FULL members
Argonautica Network Greece ECTN Secretariat 2021-2022 The aim of the 'Argonautica Network' is to develop a European Cultural Route of the Argonautica, based on intangible heritage of mythology, traditions, ancient theatre, poetry and literature, as well as visual and performing arts in several countries along the legendary Argonautica return journey. The Argonautica poems tell the myth of the voyage to retrieve the Golden Fleece, the first ever legend journey of mankind. The 'Argonautica Network' is a non-profit initiative to develop and document the transnational Cultural Route, in particular to highlight the return journey of the Argonauts from ancient Colchis (present day Kutaisi, Georgia) to Iolcos (present day Volos, Greece), towards sustainable cultural tourism development. Use of digital facilities and preservation of maritime and fluvial heritage are main activities, in several countries and regions. There are alternative versions of the return journey of the Argonauts. Initially, the focus is on the most prevalent route, that of ‘Apollonius Rhodius Argonautica': from Colchis through the Black Sea and the Danube river to Istria, to the Adriatic Sea and then via the Po or Iridanos river through Italy to the Rhone or Rodanos river, to present day South of France, sailing the Thyrrenian Sea, Straight of Messina, to North Africa, Lake Tritonis, then to eastern Crete, Anafi island near Santorini, Aigina, Evia, a glorious return to Iolkos and finally to the temple of Poseidon in Corinth, Greece. 
ÚDARÁS NA GAELTACHTA Ireland Údarás na Gaeltachta acts as the statutory regional development authority responsible for the economic and sociolinguistic development of the Gaeltacht districts. The Gaeltacht Act (2012) provides the statutory framework under which the Agency discharges its responsibilities and manages its investment programmes. The authority manages a wide-range of funding and development programmes supporting enterprise development and job creation initiatives and by enabling strategic language planning, cultural and community-based activities. The agency supports over 400 clients which employ circa 7,500 (2019) people throughout the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland in sectors which include: - ICT - niche manufacturing - audio visual and digital media - cultural tourism - food - arts and crafts - community and social enterprises - language-focused development organisations and structures. The agency manages significant investment and development programmes in support of rural regeneration and local development and works on a collaborative, strategic basis with Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities, as well as with private investors and community interest, in delivering on its development objectives. Enterprise and Economic Development and Cultural Tourism form two central priority dimensions of its investment and development strategy. 
SDG17 Greece SDG17 Greece is a Panhellenic Network for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN), for Culture, Education, Environment and Development in Local Governments (LOCs), with member Municipalities, academic institutions, organizations, networks and other bodies. The Network is under the auspices of the United Nations Communication Office for Greece and Cyprus. SDG 17 Greece is embraced as a founding member by the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE). SDG17 Greece is a non-profit organization, with an elected Board of Directors, with the aim of promoting and penetrating guiding principles, policies and practices of sustainable development based on the 17 UN Objectives in the framework of our strategic cooperation with the UN Liaison Office for Greece and Cyprus. The SDG 17 Greece Network already has over 100 members, with the admission process underway, and is the only body in Greece with a mission to contribute to the diffusion and consolidation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations in Greek society. 
City of Tuzla
Bosnia and Herzegovina Tuzla is the third-largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the administrative center of Tuzla Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tuzla is the economic, cultural, educational, health and tourist centre of northeast Bosnia. It is an educational center and is home to two universities. It is also the main industrial machine and one of the leading economic strongholds of Bosnia with a wide and varied industrial sector including an expanding service sector thanks to its salt lake tourism. The city of Tuzla is home to Europe's only salt lake as part of its central park and has more than 350,000 people visiting its shores every year The history of the city goes back to the 9th century; modern Tuzla dates back to 1510. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tuzla is also regarded as one of the most multicultural cities in the country and has managed to keep the pluralist character of the city. 
Experience Bremerhaven, Tourism, Marketing and Events Company Ltd.
Germany ECTN Board member 2021-2022 The 'Experience Bremerhaven, Tourism, Marketing and Events Company Ltd.' is the professional and innovative partner in all issues concerning tourist offers, events and organisations at the Seaside City of Bremerhaven, who understands itself as a careful and output orientated service provider. 
