sibiu (Romania), Ave & Alto Minhio (North Portugal), Bournemouth University (UK), were there. The ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas and Coordinator Ieva Treija visited the members’ stands and promoted the activities of ECTN to other destinations and institutions at WTM.
ECTN representatives attended the World Responsible Tourism Day (WRTD) 10th anniversary events at WTM. ECTN and its previous project CHARTS INTERREG IVC had been official supporters of WRTD in previous years.
The ECTN Secretary met UNWTO Secretary-General Mr Talib Rifai and Executive Director Mr Zoltan Somogyi and discussed about the inclusion of the ‘Siem Reap Declaration on Tourism and Culture’ of UNWTO & UNESCO in the second edition of the ‘Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism’, to be launched by ECTN at the end of November in Brussels. ECTN expressed interest in the UN ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017’ facilitated by UNWTO and offered to contribute to its success through Sustainable Cultural Tourism, also linked to the ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018’.
The ECTN Vice-President and Executive Manager of Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (Cyprus) Nasos Hatzigeorgiou attended the Workshop on the ‘The Phoenicians’ Route Cultural Tourism Programme’, where UNWTO and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) discussed pilot itineraries for the Phoenicians Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, in which Pafos is included. Further cooperation opportunities were discussed with the Phoenicians Cultural Route Director Antonio Barone and EICR Director Stefano Dominioni, also in the scope of the new project Cult-RInG of ECTN in the EU Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme.
The ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas also had discussions about potential cooperation with UNWTO’s ‘Silk Road Programme’, with UNWTO Officer for special field projects Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos and TWISSEN’s President Francesco Redi.
10 November 2016
ECTN members participated as exhibitors at this year’s ‘World Travel Market’ (WTM) tourism fair in London’s Excel exhibition venue: Central Macedonia Region (Greece), Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (Cyprus), Granada (Andalucia, Spain), Burgas (Bulgaria), Sibiu (Romania), Ave & Alto Minhio (North Portugal), Bournemouth University (UK), were there. The ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas and Coordinator Ieva Treija visited the members’ stands and promoted the activities of ECTN to other destinations and institutions at WTM.
ECTN representatives attended the World Responsible Tourism Day (WRTD) 10th anniversary events at WTM. ECTN and its previous project CHARTS INTERREG IVC had been official supporters of WRTD in previous years.
The ECTN Secretary met UNWTO Secretary-General Mr Talib Rifai and Executive Director Mr Zoltan Somogyi and discussed about the inclusion of the ‘Siem Reap Declaration on Tourism and Culture’ of UNWTO & UNESCO in the second edition of the ‘Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism’, to be launched by ECTN at the end of November in Brussels. ECTN expressed interest in the UN ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017’ facilitated by UNWTO and offered to contribute to its success through Sustainable Cultural Tourism, also linked to the ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018’.
The ECTN Vice-President and Executive Manager of Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (Cyprus) Nasos Hatzigeorgiou attended the Workshop on the ‘The Phoenicians’ Route Cultural Tourism Programme’, where UNWTO and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) discussed pilot itineraries for the Phoenicians Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, in which Pafos is included. Further cooperation opportunities were discussed with the Phoenicians Cultural Route Director Antonio Barone and EICR Director Stefano Dominioni, also in the scope of the new project Cult-RInG of ECTN in the EU Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme.
The ECTN Secretary-General Manos Vougioukas also had discussions about potential cooperation with UNWTO’s ‘Silk Road Programme’, with UNWTO Officer for special field projects Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos and TWISSEN’s President Francesco Redi.
Raitis Sijats, President of ECTN, Chairman of Vidzeme Tourism Association, 27.10.2016, Vilnius
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. This year`s forum focused on ‘Expanding the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: challenges and opportunities’.
R.Sijats joined more than 50 speakers at the forum, coming from the national, regional and local authorities, certified cultural routes and candidates, academics, experts and tourism professionals, along with representatives of International Organizations and European Institutions.
He spoke during the session entitled ‘Developing new themes and topics: Sustainable and cultural tourism’. Specifically, R.Sijats presented ECTN’s view on Cultural Routes and presented a new project ‘Cultural Routes as Investment for Growth and Jobs’ (Cult-RInG), in the Interreg Europe inter-regional cooperation programme (2nd Call), which highlights the value of investments in European Cultural Routes, in terms of their contribution to Growth & Jobs, with capitalization of good practices, policy learning, policy implementation, development of new Cultural Routes, monitoring and capacity building.
