
ECTN Conference and Awards 2024 announced at the launch of 'Dublin European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024'
The 17th ECTN Cultural Tourism Conference and Awards ceremony will take place during 23-26 October 2024 in Dublin, Ireland, hosted by Dublin City Council as part of the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 activities.
The 17th ECTN Cultural Tourism Conference and Awards ceremony will take place during 23-26 October 2024 in Dublin, Ireland, hosted by Dublin City Council as part of the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 activities.

20 December 2022
Sibiu village 'Rășinari' wins UNWTO Best Tourism Village award !
ECTN member Sibiu County Tourism Association (current ECTN Vice-Presidency) has succeeded in winning the UNWTO Best Village award for Rășinari village in Romania.
Sibiu County Tourism Association stated: "We're happy and honored that Rasinari has won this international competition launched by UNWTO. Rasinari is the new Best Tourism Village 2022, our village being nominated by the experts and specialists members in the Consultative Council of UNWTO, among 130 candidates from 57 countries. Thus, Rasinari becomes a member of the UNWTO network built in order to facilitate information exchange, experiences and good practices among the villages that share the same title but also those included in the Upgrade Program".
This is the link describing Rasinari on UNWTO webpage:
https://www.unwto.org/tourism-villages/en/villages/rasinari/
Sibiu village 'Rășinari' wins UNWTO Best Tourism Village award !
ECTN member Sibiu County Tourism Association (current ECTN Vice-Presidency) has succeeded in winning the UNWTO Best Village award for Rășinari village in Romania.
Sibiu County Tourism Association stated: "We're happy and honored that Rasinari has won this international competition launched by UNWTO. Rasinari is the new Best Tourism Village 2022, our village being nominated by the experts and specialists members in the Consultative Council of UNWTO, among 130 candidates from 57 countries. Thus, Rasinari becomes a member of the UNWTO network built in order to facilitate information exchange, experiences and good practices among the villages that share the same title but also those included in the Upgrade Program".
This is the link describing Rasinari on UNWTO webpage:
https://www.unwto.org/tourism-villages/en/villages/rasinari/

3 March 2023
Inauguration of Pafos as 'European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023'
Phedon Phedonos, Mayor of Pafos Region, officially unveiled the city’s brand new hashtag sculpture, marking #Pafos’ year as #EUTourismCapital.
Representatives of the European Commission DG GROW handed over the award to the Mayor of Pafos and to Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, current ECTN Presidency.
Inauguration of Pafos as 'European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023'
Phedon Phedonos, Mayor of Pafos Region, officially unveiled the city’s brand new hashtag sculpture, marking #Pafos’ year as #EUTourismCapital.
Representatives of the European Commission DG GROW handed over the award to the Mayor of Pafos and to Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, current ECTN Presidency.

17 April 2023
ECTN has joined the Climate Heritage Network (CHN) following the approval of its membership application by the Network’s international Steering Committee on 14 April.
The CHN aims to unlock culture’s potential by connecting cultural voices to each other and to partners across diverse artistic mediums, regional scales, and economic sectors.
ECTN's role in the CHN is to highlight the sustainable cultural tourism aspects of climate change and climate action.
The Climate Heritage Network is a global network whose members are committed to mobilising arts, culture and heritage to address climate change and support communities in achieving the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. Launched in 2019, the CHN seeks to scale up culture-based climate action and to foreground the cultural dimensions of climate policy through coordination and cooperation among its members.
CHN members work with all types of culture including arts and music; museums and libraries; landscapes, heritage sites and archaeology; and intangible heritage. CHN members include government at all levels, civil society, universities, cultural institutions, artists and creative industries.
ECTN has joined the Climate Heritage Network (CHN) following the approval of its membership application by the Network’s international Steering Committee on 14 April.
The CHN aims to unlock culture’s potential by connecting cultural voices to each other and to partners across diverse artistic mediums, regional scales, and economic sectors.
ECTN's role in the CHN is to highlight the sustainable cultural tourism aspects of climate change and climate action.
The Climate Heritage Network is a global network whose members are committed to mobilising arts, culture and heritage to address climate change and support communities in achieving the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. Launched in 2019, the CHN seeks to scale up culture-based climate action and to foreground the cultural dimensions of climate policy through coordination and cooperation among its members.
CHN members work with all types of culture including arts and music; museums and libraries; landscapes, heritage sites and archaeology; and intangible heritage. CHN members include government at all levels, civil society, universities, cultural institutions, artists and creative industries.

ECTN welcomes the European Heritage Awards/ Europa Nostra Awards 2023
Heritage supporters and enthusiasts are now encouraged to discover the winners and vote online to decide who will win the Public Choice Award 2023
Press release
#EuropeanHeritageAwards
Heritage supporters and enthusiasts are now encouraged to discover the winners and vote online to decide who will win the Public Choice Award 2023
Press release
#EuropeanHeritageAwards

ECTN members Bremerhaven and Cork finalists in the 'European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024' Award!
ECTN is proud that two of our members, Bremerhaven, Germany, and Cork, Republic of Ireland, are selected in the seven finalists for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 Award. The finalists will present their bids to the European Jury in Brussels at the end of November, and the winners will be announced on 28 November. All the best to ECTN members Bremerhaven and Cork!
The ECTN presidency Pafos, Cyprus, is the current European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023 (together with Seville, Spain).
ECTN has supported the European Capital of Smart Tourism Awards since the launch in 2019. Cultural Heritage and Creativity, as well as Sustainability are two of the four components of Smart Tourism directly linked to Sustainable Cultural Tourism that ECTN facilitates and promotes.
ECTN is proud that two of our members, Bremerhaven, Germany, and Cork, Republic of Ireland, are selected in the seven finalists for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 Award. The finalists will present their bids to the European Jury in Brussels at the end of November, and the winners will be announced on 28 November. All the best to ECTN members Bremerhaven and Cork!
The ECTN presidency Pafos, Cyprus, is the current European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023 (together with Seville, Spain).
ECTN has supported the European Capital of Smart Tourism Awards since the launch in 2019. Cultural Heritage and Creativity, as well as Sustainability are two of the four components of Smart Tourism directly linked to Sustainable Cultural Tourism that ECTN facilitates and promotes.
ECTN Workshop at European Week of Regions and Cities
Relaunching European Sustainable Tourism through Cultural Heritage Cooperation and Digitalisation Online, 13 October 2022, 11:30 Brussels time including ECTN projects: ReInHerit Horizon2020, Cult-CreaTE Interreg Europe, CHRISTA Interreg Europe |