City of Krk
Croatia ECTN Board member 2021-2022 Among the 1185 Croatian islands, only one of them is the golden one, the Insula Aurea – the island of Krk. Located in the centre of the Kvarner bay, it is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Its mild Mediterranean climate, good geographical position and variety of natural and cultural beauties gave it, even in ancient times, the name "golden island". Its cultural heritage has given it another name – the cradle of Croatian culture, whilst at the beginning of the 20th century it gained the name the “sixth continent”. The tourist offer of the island of Krk is varied and is able to satisfy different tastes and interests. History and culture lovers can enjoy its historical heritage as the island just breathes the past. 
Veneto Region
Italy The Veneto Region Tourism Department is supporting several strategies aimed at improving the territorial tourism offer both in a sustainable and an accessible way. A strong capacity since Tourism Department of Veneto Region has at its disposal legislative power (in Tourism sector at regional level), operational instruments and financial resources, to be addressed to SMEs within the Regional Operating Plan (ROP) actions. Tourism Department of Veneto Region has been involved in policies on accessibility and sustainable tourism, and for that reason has elaborated a plan for sustainable & competitive tourism. 
Nicosia Tourism Board
Cyprus The Nicosia Tourism Board (NTB), a non-profit Company, was established in November 2007 within the framework of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation Strategic Plan.The main objective of ΝΤΒ is to develop and promote Nicosia as a tourist destination. The company’s primary strategic plan focuses on four main areas: Cultural and Religious Tourism, Conferences & Incentives Tourism, Business Tourism and Sports tourism. The President of the Board is Mrs Elena Tanou, Vice President of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Vice-President is the Mayor of Nicosia, Mr. Constantinos Yiorkadjis. The Board has representatives from the Municipalities and Communities of Nicosia, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, ACTA, ACTE, Cyprus Hotel Association. 
Pafos Regional Board of Tourism
Cyprus ECTN Presidency 2021-2022 ECTN Vice Presidency 2016 - 2020 Pafos Regional Board of Tourism is the official body representing under one umbrella all sectors involved in the tourism industry in the region of Pafos. The role of Pafos RBT within the region develop and coordinate activities, promote the region as a quality tourist destination, coordinate activities between the private and government sectors especially for problem solving related to the tourism industry and increases flights to and from Pafos airport. 
Vidzeme Tourism Association
Latvia ECTN Presidency 2016 - 2020 ECTN Vice-Presidency 2014-2016 Vidzeme Tourism Association (VTA) is a regional tourism authority that brings together people, governmental institutions and businesses working in tourism sector in order to collectively advertise and promote Vidzeme (North Latvia) region, as well as to allocate financial resources from the EU and state for tourism development. 
Region Vastra Gotaland
Sweden ECTN Board member 2009-2012 & 2018-2020 Vastra Gotaland Regional authority is responsible for the economic development, tourism, culture, quality assurance and marketing in the region. VG Regional authority influences and consults on a broad range of strategies and has an extensive list of partners and stakeholders in the region, nationally and in Europe. 
Intermunicipal Community of Ave Region Portugal
ECTN Board Member 2016-2020 CIM AVE (Comunidade Intermunicipal do 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. 
Burgas Municipality
Bulgaria Burgas is the biggest city in South-East Bulgaria and most populated in Burgas province, which include Burgas,the town of Balgarovo and 12 villages. Burgas is important industrial, commercial, transportation and tourism center. Burgas is an important centre for the sea tourism with plenty of facilities and transport connections to the resorts on the South Black Sea coast. Burgas works on sustainable development, one of which is cultural heritage preservation and promotion as a tool for sustainable tourism achievement. 
Sibiu County Tourism Association
Romania ECTN Vice-Presidency 2021-2022 ECTN Board Member 2016-2020 Sibiu County Tourism Association was created in 2005 as a non-profit association, at the initiative of the Sibiu County Council in order to develop and implement tourism policy of Sibiu. The Association aims to regroup tour operators of the county to promoting the harmonious and effective promotion of the tourist destination Sibiu. 
Provincial Council of Granada
Spain ECTN Board Member 2018-2022 The Provincial Council of Granada (Diputación de Granada) is a local public administration with a supramunicipal character, which has right to mange the specific interests of the Province of Granada with autonomy. The organisation assists to its 171 municipalities with technical, material and economic assistance. The Council has several experiences on the issues addressed to cultural tourism. The Council has a department especially devoted to Culture matters, given the importance of the tourism sector - a Provincial Tourism Board. 