More information about the Forum can be found here: http://culturalroutesvilnius.kpd.lt/en/home/
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. This year`s forum focused on ‘Expanding the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: challenges and opportunities’.
R.Sijats joined more than 50 speakers at the forum, coming from the national, regional and local authorities, certified cultural routes and candidates, academics, experts and tourism professionals, along with representatives of International Organizations and European Institutions.
He spoke during the session entitled ‘Developing new themes and topics: Sustainable and cultural tourism’. Specifically, R.Sijats presented ECTN’s view on Cultural Routes and presented a new project ‘Cultural Routes as Investment for Growth and Jobs’ (Cult-RInG), in the Interreg Europe inter-regional cooperation programme (2nd Call), which highlights the value of investments in European Cultural Routes, in terms of their contribution to Growth & Jobs, with capitalization of good practices, policy learning, policy implementation, development of new Cultural Routes, monitoring and capacity building.
More information about the Forum can be found here: http://culturalroutesvilnius.kpd.lt/en/home/
European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 announced with particular reference to sustainable cultural tourism
2 September 2016
The European Commission has published the awaited Communication (COM(2016) 543), regarding its proposal to the European Parliament and Council to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH). The proposal includes several references to tourism, particularly sustainable cultural tourism. ECTN is looking forward to actively participate in the EYCH 2018, by providing the vital link between cultural heritage and cultural tourism.
In particular, one of the three main objectives of EYCH2018 includes inter-alia ‘to promote sustainable tourism’, as well as ‘to underpin the cultural and creative industries and inspire creation’ and ‘enhance social cohesion and generate long-term employment’.
Furthermore, one if the specific objectives is to: ‘encourage local development strategies that tap into the potential of heritage including through the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism’. Another specific objective calls for: ‘stronger interaction between the cultural and creative sectors and communities and the heritage sector’ and ‘promote heritage as a source of inspiration for contemporary creation and innovation’. All of the above dovetail greatly with the aims and activities of ECTN.
Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: "Our cultural heritage is more than the memory of our past; it is the key to our future. A European Year of Cultural Heritage will be an opportunity to raise awareness of the social and economic importance of cultural heritage and to promote European excellence in the sector. I call on the European Parliament and Council to support our proposal and invite all stakeholders to help make this year a success."
The proposal recognises that cultural heritage plays a strong economic role. Over 300,000 people are directly employed in the European cultural heritage sector and 7.8 million European jobs are indirectly linked to cultural heritage, for example in tourism.
According to the Commission, the 2018 Year of Cultural Heritage will be an occasion to highlight the importance of European culture, and what the EU can do regarding conservation, digitisation, infrastructure, research and the development of skills. Events will be organised across Europe, as well as information, education and awareness-raising campaigns. It will provide an opportunity to seek answers to the challenges of decreasing public budgets in culture, declining participation in traditional cultural activities, environmental pressures on heritage sites, evolving value chains and digital transformation. ECTN and its members can contribute to and benefit from the above planned activities of EYCH 2018.
The Communication acknowledges the role of the ‘European Heritage Alliance 3.3’ (EHA), of which ECTN is an active member, in facilitating the rich debate at EU level regarding policy developments on cultural heritage. EHA brings together relevant networks and organisations, coordinated by Europa Nostra. Alliance 3.3 refers to Article 3.3 of the ‘Treaty on European Union’ that states: ‘… the EU shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe's cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced’.
ECTN greatly welcomes the EYCH 2018 and will strive to incorporate its activities into the EYCH programme. In particular, the Interreg Europe CHRISTA Project Interregional Workshops on Industrial Heritage in Goteborg, Sweden, and Heritage Interpretation in Sibiu, Romania, to be held during the preparation year 2017, will be enriched in the scope of EYCH and the Workshop on Innovation and Digitization in Latvia to be held in early 2018 will be included in the EYCH activities. Furthermore, the ECTN annual Conference (11th edition) to be held in September 2018 will be planned as an event within the EYCH framework and programme.
2 September 2016
The European Commission has published the awaited Communication (COM(2016) 543), regarding its proposal to the European Parliament and Council to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH). The proposal includes several references to tourism, particularly sustainable cultural tourism. ECTN is looking forward to actively participate in the EYCH 2018, by providing the vital link between cultural heritage and cultural tourism.