ECTN participated in the 11th Cultural Routes Forum in Crete

ECTN participated in the:
“International Conference on Cultural Tourism Advances”
27-28 June 2023, Brussels
Venue:
KU Leuven, Brussels Campus, Hermes Building, Warmoesberg 43, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
ECTN had a presentation on:
"Cultural Heritage Management Guidelines for Sustainable Cultural Tourism Development and Promotion", based on the ReInHerit Horizon2020 CSA, on 27 June,
and participated in the closing panel on "contemporary and future cultural tourism trends and policy strategies, identifying current state-of-the-art, remaining gaps of knowledge to be bridged and their integration in European policies and executive branches", with representatives of UNESCO, European Travel Commission, Europa Nostra, European Commission DG Research and Innovation, DG EAC and DG GROW, on 28 June.
Programme
“International Conference on Cultural Tourism Advances”
27-28 June 2023, Brussels
Venue:
KU Leuven, Brussels Campus, Hermes Building, Warmoesberg 43, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
ECTN had a presentation on:
"Cultural Heritage Management Guidelines for Sustainable Cultural Tourism Development and Promotion", based on the ReInHerit Horizon2020 CSA, on 27 June,
and participated in the closing panel on "contemporary and future cultural tourism trends and policy strategies, identifying current state-of-the-art, remaining gaps of knowledge to be bridged and their integration in European policies and executive branches", with representatives of UNESCO, European Travel Commission, Europa Nostra, European Commission DG Research and Innovation, DG EAC and DG GROW, on 28 June.
Programme

9 November 2022
Pafos, current ECTN Presidency, a European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2023!
Pafos is a European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023, together with Seville. Pafos Regional Board of Tourism currently holds the Presidency of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN).
The selection was made by a jury composed by representatives of EU institutions (European Parliament TRAN Commitee 1st Vice President, Committee of the Regions NAT Commission President, senior officers of European Commission DG GROW).
The announcement was made in Brussels today, following presentations of all finalists to the Jury and the decision of the Jury. In breaking the news, a member of the Jury stated:
"Pafos is a city full of initiatives, has become a smart leader, thanks to your forward looking approach, so well done for that! We were particularly impressed by the commitment to meeting ambitious sustainability objectives, with constant monitoring at the same time and a strategy retune in place. And we were also pleased with you realizing your plan to work together with previous winners of this competition.
You had a series of successes! You were a capital in ancient times, a former European Capital of Culture and now on top of this, well done, a 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism, well done again!"
This is the first time that a tourist destination in Cyprus wins this contest. Pafos and Seville are the two Capitals of Smart Tourism for 2023, selected amongst seven finalists. The finalists had been selected by a panel of independent experts with specialist knowledge covering each award category (accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, cultural heritage and creativity), who evaluated all submitted applications. This is the first time that a tourist destination in Cyprus wins this contest.
The cities that had been shortlisted for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023 award were Aarhus (Denmark), Gijón (Spain), Pafos (Cyprus), Porto (Portugal), San Sebastián (Spain), Seville (Spain), Zagreb (Croatia), as finalists selected from 29 candidates from 13 countries. All shortlisted cities presented their candidatures in front of a European Jury in Brussels on 9 September.
Coming with the title of 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism, communication and branding support throughout 2023 will be provided to the winners. This includes a promotional video, a specially designed hashtag sculpture for the city to display, and tailored promotional actions designed to increase visibility at EU and global level and increase the number of visitors.
Smart tourism, according to the European Commission's definition, responds to new challenges and demands in a fast-changing sector, including the evolution of digital tools, products and services; equal opportunity and access for all visitors; sustainable development of the local area; and support to creative industries, local talent and heritage.
ECTN having supported this EU initiative from the outset and the candidature of Pafos is very pleased that the current ECTN Presidency Pafos is one of the two European Capitals of Smart Tourism for 2023! Previously, another ECTN member, Bremerhaven had reached the final stage of this prestigious title.
We look forward to the synergies between Pafos ECTN Presidency and Smart Tourism Capital of Europe next year!
Congratulations and all the best for 2023 to Pafos and Seville!
Pafos, current ECTN Presidency, a European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2023!
Pafos is a European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023, together with Seville. Pafos Regional Board of Tourism currently holds the Presidency of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN).
The selection was made by a jury composed by representatives of EU institutions (European Parliament TRAN Commitee 1st Vice President, Committee of the Regions NAT Commission President, senior officers of European Commission DG GROW).
The announcement was made in Brussels today, following presentations of all finalists to the Jury and the decision of the Jury. In breaking the news, a member of the Jury stated:
"Pafos is a city full of initiatives, has become a smart leader, thanks to your forward looking approach, so well done for that! We were particularly impressed by the commitment to meeting ambitious sustainability objectives, with constant monitoring at the same time and a strategy retune in place. And we were also pleased with you realizing your plan to work together with previous winners of this competition.
You had a series of successes! You were a capital in ancient times, a former European Capital of Culture and now on top of this, well done, a 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism, well done again!"
This is the first time that a tourist destination in Cyprus wins this contest. Pafos and Seville are the two Capitals of Smart Tourism for 2023, selected amongst seven finalists. The finalists had been selected by a panel of independent experts with specialist knowledge covering each award category (accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, cultural heritage and creativity), who evaluated all submitted applications. This is the first time that a tourist destination in Cyprus wins this contest.
The cities that had been shortlisted for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023 award were Aarhus (Denmark), Gijón (Spain), Pafos (Cyprus), Porto (Portugal), San Sebastián (Spain), Seville (Spain), Zagreb (Croatia), as finalists selected from 29 candidates from 13 countries. All shortlisted cities presented their candidatures in front of a European Jury in Brussels on 9 September.
Coming with the title of 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism, communication and branding support throughout 2023 will be provided to the winners. This includes a promotional video, a specially designed hashtag sculpture for the city to display, and tailored promotional actions designed to increase visibility at EU and global level and increase the number of visitors.
Smart tourism, according to the European Commission's definition, responds to new challenges and demands in a fast-changing sector, including the evolution of digital tools, products and services; equal opportunity and access for all visitors; sustainable development of the local area; and support to creative industries, local talent and heritage.
ECTN having supported this EU initiative from the outset and the candidature of Pafos is very pleased that the current ECTN Presidency Pafos is one of the two European Capitals of Smart Tourism for 2023! Previously, another ECTN member, Bremerhaven had reached the final stage of this prestigious title.
We look forward to the synergies between Pafos ECTN Presidency and Smart Tourism Capital of Europe next year!
Congratulations and all the best for 2023 to Pafos and Seville!