Intermunicipal Community of Alto Minho
Portugal ECTN Board member 2021-2022 Intermunicipal Community of Ato Minho is a governmental organization that administrates the NUT III level region composed of ten municipalities. CIM Alto Minho has as its founding purpose to make Alto Minho a space of environmental excellence with the capacity to develop a new combination of tourism resources and activities, renewable energies, business reception and provision of proximity services with quality and modernity, which meet the challenges of competitiveness, cohesion and sustainability. 
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pecs - Baranya
Hungary Chamber of Commerce and Industy of Pécs -Baranya (CCIPB) is active supporter and coordinator of the implementation of the regional economic development strategy jointly with the university, the city and major companies. The Chamber has been supporting the South West Hungarian Culture Industry Cluster and it is the management organisation of Baranyaland Cluster - a regional tourism organisation. During the European Capital of Culture project the Chamber collected a lot of experience in the field of creative industry and culture. CCIPB is active partner of the Enterprise Europe Network. 
Cork City Council
Ireland Cork is a European Capital of Culture 2005 with a rich and diverse cultural offering and is committed to culture as one of the key pillars of the City. Cork has a strong tradition of investing in the Arts, Culture and Tourism through capital investment, programme development. The Council protect and enhance the tourism and cultural amenities including conservation, protection, and enhancement of Cork City’s natural heritage. As well as facilitate and encourage sustainable tourism development, which is based on reflects the City’s distinctive history, culture and environment, which promotes diversification and innovation in the tourism sector and Cork’s Maritime and Heritage activities. 
Region of Central Macedonia
Greece ECTN Board Member 2018-2020 Region of Central Macedonia (RCM) is a regional managing authority, responsible for regional policy making, manage and control all the departments of Metropolitan Area of Thessaloniki and stimulate the professional networks of the region. RCM has a rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage. Cultural heritage and activities related to tourism is one of the main responsibilities of the region. 
Tourism Organisation of Kotor
Montenegro Tourism Organisation of Kotor (TOK) is a public institution established by Municipality of Kotor located in one of the most charming and historical touristic sites of Montenegro - medieval town Kotor, which is due to its environmental,cultural and historical values listed under UNESCO protection. TOK main role is preservation, improvement and promotion of authentic values of Kotor. TOK organizing and promoting manifestations and traditional events; encouraging and organizing activities aimed at protecting and preserving the tourist space, the environment and cultural heritage. TOK valorize all resources that Kotor town possess, enrich tourist offer and provide services and information for tourists. 
Regional Council Durres
Albania Regional Council Durres (RCD) is a regional government institution, which includes Municipalities of Durres, Kruja and Shijak with high mountains, landscapes and seacoast. Region of Durres covers the main Airport and Harbor. The main function of RCD is the building and implementation of Regional policies and their harmonization with the state policies on a regional level. The Department of Regional Development Policies is in charge of programming development priorities and projects, coordination of public and international donor financing and follow up their implementation. 
City of Dubrovnik Development Agency
Croatia ECTN Board Member 2016-2018 City of Dubrovnik Development Agency (DURA) is a professional, non-profit organization created to support small and medium enterprises, as well as common economic, social and cultural development in city of Dubrovnik. The aim is to achieve the balanced economic development of the city of Dubrovnik by promoting and improving all the prospective projects, giving substantial support to SMEs as to the overall economic, social and cultural development. DURA represents the bond between City of Dubrovnik and other institutions and organizations relevant for supporting local development. 
South Pelion Municipality
Greece South Pelion is a local authority in Magnesia, Thessalia region composed of five local authorities: Afetes, Sipiada, Argalasti, Milies Municipalities and Trikeri Commune. The Municipality has developed its competences in culture & interregional cooperation as a partner in several EU projects on preservation and revitalisation of European Cultural heritage. 