In particular, one of the three main objectives of EYCH2018 includes inter-alia ‘to promote sustainable tourism’, as well as ‘to underpin the cultural and creative industries and inspire creation’ and ‘enhance social cohesion and generate long-term employment’.
Furthermore, one if the specific objectives is to: ‘encourage local development strategies that tap into the potential of heritage including through the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism’. Another specific objective calls for: ‘stronger interaction between the cultural and creative sectors and communities and the heritage sector’ and ‘promote heritage as a source of inspiration for contemporary creation and innovation’. All of the above dovetail greatly with the aims and activities of ECTN.
Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: "Our cultural heritage is more than the memory of our past; it is the key to our future. A European Year of Cultural Heritage will be an opportunity to raise awareness of the social and economic importance of cultural heritage and to promote European excellence in the sector. I call on the European Parliament and Council to support our proposal and invite all stakeholders to help make this year a success."
The proposal recognises that cultural heritage plays a strong economic role. Over 300,000 people are directly employed in the European cultural heritage sector and 7.8 million European jobs are indirectly linked to cultural heritage, for example in tourism.
According to the Commission, the 2018 Year of Cultural Heritage will be an occasion to highlight the importance of European culture, and what the EU can do regarding conservation, digitisation, infrastructure, research and the development of skills. Events will be organised across Europe, as well as information, education and awareness-raising campaigns. It will provide an opportunity to seek answers to the challenges of decreasing public budgets in culture, declining participation in traditional cultural activities, environmental pressures on heritage sites, evolving value chains and digital transformation. ECTN and its members can contribute to and benefit from the above planned activities of EYCH 2018.
The Communication acknowledges the role of the ‘European Heritage Alliance 3.3’ (EHA), of which ECTN is an active member, in facilitating the rich debate at EU level regarding policy developments on cultural heritage. EHA brings together relevant networks and organisations, coordinated by Europa Nostra. Alliance 3.3 refers to Article 3.3 of the ‘Treaty on European Union’ that states: ‘… the EU shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe's cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced’.
ECTN greatly welcomes the EYCH 2018 and will strive to incorporate its activities into the EYCH programme. In particular, the Interreg Europe CHRISTA Project Interregional Workshops on Industrial Heritage in Goteborg, Sweden, and Heritage Interpretation in Sibiu, Romania, to be held during the preparation year 2017, will be enriched in the scope of EYCH and the Workshop on Innovation and Digitization in Latvia to be held in early 2018 will be included in the EYCH activities. Furthermore, the ECTN annual Conference (11th edition) to be held in September 2018 will be planned as an event within the EYCH framework and programme.
Ieva Treija, Coordinator of ECTN, Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of European Travel Commission
CTN signs the European Tourism Manifesto for Growth & Jobs
16 June 2016
The European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) has signed the European Tourism Manifesto for Growth and Jobs.
European public and private tourism stakeholders have united and with a common voice have presented this Tourism for Growth and Jobs Manifesto. The document highlights the EU policy priorities for the sector in the coming years.
ECTN is enthusiastic about this Manifesto due to the inclusion of 'preservation of cultural heritage' on the cover page, in terms of tourism benefits and stronger awareness of European citizenship, as well as explicit references to thematic tourism including culture, gastronomy and cycle routes, quality schemes including heritage, digitalisation, diversification, visitor economy, climate and job creation goals, local communities, visitor's experience, multi-modal mobility, connectivity, accessibility, holistic European approach, EU funding and integrated approach to the travel and tourism sector. ECTN is committed to all of the above priorities.
ECTN is the only signatory of the Tourism Manifesto with a clear focus on cultural and heritage tourism. Furthermore, ECTN as an active member of the European Heritage Alliance led by Europa Nostra can provide uniquely the very important and vital link between cultural heritage and the tourism for growth and jobs, including the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 activities linked to sustainable cultural tourism.
More information on the Manifesto can be found here: www.tourismmanifesto.eu
16 June 2016
The European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) has signed the European Tourism Manifesto for Growth and Jobs.
European public and private tourism stakeholders have united and with a common voice have presented this Tourism for Growth and Jobs Manifesto. The document highlights the EU policy priorities for the sector in the coming years.
ECTN is enthusiastic about this Manifesto due to the inclusion of 'preservation of cultural heritage' on the cover page, in terms of tourism benefits and stronger awareness of European citizenship, as well as explicit references to thematic tourism including culture, gastronomy and cycle routes, quality schemes including heritage, digitalisation, diversification, visitor economy, climate and job creation goals, local communities, visitor's experience, multi-modal mobility, connectivity, accessibility, holistic European approach, EU funding and integrated approach to the travel and tourism sector. ECTN is committed to all of the above priorities.