ECTN welcomes the cooperation between UNWTO and
Council of Europe on promoting Cultural Routes
As announced on 23 November 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Council of Europe will work together to develop the opportunities tourism offers to local communities and to enhance the tourist experience along the European region's Cultural Routes.
ECTN strongly welcomes and will support this important initiative at all levels.
According to the announcement by both UNWTO and Council of Europe:
"The joint actions will be aimed at recognizing the added value that cultural routes offer for sustainable tourism development, cultural heritage safeguarding and intercultural dialogue. The collaboration will also further highlight the routes’ potential for advancing social, economic and cultural development, benefitting both Europe and its partner countries by strengthening cultural and historical ties."
All of the above are highly relevant to ECTN, in terms of sustainable cultural tourism development as a top prioriry along Cultural Routes and related UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ECTN is ready and willing to contribute to the UNWTO/Council of Europe initiative in the ECTN member destinations and related European Cultural Routes.
For more details please visit: UNWTO and Council of Europe websites.
Memorandum of Cooperation
Council of Europe on promoting Cultural Routes
As announced on 23 November 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Council of Europe will work together to develop the opportunities tourism offers to local communities and to enhance the tourist experience along the European region's Cultural Routes.
ECTN strongly welcomes and will support this important initiative at all levels.
According to the announcement by both UNWTO and Council of Europe:
"The joint actions will be aimed at recognizing the added value that cultural routes offer for sustainable tourism development, cultural heritage safeguarding and intercultural dialogue. The collaboration will also further highlight the routes’ potential for advancing social, economic and cultural development, benefitting both Europe and its partner countries by strengthening cultural and historical ties."
All of the above are highly relevant to ECTN, in terms of sustainable cultural tourism development as a top prioriry along Cultural Routes and related UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ECTN is ready and willing to contribute to the UNWTO/Council of Europe initiative in the ECTN member destinations and related European Cultural Routes.
For more details please visit: UNWTO and Council of Europe websites.
Memorandum of Cooperation

ECTN welcomes the publication 'Transition pathway for tourism' *
The aim of this report is to describe the measures and outputs needed to accelerate the green and digital transitions and improve the resilience of the tourism ecosystem. The objective is to encourage and invite all groups and stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem to engage and play their part in the initiative. The work to prepare the pathway has followed a collaborative approach involving all stakeholder groups. Similar active and productive collaboration should support also the way forward. Following the publication of this report, the Commission will invite tourism stakeholders to present their commitments to the transition pathway for tourism, and it will establish collaboration processes for the co-implementation and monitoring of the work. The follow-up of the transition pathway will be facilitated by an online stakeholder collaboration platform, which is to be established by end of 2022. The report includes several references in relation to cultural heritage tourism.
In particular, ECTN welcomes the several and highly relevant references on:
The above will be included in the updated ECTN Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism as well as in the contribution by ECTN on cultural heritage managememt guidelines in the framework of the ReInHerit Horizon2020 Coordination and Support Action.
* European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Transition pathway for tourism, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2873/344425
The aim of this report is to describe the measures and outputs needed to accelerate the green and digital transitions and improve the resilience of the tourism ecosystem. The objective is to encourage and invite all groups and stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem to engage and play their part in the initiative. The work to prepare the pathway has followed a collaborative approach involving all stakeholder groups. Similar active and productive collaboration should support also the way forward. Following the publication of this report, the Commission will invite tourism stakeholders to present their commitments to the transition pathway for tourism, and it will establish collaboration processes for the co-implementation and monitoring of the work. The follow-up of the transition pathway will be facilitated by an online stakeholder collaboration platform, which is to be established by end of 2022. The report includes several references in relation to cultural heritage tourism.
In particular, ECTN welcomes the several and highly relevant references on:
- cultural heritage and the potential to give customers unique and authentic experiences
- cultural and creative industries in their key role in the tourism ecosystem
- innovative tourism based on cultural heritage, traditions, arts and authentic cultural experiences
- cultural and active tourism experiences for visitors
- virtual and augmented reality services provide new ways to help preserve natural and cultural resources at risk, while enabling real-like visitor experiences
- linking with the objectives of European data space for cultural heritage to digitise cultural heritage assets, R&I in this area could provide new innovative, sustainable and accessible forms of tourism services
- innovative tourism services using advanced technologies (virtual reality, augmented reality, AI) and digitized cultural heritage
- use of cultural centres such as museums, theatres, libraries and archaeological sites, together with the integration of European and regional tourism policies, UNESCO sites, archaeological, marine and natural parks, villages and spa tourism, will be fundamental to increase the attractiveness of tourism
- develop and implement smart and sustainable tourism strategies at the right level in order to emphasise local identity specialities by encouraging the promotion and quality craftsmanship, especially for regions that highlight their gastronomy, local knowledge and traditions.
The above will be included in the updated ECTN Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism as well as in the contribution by ECTN on cultural heritage managememt guidelines in the framework of the ReInHerit Horizon2020 Coordination and Support Action.
* European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Transition pathway for tourism, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2873/344425