City of Jastrebarsko
Croatia City of Jastrebarsko is a local government, located nearby Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Jastrebarsko is administrative and tourist centre of one of the most picturesque parts of the Zagreb County. This area is the most significant wine region of the central Croatia, and at the same time it is an important commercial and craft centre. City of Jastrebarsko has a rich cultural (a castle of Count of Erdödy from 15th century in city centre, etc.) and natural heritage (parts under Natura 2000). Jastrebarsko, with all its urban and rural traditions, and with pristine natural and cultural beauties, is most certainly one of the brightest jewels of Croatia. 
Regional Development Agency Zlatibor
Serbia The Zlatibor Regional Development Agency is a public equivalent body and represents one of the leading actors in development and implementation of regional development initiatives in the Western Serbia region. The Agency focusing its activities on the five priority areas of development: development of small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship, environment protection, tourism development, rural development and infrastructure development. 
Podkarpackie Regional Tourism Board, Poland
Podkarpackie Regional Tourism Board (PROT) is the most active tourist organization in the region, which conducts comprehensive efforts to promote the region and the development of tourism. The main task of PROT is to strengthen the image of the region as an attractive place for tourists, discovery and development of new tourism products, development of tourist information system to integrate the tourist by the cooperation of the public sector to the private sector of the tourism economy, businesses, coordinating activities in the planning of tourist events, initiation, evaluation and support plans for the development and modernization of tourism infrastructure, improvement of professional qualifications of tourist staff, conducting marketing research, analysis and monitoring. 
Social and Cultural Council of
Thessalia Region Greece ECTN Presidency 2013-2016 EKPOL is a civil non-profit council of Magnesia Prefecture, established in 1996, public equivalent body with the aim to successfully tackle obstacles on society issues (support vulnerable groups and promote strategies for social inclusion, cohesion and development) and implement projects for the cultural promotion of Magnesia Prefecture through coordinated actions. |
associate members
Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC)
Portugal The Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC) aims are a qualified human, cultural, scientific, technical and professional training, to carry out necessary research to accomplish its mission and to cooperate with the regional community of Alto-Minho, particularly with its productive and entrepreneurial sectors. The IPVC is made up of six Schools offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. Also promotes Master courses and specialization courses. IPVC offers undergraduate and graduate level courses in Tourism for more than 30 years, and has participated, either as coordinating organisation and/ or partner in several R&D and R&I Tourism and Culture oriented projects, both at national and international level. The IPVC has protocols with Brazil, China, Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) and 120 educational international institutions as part of the various European student and staff exchange programmes (Erasmus+). 
Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
Latvia Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) is a state higher education institution offering study programmes at the Faculty of Society and Science and the Faculty of Engineering. The mission of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is to promote the sustainable development of knowledge society on regional and national level, providing the private and public sectors with high-level professionals, as well as conducting research to address societal challenges. The Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research (HESPI) aims to perform open and creative scientific activity based in professional academic and applied research, as well as promote the applicability of the research results in smart community development on international, national, regional and local level via active involvement in various projects, initiatives and networking. HESPI focuses on four main research areas: natural and cultural heritage, development of human resources and inclusion policy, communication ecosystems and technologies, and development of national economy and regional governance. 
CYENS Centre of Excellence, Cyprus CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE) is the Research Centre of Excellence in Cyprus focusing on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies aiming to empower knowledge and technology transfer in the region. It is a joint venture between the three public universities of Cyprus - University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, and, Open University of Cyprus, the Municipality of Nicosia, and two renowned international partners, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany, and, the University College London, United Kingdom. 
Institute of Education, Heritage and Tourism (IETT)
Albania IETT is an independent cultural and scientific center, which aims support for education, heritage and tourism in Albania and beyond. It was founded on 4th April, 2013 (Reg. no.843), headquartered in Tirana, Albania. IETT activity lies on different sectors of education of all levels (pre-school, primary, high school and university), in projecting textbooks and refining curricula, qualifications and trainings for teachers, headmasters and university lectors, related to methods of teaching, checking and learning, psychology, didactics, training, publishing etc. As far as historic and cultural heritage, IETT aims the preservation of material and spiritual values, research and documentation of them, their restoration and publications related to them a treasure inherited with its unique artistic and aesthetic values, with characteristics of a tradition that completes diversity and the rich cultural and artistic landscape of Albanian lands. IETT has an active role in the field of tourism too, especially in family, cultural and historical tourism, by supporting, initiatives that enhance opportunities, in business and backing tour guides and tourism activities, also by offering instructions and relevant partnership that promote advantages of protecting the environment and cultural diversity of Balkan people and beyond. 