ECTN is the only signatory of the Tourism Manifesto with a clear focus on cultural and heritage tourism. Furthermore, ECTN as an active member of the European Heritage Alliance led by Europa Nostra can provide uniquely the very important and vital link between cultural heritage and the tourism for growth and jobs, including the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 activities linked to sustainable cultural tourism.
More information on the Manifesto can be found here: www.tourismmanifesto.eu
Representatives from Europa Nostra and other European networks congratulating Commissioner Navracsics and MEP Silvia Costa after their speeches at the European Cultural Forum.
Photo: Europa Nostra
European Commission announces 2018 as ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage’ proposal to European Parliament and the Council of Ministers
20 April 2016
ECTN is very pleased to inform its members and associates that during the opening session of the bi-annual European Culture Forum in Brussels on 19 April 2016, Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, formally announced that the European Commission will officially propose to the EU Council and the European Parliament a European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018, following an exchange of letters between Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Parliament President Martin Schultz. This announcement was followed by a powerful and engaged speech by Silvia Costa, MEP, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament. Silvia Costa has been one of the main supporters of the proposed Year within the European Parliament and is in close dialogue with all stakeholders concerned.
The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 initiative had been actively supported and promoted by the European Heritage Alliance 3.3 (EHA), in which ECTN is an active member, led by Europa Nostra. Representatives of EHA had the opportunity to congratulate in person Commissioner Navracsics and MEP Silvia Costa immediately after their speeches on their decisive leadership and commitment to rallying the support of the European Commission and European Parliament for the proposed European Year of Cultural Heritage. EHA and Europa Nostra assured these high-level officials of EU Institutions that the civil society networks and organisations active in the field of heritage stand ready to contribute to the implementation of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018 with creativity and energy. During the plenary session of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3., held on the eve of the European Culture Forum (18 April - World Heritage Day!), at the Europa Nostra's Brussels Office with the participation of ECTN, we had a preliminary discussion on the main messages we hope to convey, the tools we intend to use, as well as the outcomes which we aim to achieve during the Year.
ECTN looks forward to celebrating the future European Year of Cultural Heritage, with its members and partners, in close cooperation with EHA and Europa Nostra. ECTN proposes to provide the vital link between cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development, mobilising additional resources before and during 2018. In particular ECTN will propose to the partners of the new CHRISTA Interreg Europe project co-funded by ERDF that the project activities take place within the scope of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, with EHA members as key stakeholders.
Europa Nostra Secretary-General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović wrote: “At a time when the European Union is confronted with a wide range of political, economic and social challenges, and at a time when the entire European project is threatened by alarming forms of extremism and Euroscepticism, the decision to declare 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage has a very special meaning and significance, both for the European Union Institutions and Member States and for Europe's communities and citizens. Therefore we now wish to reach out to each and every member of our wide European family, to listen carefully to your views, concerns, dreams and ideas, and to invite you to get actively engaged in the exciting process ahead of us.”
ECTN fully shares this statement and congratulates EHA and Europa Nostra for this achievement. ECTN is ready and willing to make 2018 a great year for European cultural tourism!
20 April 2016
ECTN is very pleased to inform its members and associates that during the opening session of the bi-annual European Culture Forum in Brussels on 19 April 2016, Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, formally announced that the European Commission will officially propose to the EU Council and the European Parliament a European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018, following an exchange of letters between Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Parliament President Martin Schultz. This announcement was followed by a powerful and engaged speech by Silvia Costa, MEP, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament. Silvia Costa has been one of the main supporters of the proposed Year within the European Parliament and is in close dialogue with all stakeholders concerned.
The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 initiative had been actively supported and promoted by the European Heritage Alliance 3.3 (EHA), in which ECTN is an active member, led by Europa Nostra. Representatives of EHA had the opportunity to congratulate in person Commissioner Navracsics and MEP Silvia Costa immediately after their speeches on their decisive leadership and commitment to rallying the support of the European Commission and European Parliament for the proposed European Year of Cultural Heritage. EHA and Europa Nostra assured these high-level officials of EU Institutions that the civil society networks and organisations active in the field of heritage stand ready to contribute to the implementation of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018 with creativity and energy. During the plenary session of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3., held on the eve of the European Culture Forum (18 April - World Heritage Day!), at the Europa Nostra's Brussels Office with the participation of ECTN, we had a preliminary discussion on the main messages we hope to convey, the tools we intend to use, as well as the outcomes which we aim to achieve during the Year.