'St Paul's footsteps Cultural Route' under evaluation by the Council of Europe for certification
Following the submission of the applicationfor certification to the Council of Europe in July2021, the European Cultural Route "In the footsteps of St Paul, the Apostle of the nations" is under evaluation. The application has met the eligibility criteria as a candidate Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. ECTN is a founding member of the Cultural Route.
The expert appointed by the Council of Europe EICR has visited Central Macedonia Region in Greece (Presidency of the Cultural Route) and had discussions with founding members Lazio Region, Italy (Vice-Presidency) and Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, Cyprus (Treasurer). The expert's visit was facilitated by ECTN, founding member, Secretariat and Director of the Cultural Route European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). This is a legacy of the Cult-RInG Interreg Europe project in which ECTN has been the main instigator and an advisory partner.
Following the submission of the applicationfor certification to the Council of Europe in July2021, the European Cultural Route "In the footsteps of St Paul, the Apostle of the nations" is under evaluation. The application has met the eligibility criteria as a candidate Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. ECTN is a founding member of the Cultural Route.
The expert appointed by the Council of Europe EICR has visited Central Macedonia Region in Greece (Presidency of the Cultural Route) and had discussions with founding members Lazio Region, Italy (Vice-Presidency) and Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, Cyprus (Treasurer). The expert's visit was facilitated by ECTN, founding member, Secretariat and Director of the Cultural Route European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). This is a legacy of the Cult-RInG Interreg Europe project in which ECTN has been the main instigator and an advisory partner.


Mr Piet Jaspaert elected as ECTN Honorary member
The ECTN General Assembly has ratified the nomination by the ECTN Board for Mr Piet Jaspaert as an honarary member of ECTN.
Mr Piet Jaspaert is a Vice-President of 'Europa Nostra' and Chair of the 'European Heritage Alliance 3.3' meetings. He has been a speaker at 5 annual ECTN Conferences since 2017 and has supported ECTN events in Brussels in 2016 and 2018 (European Week of Regions & Cities). Since 2018 he has served as Chair of the joint Jury for the ECTN Awards. He is holder of a Medal of Honour by Europa Nostra for his services to cultural heritage.
ECTN Honorary members are individuals who have particularly distinguished themselves in the field of cultural tourism and have actively contributed to ECTN activities and events. The role of Honorary members is advisory.
Mr Jaspaert joins the previous ECTN Honorary members Androula Vassiliou, former Commissioner, Adrian Linders, Secretary-General of E-FAITH and Michael Cramer, former MEP and Chair of the TRAN Committee of EP.
The ECTN General Assembly has ratified the nomination by the ECTN Board for Mr Piet Jaspaert as an honarary member of ECTN.
Mr Piet Jaspaert is a Vice-President of 'Europa Nostra' and Chair of the 'European Heritage Alliance 3.3' meetings. He has been a speaker at 5 annual ECTN Conferences since 2017 and has supported ECTN events in Brussels in 2016 and 2018 (European Week of Regions & Cities). Since 2018 he has served as Chair of the joint Jury for the ECTN Awards. He is holder of a Medal of Honour by Europa Nostra for his services to cultural heritage.
ECTN Honorary members are individuals who have particularly distinguished themselves in the field of cultural tourism and have actively contributed to ECTN activities and events. The role of Honorary members is advisory.
Mr Jaspaert joins the previous ECTN Honorary members Androula Vassiliou, former Commissioner, Adrian Linders, Secretary-General of E-FAITH and Michael Cramer, former MEP and Chair of the TRAN Committee of EP.
DESTI-SMART Conference Cult-CreaTE Conference CHRISTA Thematic Workshop
Pafos, Cyprus Cesis, Vidzeme, Latvia Sibiu, Romania
Pafos, Cyprus Cesis, Vidzeme, Latvia Sibiu, Romania

