Who We Are
European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) is the only pan-European network for Cultural Tourism Development and promotion.
ECTN is an international association registered under Belgian Law.
ECTN Members are destinations, authorities, NGOs and research institutes.
ECTN is a member of European Heritage Alliance coordinated by Europa Nostra and Signatory of the European Tourism Manifesto for Growth and Jobs, coordinated by the European Travel Commission.
ECTN currently numbers 29 members in 19 countries, including 13 EU member states and 6 associated countries. There are 20 full members destination authorities, and 9 associate members Institutes, Universities and NGOs.
European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) is the only pan-European network for Cultural Tourism Development and promotion.
ECTN is an international association registered under Belgian Law.
ECTN Members are destinations, authorities, NGOs and research institutes.
ECTN is a member of European Heritage Alliance coordinated by Europa Nostra and Signatory of the European Tourism Manifesto for Growth and Jobs, coordinated by the European Travel Commission.
ECTN currently numbers 29 members in 19 countries, including 13 EU member states and 6 associated countries. There are 20 full members destination authorities, and 9 associate members Institutes, Universities and NGOs.
Our Vision
ECTN aims to achieve a high level of collaboration between Members in the field of Cultural Tourism and to establish a close cooperation with the institutions of the European Union and other international organizations, networks and public institutions worldwide.
Our Mission
ECTN mission is to bring together the tourism and cultural industry professionals working in different regions of Europe to exchange experience and information on best practice and to develop new approaches and innovations.
Our History
The European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) was established in Brussels in 2009, following the merger of the networks set up by ECTN INTERREG IIIC operation led by Wales and CHIRON INTERREG IIIB CADSES (Network for European Cultural Tourism Authorities & Regions - NECTAR), led by EKPOL - Social & Cultural Council’ of the then Magnesia Prefecture, now of Thessalia Region, Greece.
Our Objectives
- facilitate sharing of research
- facilitate the development of transnational and inter-regional cooperation projects
- ensure improved cooperation and integration between the tourism and cultural sectors
- develop and improve training opportunities
- enable exchange of experience and best practice
- develop common responses to European Commission and other EU institutions consultations
- link with other networks
- create new and innovative approaches and tools
How We Work
ECTN works through three groups which are responsible to the Board and Directors:
- Research group led by University of Barcelona (Spain) work collaboratively on research to improve our understanding of the contribution that cultural tourism makes to regional economies, the role that it plays in stimulating the creative industries and the universities and high education establishments with an interest in cultural tourism.
- Practitioners Group led by Sibiu County Tourism Association (Romania) exchange best practice and work collaboratively on the development of practical tools to improve the planning and management of cultural tourism destinations.
- Policy group led by Region of Central Macedonia (Greece) utilize the evidence from the Research and Practitioner groups to influence policy makers working alongside regional politicians.
What We Do
ECTN organizes annual Conferences and Award contest for Destinations across Europe, as well as participate at the relevant events with our contribution and provide expertise on Cultural Tourism Development and Promotion.
We collaborate with other organisations and institutions across Europe and support other initiatives .
Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism
ECTN has adopted the 'Thessalia Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism', first presented at Volos, Thessalia Regio, Greece, in September 2014, as an output of the CHARTS INTERREG IVC project (2012-2014). A second edition was launched in Brussels in November 2016, after the European Tourism Day.
This Charter is a statement of principles on regional policies and strategies which guide the development, planning, management, operations and promotion of cultural and heritage tourism in the European Union and beyond, for the benefit of destinations, communities, businesses, citizens and visitors.
The third edition of the Charter is a contribution by ECTN to the 'European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018', launched in October 2018, supporetd by Interreg Europe CHRISTA & Cult-RInG projects. The third edition can be dowloaded here.
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