ECTN looks forward to celebrating the future European Year of Cultural Heritage, with its members and partners, in close cooperation with EHA and Europa Nostra. ECTN proposes to provide the vital link between cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development, mobilising additional resources before and during 2018. In particular ECTN will propose to the partners of the new CHRISTA Interreg Europe project co-funded by ERDF that the project activities take place within the scope of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, with EHA members as key stakeholders.
Europa Nostra Secretary-General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović wrote: “At a time when the European Union is confronted with a wide range of political, economic and social challenges, and at a time when the entire European project is threatened by alarming forms of extremism and Euroscepticism, the decision to declare 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage has a very special meaning and significance, both for the European Union Institutions and Member States and for Europe's communities and citizens. Therefore we now wish to reach out to each and every member of our wide European family, to listen carefully to your views, concerns, dreams and ideas, and to invite you to get actively engaged in the exciting process ahead of us.”
ECTN fully shares this statement and congratulates EHA and Europa Nostra for this achievement. ECTN is ready and willing to make 2018 a great year for European cultural tourism!
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!'
Former EU Commissioner for Culture becomes the first Honorary Member of ECTN
12 November 2015
For the first time in the history of ECTN, a Honorary Member has been admitted, Ms. Androulla Vassiliou, former European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, for her important contribution towards the development and promotion of cultural tourism in Europe.
The decision to nominate and admit Ms. A.Vassiliou as Honorary Member of ECTN was taken at the General Assembly held in Riga on 17th September 2015, as her international reputation goes without saying and reputation in Europe was certainly enhanced by her contribution at international conference ‘Cultural Tourism in the Experience Economy’ organized by ECTN on 25 October 2013 in Pafos (Cyprus), with an important video message.
A special event for the award will be organized. The date and place will be announced in the near future.
ECTN awards Honorary Membership to persons, who have been particularly distinguished in the field of cultural tourism. Honorary Members are not subject to membership fees and have an advisory function.
12 November 2015
For the first time in the history of ECTN, a Honorary Member has been admitted, Ms. Androulla Vassiliou, former European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, for her important contribution towards the development and promotion of cultural tourism in Europe.
The decision to nominate and admit Ms. A.Vassiliou as Honorary Member of ECTN was taken at the General Assembly held in Riga on 17th September 2015, as her international reputation goes without saying and reputation in Europe was certainly enhanced by her contribution at international conference ‘Cultural Tourism in the Experience Economy’ organized by ECTN on 25 October 2013 in Pafos (Cyprus), with an important video message.
A special event for the award will be organized. The date and place will be announced in the near future.
ECTN awards Honorary Membership to persons, who have been particularly distinguished in the field of cultural tourism. Honorary Members are not subject to membership fees and have an advisory function.
New Member of the Board elected at General Assembly
17 September 2015
At General Assembly, which took place in Riga on 17 September 2015, Intermunicipal Community of Ave Region/Comunidade Intermunicipal do Ave (CIM AVE, Portugal), was elected as a new member of the Board of ECTN.
CIM-AVE is a governmental organization that administrates the NUT III level region, it is ruled by a Council of Mayors and a Chairman representing the 8 municipalities involved and roughly half a million people. As Public Regional Authority it has delegated powers from North Regional Coordination and Development Commission and have a rights to develop policies by itself, including tourism regulations and heritage visit rules.
17 September 2015
At General Assembly, which took place in Riga on 17 September 2015, Intermunicipal Community of Ave Region/Comunidade Intermunicipal do Ave (CIM AVE, Portugal), was elected as a new member of the Board of ECTN.
CIM-AVE is a governmental organization that administrates the NUT III level region, it is ruled by a Council of Mayors and a Chairman representing the 8 municipalities involved and roughly half a million people. As Public Regional Authority it has delegated powers from North Regional Coordination and Development Commission and have a rights to develop policies by itself, including tourism regulations and heritage visit rules.
ECTN signed memorandum of understanding to establish interregional and transnational cooperation
4 May 2015, Volos, GR
Kostas Chalevas, President of ECTN , President of EKPOL – Social and Cultural Council and Regional Councillor of Thessalia Region (Greece) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Network ‘Alpine Pearls’ – 27 municipalities across the alpine regions of Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, France and Switzerland, to establish a strategic interregional and transnational cooperation in the field of sustainable and cultural tourism.