ReInHerit Horizon 2020 CSA presented at Interreg Europe events by ECTN
The European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), a partner in the Horizon 2020 ReInHerit Coordination and Support Action (CSA), presented the ReInHerit CSA aims, approach and expected results at three relevant events in the Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme, with significant synergies, viz:
The role of ECTN in the ReInHerit CSA is to offer its substantial EU network for further project scientific results, dissemination and exploitation and communication, particularly in relation to cultural heritage tourism.
The European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), a partner in the Horizon 2020 ReInHerit Coordination and Support Action (CSA), presented the ReInHerit CSA aims, approach and expected results at three relevant events in the Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme, with significant synergies, viz:
- DESTI-SMART High-level dissemination event/Final conference on "Sustainable Tourism Mobility towards Smart Destinations", held in Pafos, Cyprus, on 27-29 April 2022. The DESTI-SMART project (2018-2022) has focused on improving transport and tourism policies at destinations by integrating strategies for sustainable mobility, accessibility and responsible travel in sustainable tourism development, and through efficiency, resilience, intermodality, novel transport systems, cycling and walking for visitors. There are synergies regarding ReInHerit digital solutions in combining sustainable mobility and accessibility with sustainable cultural tourism towards smart destinations, especially with the planned ReInHerit Smart Tourism app and more specifically with the Smart Tourism policy guidelines to be developed by ECTN (by October 2023).
- Cult-CreaTE High-level dissemination event/Final conference on "Cultural and Creative Tourism based on CCIs for SME Competitiveness", held in Cesis, Vidzeme, Latvia, on 23-25 May 2022. The Cult-CreaTE project (2018-2022) has deployed Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) for the development and promotion of Cultural and Creative Tourism (CCT) strategies, towards enhancing the Competitiveness of SMEs CCIs, including digital solutions in CCT development. There are synergies regarding the ReInHerit toolkit currently under development and with the ReInHerit Smart Tourism policy guidelines to be developed by ECTN.
- CHRISTA Thematic Workshop on "Digital heritage advances for cultural tourism development and promotion in the post-pandemic era", held in Sibiu, Romania, on 15-6 June 2022. The original CHRISTA project (2016-2020) aimed at protecting and preserving European natural and cultural heritage assets and deploying them for the development and promotion of innovative, sustainable and responsible tourism strategies, including heritage interpretation and digitisation. The extended CHRISTA project (2021-2022) addresses the pandemic impacts on sustainable cultural tourism and the policies on regenerating tourism through culture and heritage. There are important synergies with the ReInHerit digital hub currently under development.
The role of ECTN in the ReInHerit CSA is to offer its substantial EU network for further project scientific results, dissemination and exploitation and communication, particularly in relation to cultural heritage tourism.

Interreg Europe CHRISTA project extended till September 2022
The CHRISTA project in the EU Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme is extended for a further 12 months, October 2021 - September 2022, regarding the impacts of the pandemic and the very much needed recovery of sustainable cultural tourism. The extension is approved by Interreg Europe programme, following a special call. ECTN as an advisory partner has been the instigator of the additional application and will support the partners with expertise.
The following key topics are addressed:
1. Facing the pandemic crisis, in terms of exchanges regarding protection measures taken to avoid the spread of coronavirus amongst visitors to cultural & heritage places of interest & still continue to develop cultural tourism through virtual means.
2. Regenerating European tourism through culture & heritage in the post-pandemic era, particularly involving Intangible heritage, Industrial heritage, Interpretation of heritage & Innovation / digitisation policies (i.e. the CHRISTA 4 I), for sustainable & responsible tourism actions.
The CHRISTA partnership comprises tourism boards & associations, regional & local authorities, supported by advisory partner.
The CHRISTA project in the EU Interreg Europe interregional cooperation programme is extended for a further 12 months, October 2021 - September 2022, regarding the impacts of the pandemic and the very much needed recovery of sustainable cultural tourism. The extension is approved by Interreg Europe programme, following a special call. ECTN as an advisory partner has been the instigator of the additional application and will support the partners with expertise.
The following key topics are addressed:
1. Facing the pandemic crisis, in terms of exchanges regarding protection measures taken to avoid the spread of coronavirus amongst visitors to cultural & heritage places of interest & still continue to develop cultural tourism through virtual means.
2. Regenerating European tourism through culture & heritage in the post-pandemic era, particularly involving Intangible heritage, Industrial heritage, Interpretation of heritage & Innovation / digitisation policies (i.e. the CHRISTA 4 I), for sustainable & responsible tourism actions.
The CHRISTA partnership comprises tourism boards & associations, regional & local authorities, supported by advisory partner.

ECTN welcomes and actively supports the
European Year of Youth 2022!
ECTN welcomes the announcement by the EU institutions regarding 2022 as European Year of Youth. Although there is no direct reference to tourism and culture, the European Year is an opportunity to motivate young Europeans to discover, study and enjoy the rich European culture and heritage through sustainable cultural tourism!
ECTN is ready and willing to assist the EU institutions towards this aim, by including a specal reference to European Youth in several ECTN activities during 2022.
In particular, the 1st objective is relevant to sustainable cultural tourism activities for young Europeans:
"Renewing the positive perspectives for young people, with a particular focus on the negative effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on them, while highlighting how the green and digital transitions and other Union policies offer opportunities for young people and for the society at large".
Furthermore, cultural tourism for youth is promoted by DiscoverEU, an initiative of the European Union that gives young Europeans aged 18 the opportunity to discover Europe through learning experiences. Travelling predominantly by rail (there are exceptions to allow those living on islands or in remote areas), participants discover Europe’s cultural diversity, its stunning landscapes and its variety of cities and towns. In the context of this flagship initiative, a ‘Cultural Route’ will be published on the European Youth Portal in the first half of 2022, with an aim to encourage young people to embark on a cultural journey during their DiscoverEU travel. The route will highlight places of cultural interest. Some of those cities will be European Capitals of Culture or the hosts of European Heritage Label sites. The above are of great interedt to ECTN that includes amogst its members several destinations of European Capitals of Culture (Sibiu, Maribor, Pécs, Guimaraes, Riga, Pafos, Rijeka).
To celebrate the European Year of Youth 2022, a theme of the ECTN annual Conference and a category of the ECTN Awards in 2022 is dedicated to youth: 'Promoting European Heritage to Young Visitors and Travellers' !
#EuropeanYearOfYouth

E-FAITH, the European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage, supports the ECTN 2021 Cultural Tourism Conference and Awards, in the framwork of the 'European Year of Rail 2021'
ECTN welcomes this cooperation with E-FAITH, also as a fellow member of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3.
E-FAITH, the European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage is a non-profit making organisation whose objectives are to promote the study of and research in, recording, conservation, development and management, and interpretation of Industrial and Technical Heritage and to facilitate co-operation in Europe between those engaged in these activities.
ECTN welcomes this cooperation with E-FAITH, also as a fellow member of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3.
E-FAITH, the European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage is a non-profit making organisation whose objectives are to promote the study of and research in, recording, conservation, development and management, and interpretation of Industrial and Technical Heritage and to facilitate co-operation in Europe between those engaged in these activities.

Opening Press Conference of ReInHerit Coordination & Support Action
by Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, 17 May 2021, 11:00 CET
ECTN, as a partner in the Horizon 2020 ReInHerit Coordination & Support Action, invites you to join the online Opening Press Conference of the European Programme “Redefining the Future of Culture Heritage, through a disruptive model of sustainability” (ReInHerit) on 17 May 2021, at 11:00 CET via the Facebook platform of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, the project coordinator.
ReInHerit aspires to disrupt the current status quo of communication, collaboration and innovation exchange between museums and cultural heritage sites, in a sense that it will connect cultural heritage collections and sites, and present Europe's tangible and intangible heritage to citizens and tourists in their wider historical and geographical contexts.
ECTN is responsible for Best Practices, Study Visits and offering its substantial EU network for further project scientific results, dissemination and exploitation and communication, particularly in relation to cultural heritage tourism.
Press Release by the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, ReInHerit Coordinator
by Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, 17 May 2021, 11:00 CET
ECTN, as a partner in the Horizon 2020 ReInHerit Coordination & Support Action, invites you to join the online Opening Press Conference of the European Programme “Redefining the Future of Culture Heritage, through a disruptive model of sustainability” (ReInHerit) on 17 May 2021, at 11:00 CET via the Facebook platform of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, the project coordinator.
ReInHerit aspires to disrupt the current status quo of communication, collaboration and innovation exchange between museums and cultural heritage sites, in a sense that it will connect cultural heritage collections and sites, and present Europe's tangible and intangible heritage to citizens and tourists in their wider historical and geographical contexts.
ECTN is responsible for Best Practices, Study Visits and offering its substantial EU network for further project scientific results, dissemination and exploitation and communication, particularly in relation to cultural heritage tourism.
Press Release by the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, ReInHerit Coordinator

ECTN a partner in a new Horizon2020 project on Cultural Heritage Management
ECTN is a partner in the new ReInHerit project, Horizon2000 programme. ReInHerit is a Coordinating and Support Action (CSA), 100% funded by the Eurropean Union Horizon2020 programme. The project coordinator is the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation and partners are from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Austria and Finland. The project started in March 2021 with a 3-year duration.
ECTN's role is to lead the work on Best Practices regarding Cultural Heritage Management and Cultural Tourism, including organisation of study visits in relevant museums and cultural sites. Best practices will be collected by ECTN members, particularly in countries not represented in the ReInHerit consortium. Furthermore, ECTN will contribute to a 'smart tourism app' development, travelling and digital exhibitions, policy implications for the Research and Innovation Agenda in the next Horizon Europe programme, dissemination and communication activities. The ECTN annual conference will include a special session on ReInHerit CSA in 2023 and 2024.

ECTN supports the UNWTO World Tourism Day 2021 !
Cultural Tourism as a main driver of Inclusive Growth highlighted at the ECTN annual Conference and Awards 2021.
The ECTN 2021 events are included in the WTD 2021 lists of events worldwide.
Cultural Tourism as a main driver of Inclusive Growth highlighted at the ECTN annual Conference and Awards 2021.
The ECTN 2021 events are included in the WTD 2021 lists of events worldwide.

EAA, the European Association of Archaeologists supports the ECTN 2021 Cultural Tourism Conference and Awards, in the Conference theme and Awards catergory of 'Archaeological Sites and Museums as Cultural Tourism Attractions'
ECTN welcomes this cooperarion with EAA, also as a fellow member of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3.
EAA AIMS
EAA, the European Association of Archaeologists supports the ECTN 2021 Cultural Tourism Conference and Awards, in the Conference theme and Awards catergory of 'Archaeological Sites and Museums as Cultural Tourism Attractions'
ECTN welcomes this cooperarion with EAA, also as a fellow member of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3.
EAA AIMS
- to promote the development of archaeological research and the exchange of archaeological information;
- to promote the management and interpretation of the European archaeological heritage;
- to promote proper ethical and scientific standards for archaeological work;
- to promote the interests of professional archaeologists in Europe;
- to promote cooperation with other organisations with similar aims;
- to work for the elimination of any form of illegal detection and collection and the damage it causes to the archaeological heritage;
- to promote interest in archaeological remains as evidence of the human past and contributing to our knowledge of human culture and to discourage a focus upon any commercial value that may attach to such material.

ECTN supports the European Cultural Heritage Green Paper “Putting Europe’s shared heritage at the heart of the European Green Deal”
by Europa Nostra in cooperation with ICOMOS and the Climate Heritage Network, with the input of other members of the European Heritage Alliance, also supported by the European Investment Bank Institute and the Creative Europe programme of the European Union
There are some 40 references on tourism, including sustainable cultural tourism, therefore this document is of high relevance to the work of ECTN. It will be certainly included in the revised 4th edition of the "Charter for Sustainable Cultural Tourism", currently in progress to be launched at the ECTN Conference and Awards ceremony in Athens, Greece, on 21-22 October 2021.
Executive Summary and Full Paper

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 welcomes the adoption of the 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' Regulation by the EU Council and Parliament
ECTN as a signatory of the Tourism Manifesto joins the other 60+ travel and tourism organisations in calling on EU Member States to ensure the implementation in order to enable the restart of European tourism, particularly thorugh culture, heritage and creativity, with sustainability and resilience.
Download the Tourism Manifesto Press Release
ECTN as a signatory of the Tourism Manifesto joins the other 60+ travel and tourism organisations in calling on EU Member States to ensure the implementation in order to enable the restart of European tourism, particularly thorugh culture, heritage and creativity, with sustainability and resilience.
Download the Tourism Manifesto Press Release