The MoU aims at setting the guidelines for the cooperation between ECTN and Alpine Pearls, in order to take advantage of the experiences of both networks for the implementation of common activities, exchange good practices and policy instruments and the developing of common EU projects in the field of sustainable and cultural tourism.
The MoU will provide opportunity for Members – destination authorities of both networks to promote and exchange best practices of sustainable tourism, to support the developing of project ideas and lobbying activities in the preparation of EU projects, to be invited to the annual events and to response to relevant EU consultations for sustainable and cultural tourism development.
4 May 2015, Volos, GR
Kostas Chalevas, President of ECTN , President of EKPOL – Social and Cultural Council and Regional Councillor of Thessalia Region (Greece) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Network ‘Alpine Pearls’ – 27 municipalities across the alpine regions of Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, France and Switzerland, to establish a strategic interregional and transnational cooperation in the field of sustainable and cultural tourism.
The MoU aims at setting the guidelines for the cooperation between ECTN and Alpine Pearls, in order to take advantage of the experiences of both networks for the implementation of common activities, exchange good practices and policy instruments and the developing of common EU projects in the field of sustainable and cultural tourism.
The MoU will provide opportunity for Members – destination authorities of both networks to promote and exchange best practices of sustainable tourism, to support the developing of project ideas and lobbying activities in the preparation of EU projects, to be invited to the annual events and to response to relevant EU consultations for sustainable and cultural tourism development.
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Cultural Tourism serves about half of cruise passengers
5 March 2015, Square Conference Centre, Brussels In order to obtain direct information and learn about sustainable coastal tourism for economy for the creation of jobs and growth, as well as on promotion of Blue Growth, ECTN participated at the first ‘Pan-European dialogue between cruise operators, ports and coastal tourism stakeholders’, organized by DG GROWTH. As announced in action 3 of the Communication "A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism", the European Commission promoted a structured dialogue on cruise tourism to enhance synergies in the sector, targeting best practice sharing in innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability strategies. During this event, 'cooperation' was the word mostly used throughout sessions as cultural tourism serves about half of cruise passengers and competition and cooperation should co-exist to guarantee sustainable cruise tourism for Europe. Commissioner Karmenu Vella announced that after this Conference will follow up the Dialogue at regional level, to go deeper into the specific issues of each region, to build on synergies created and to take forward the discussions on issues highlighted by this launching conference. More information. |
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ECTN supports 'European Industrial and Technical Heritage Year 2015'
6 March 2015, Committee of the Regions, Brussels ECTN presented three initiatives on ‘industrial heritage’ from tourism perspective in Brussels, during the Start meeting of E-FAITH campaign 'European Industrial and Technical Heritage Year 2015', organised by E-FAITH: European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage. Initiatives of ECTN included the Annual Conference with open Call for Speakers, Award 2015 contest and new project idea for INTERREG EUROPE programme 2014-2020, where one of the theme is ‘industrial heritage tourism', as a result of INTERREG IVC project CHARTS. Presentations:
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New project ideas were presented at the Interreg Europe launch event 'Europe - let`s Cooperate!'
2 - 3 December 2014, Bologna, Italy In order to continue seek for an opportunities to capitalize INTERREG IVC CHARTS project results and outputs after project ends, Coordinator of ECTN together with CHARTS Project Coordinator actively participated at the new programme INTERREG EUROPE launch event ‘Europe – let`s Cooperate!’, which was organized by Joint Technical Secretariat of INTERREG IVC programme 2007 - 2013. This event brought together policymakers and practitioners from all over Europe working in the four topics: research and innovation, competitiveness of SMEs, low-carbon economy and the environment and resource efficiency, as well as offered to meet staff of JTS, other regional / local authorities, agencies, research institutes, thematic policy organisations, representatives of relevant EU thematic networks and communities, INTERREG IVC project partners and stakeholders and other representatives from EU institutions working on the topics covered by the new Programme. Particular interest was on the topic ‘Environment and resource efficiency” which includes tourism, culture and heritage. The special workshop on this topic was attended, information and clarifications on the programme rules, partnerships, proposals and other obligations received. This forum offered possibility to networking with others in order to exchange project ideas, find partners and exchange experience. During 2 days event, ECTN shared following 6 topics as stated in the key output of the CHARTS – THESSALIA CHARTER:
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