New ECTN Board 2021-2024
Following the General Assembly held online on 2 December 2020, ECTN has a new Board with effect 1 January 2021 for the next 4 years, viz:
President: Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, Cyprus
Vice-President: Sibiu County Tourism Association, Romania
Members:
- Vidzeme Tourism Association, Latvia (Immediate Past President)
- Granada Diputacion, Spain
- Experience Bremerhaven, Germany
- Inter-Community Alto Minho, Portugal
- University of Barcelona, Spain
- City of Krk, Croatia
Secretariat: Argonautica Network, Greece
The Working Group coordinators are:
- Policy: Vidzeme Tourism Association, Latvia (Immediate Past President)
- Practice: Sibiu County Tourism Association, Romania (Vice-President)
- Research: University of Barcelona, Spain
Following the General Assembly held online on 2 December 2020, ECTN has a new Board with effect 1 January 2021 for the next 4 years, viz:
President: Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, Cyprus
Vice-President: Sibiu County Tourism Association, Romania
Members:
- Vidzeme Tourism Association, Latvia (Immediate Past President)
- Granada Diputacion, Spain
- Experience Bremerhaven, Germany
- Inter-Community Alto Minho, Portugal
- University of Barcelona, Spain
- City of Krk, Croatia
Secretariat: Argonautica Network, Greece
The Working Group coordinators are:
- Policy: Vidzeme Tourism Association, Latvia (Immediate Past President)
- Practice: Sibiu County Tourism Association, Romania (Vice-President)
- Research: University of Barcelona, Spain
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 took place at the Cult-RInG project high-level event and final conference held on 26 May 2020.
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 took place at the Cult-RInG project high-level event and final conference held on 26 May 2020.

FEDECRAIL, the European Federation of Museum and Tourist Railways, supports the ECTN 2021 Cultural Tourism Conference and Awards, in the framework of the 'European Year of Rail 2021'
ECTN welcomes this coopertarion with FEDECRAIL, also as a fellow member of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3.
FEDECRAIL seeks to:
ECTN welcomes this coopertarion with FEDECRAIL, also as a fellow member of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3.
FEDECRAIL seeks to:
- Promote the rescue, restoration and operation of Europe's railway heritage.
- Represent its members' interests vis-a-vis international agencies and, in particular, the European Commission in Brussels and the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
- Encourage the exchange of ideas across national and cultural boundaries and foster co-operation between museum and tourist railway organisations including museums involved in railway heritage.
- Help provide advice and assistance for such organisations.
- Study and resolve problems shared in restoring and operating heritage railways.

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 re-launch of the EU 'European Capital of Smart Tourism' initiative!
Resulting from a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament, completed in 2019 and 2020, the European Commission is re-launching a competition to award the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2022. This initiative rewards European cities and gives them the opportunity to share their exemplary practices as smart tourism destinations.
The initiative will showcase accomplishments by tourism destinations across the EU in the following areas:
- Sustainability
- Digitalisation
- Cultural Heritage & Creativity
- Accessibility
The 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourism is the third edition of the competition. This initiative rewards European cities for outstanding, innovative and sustainable tourism practices. Applications will first be evaluated by a panel of independent experts. In the second step, up to seven shortlisted cities will be invited to present their city’s candidature in front of the European Jury. The European Jury will select two winners, the European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2022.
The aim is to promote innovation to strengthen smart destinations in Europe, to enhance tourism offers for visitors and to facilitate new partnerships, networking and the exchange of best practice. Also aim to foster the EU’s forward-thinking tourism offer to global audiences and sustainably increase footfall at pioneering destinations that offer unique visitor experiences.
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 and related cities to apply.
Deadline for applications is 16 June 2021
www.SmartTourismCapital.eu

Brussels / The Hague, 9 May 2021
EUROPA NOSTRA CALLS FOR CITIZENS DEBATES ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
IN HERITAGE SITES
On the occasion of Europe Day, Europa Nostra – in association with other 50 member organisations of the European Heritage Alliance, which celebrates this year its 10th anniversary – launches a wide call to organise during 2021 inspiring and engaging citizens debates on the future of Europe in cultural heritage sites across Europe.
ECTN as a fouding member of the European Heritage Alliance ecourages its members to hols such events in relation to sustainable cultural tourism development and promotion, towards 'regenerating European tourism through culture, heritage and creativity' (the theme of the 2021 ECTN annual Conference and Awards).
This grassroots initiative is a meaningful contribution both to the Conference on the Future of Europe and to the New European Bauhaus, of which Europa Nostra and some other members of the European Heritage Alliance are proud official partners.
“At the time when Europe and the world are preparing their recovery from the pandemic, let us recall the powerful message released by our European Heritage Alliance, exactly one year ago, on Europe Day 2020: Europe’s shared cultural heritage is a powerful catalyst for the future of Europe. As Europe’s citizens are invited to contribute to the Conference on the Future of Europe, we wish to mobilise Europe’s vast heritage movement and community to take an active part in this citizen-driven process. Let this year’s Europe Day become a renewed call to action for us all!” conveyed Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra.
Reacting to this call to action, Dubravka Šuica, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography, shared her support for the initiative: “Europe’s democracies are built on our rich and diverse cultural heritage. Our historical and cultural sites teach us about our common history, remind us of our past dreams and aspirations, of our humanity and creativity. It is all too natural that we debate and discuss our present and future in these magical sites and shape the heritage for Europe’s generations to come.”
Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, also shared her message of endorsement: “Cultural heritage is at the heart of our EU project. It is Europe’s soul and values. It belongs to all of us and is a great source of unique and creative jobs that show the richness of Europe. I believe that Europa Nostra’s call to mobilize European citizens in inspiring debates on the future of Europe in cultural heritage sites will contribute to our EU initiatives - the Conference on the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus -, thus coming up with innovative solutions for building more sustainable, resilient and beautiful future together”.
“For the first time, the European Institutions have launched two major initiatives largely based on the participation of citizens, namely the Conference on the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus. We deeply believe that heritage places, both in urban and rural areas, contribute to citizens’ wellbeing and to their sense of belonging and therefore provide ideal settings for imaginative debates on the future of Europe. We are delighted that so many eminent organisations and individuals active in the field of cultural heritage have already committed to contribute (see below),” concluded Jimmy Jamar, Head of Europa Nostra’s Brussels Office.
All citizens and organisations are encouraged to organise a debate in selected heritage sites (including sites that have received a European Heritage Award or a European Heritage Label) across the European continent, while ensuring full respect of COVID-19 sanitary measures in place. In order to allow the widest participation possible, the initiative remains flexible with regards to the format, scale or duration of the debates.
To maximise the impact of these debates, their outcomes will be collected and shared on the relevant platforms of the Europa Nostra Agora, the Conference on the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus. Interested partners can find more detailed guidelines on how to participate and submit their events via the Europa Nostra Agora digital platform.
EUROPA NOSTRA CALLS FOR CITIZENS DEBATES ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
IN HERITAGE SITES
On the occasion of Europe Day, Europa Nostra – in association with other 50 member organisations of the European Heritage Alliance, which celebrates this year its 10th anniversary – launches a wide call to organise during 2021 inspiring and engaging citizens debates on the future of Europe in cultural heritage sites across Europe.
ECTN as a fouding member of the European Heritage Alliance ecourages its members to hols such events in relation to sustainable cultural tourism development and promotion, towards 'regenerating European tourism through culture, heritage and creativity' (the theme of the 2021 ECTN annual Conference and Awards).
This grassroots initiative is a meaningful contribution both to the Conference on the Future of Europe and to the New European Bauhaus, of which Europa Nostra and some other members of the European Heritage Alliance are proud official partners.
“At the time when Europe and the world are preparing their recovery from the pandemic, let us recall the powerful message released by our European Heritage Alliance, exactly one year ago, on Europe Day 2020: Europe’s shared cultural heritage is a powerful catalyst for the future of Europe. As Europe’s citizens are invited to contribute to the Conference on the Future of Europe, we wish to mobilise Europe’s vast heritage movement and community to take an active part in this citizen-driven process. Let this year’s Europe Day become a renewed call to action for us all!” conveyed Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra.
Reacting to this call to action, Dubravka Šuica, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography, shared her support for the initiative: “Europe’s democracies are built on our rich and diverse cultural heritage. Our historical and cultural sites teach us about our common history, remind us of our past dreams and aspirations, of our humanity and creativity. It is all too natural that we debate and discuss our present and future in these magical sites and shape the heritage for Europe’s generations to come.”
Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, also shared her message of endorsement: “Cultural heritage is at the heart of our EU project. It is Europe’s soul and values. It belongs to all of us and is a great source of unique and creative jobs that show the richness of Europe. I believe that Europa Nostra’s call to mobilize European citizens in inspiring debates on the future of Europe in cultural heritage sites will contribute to our EU initiatives - the Conference on the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus -, thus coming up with innovative solutions for building more sustainable, resilient and beautiful future together”.
“For the first time, the European Institutions have launched two major initiatives largely based on the participation of citizens, namely the Conference on the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus. We deeply believe that heritage places, both in urban and rural areas, contribute to citizens’ wellbeing and to their sense of belonging and therefore provide ideal settings for imaginative debates on the future of Europe. We are delighted that so many eminent organisations and individuals active in the field of cultural heritage have already committed to contribute (see below),” concluded Jimmy Jamar, Head of Europa Nostra’s Brussels Office.
All citizens and organisations are encouraged to organise a debate in selected heritage sites (including sites that have received a European Heritage Award or a European Heritage Label) across the European continent, while ensuring full respect of COVID-19 sanitary measures in place. In order to allow the widest participation possible, the initiative remains flexible with regards to the format, scale or duration of the debates.
To maximise the impact of these debates, their outcomes will be collected and shared on the relevant platforms of the Europa Nostra Agora, the Conference on the Future of Europe and the New European Bauhaus. Interested partners can find more detailed guidelines on how to participate and submit their events via the Europa Nostra Agora digital platform.

ECTN celebrated 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 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 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 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.

Androula Vassiliou confirmed as Honorary Member of ECTN in Pafos, Cyprus
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.
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.

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 at the official opening of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year
at the Doge's Palace, Venice
ECTN was 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 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.

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

Best Creative Destination: Pafos Region
22 November 2016
Pafos Region – Cyprus (ECTN Vice-Presidency) received the Creative Tourism Award 2016: Best Creative Destination.
Creative Tourism is included in the new version of THESSALIA CHARTER, to be launched in Brussels, during a special workshop on 30 November 2016.
22 November 2016
Pafos Region – Cyprus (ECTN Vice-Presidency) received the Creative Tourism Award 2016: Best Creative Destination.
Creative Tourism is included in the new version of THESSALIA CHARTER, to be launched in Brussels, during a special workshop on 30 November 2016.

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
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
- ECTN welcomes seven new members to the network from Poland, Romania, UK, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and Greece in 2015
- Cultural Tourism serves about half of cruise passengers
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

ECTN made an intervention at the European Tourism Day event in Brussels on 29th November 2016, as follows:
“ECTN is 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!”
“ECTN is 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!”

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.

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.

ECTN 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

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!

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.
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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