University of Barcelona / LabPATC / IBERTUR, Spain
ECTN Board member 2009-2012 & 2021-2022 IBERTUR - the Network of Heritage, Tourism and Sustainable Development is one result of the Alfa Project on Cultural Tourism in Europe and Latin America. IBERTUR is a member of ENCATC with active participation in the UNESCO Chair Culture, Tourism and Development and its UNITWIN Network; Cultural Tourism Product Club, as advisors of the Turisime de Barcelona, a public-private body for the promotion and commercialisation of Barcelona as tourism destination. IBERTUR works with the Ministry of Culture and Tourspain in order to promote cultural tourism in country. 
National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism
Romania The National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism (NIRDT) is a body governed by public law, coordinated by the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research and with a close collaboration with National Tourism Authority (ANT) from Romania. NIRDT is the only national tourism research institute in Romania, having more than forty years of experience in the tourism research field. NIRDT develops projects of valuing the tourist potential in territory; national/regional/local tourism development strategies; technical documentation (feasibility studies, technical projects etc.) for designing or rehabilitation of the tourism infrastructure; market research, marketing strategies, surveys and business plans for different tourism investments; etc. 
University of Thessaly
Greece The University of Thessaly (UTH) is a body governed by public law, founded in 1984. The university is based in Volos and operates campuses in Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa and Lamia. The Laboratory of Tourism Planning, Research and Policy of UTH, Department of Planning and Regional Development, engages in research and supports teaching needs in the fields of spatial analysis and planning for the development of tourism resources, policy and evaluation, with an emphasis on alternative, special interest forms of tourism (such as cultural, heritage, ecological and agro tourism). It seeks to encourage sustainable development in urban and rural areas, and the evaluation of the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of tourism in regional development. 
Institute of Tourism Warsaw School of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Poland The Institute of Tourism, established in 1972, is the Polish research institution conducting interdisciplinary and comprehensive studies of tourism and recreation. Since 2012 the Institute of Tourism has been a separate organisational unit of the Warsaw School of Tourism & Hospitality Management within the Group of Vistula Universities. The tasks of the Institute are: to conduct of scientific research related to tourism and recreation as well as participation in the implementation of research results, cooperation for this purpose with other institutions as well as education and professional development of tourism researchers. 
University of Rijeka
Croatia Rijeka is the capital city of Primorsko - Goranska county is the third most developed region in Croatia. The Univeristy of Rijeka is the fundamental educational and research institution, founded in 1973. Today, through active collaboration with the economic and business sector along with partnerships for community development the University endeavors to contribute toward the socio-cultural transition into a knowledge-based society. The University has constitutional unit - Centre for Industrial Heritage, founded in 2013, which is the first centre for industrial heritage and is the first step towards a systematic revision of that kind of heritage in Croatia. 
Bournemouth University
United Kingdom Bournemouth University is a bright and vibrant university with a strong focus on academic excellence, world class research and fantastic graduate employability. The core activities are focused on education, research and professional engagement. 
University of Gothenburg
Sweden University of Gothenburg is the third-oldest and one of the largest universities in Sweden with strong research and study programmes which works actively for sustainable development. The Department of Conservation is young and has its scope and objectives as a future oriented approach, where the overall aim is to describe the environmental, cultural and societal possibilities and limitations for common future in a local, national and global perspective. The need for increased knowledge and understanding within the area of environmental care and cultural conservation is increasingly obvious, resulting in demands for an increased number of professional environmentalists and conservators as well as a better awareness and understanding of environmental and cultural issues among the public. 
Caucasus International University
Georgia Caucasus International University is a higher educational institution equipped with modern infrastructure and techniques and oriented towards integration with international educational field and constant renewal. University has specific Regional Centre for Tourism Development and Faculty of Viniculture-Vinemaking. 
Ukrainian Federation of Employers in Tourism
Ukraine Ukrainian Federation of Employers in Tourism is non-governmental organization that brings together those who create jobs in the tourism, hotel and spa business. UFET had significantly stepped up its work, particularly in terms of cooperation with the authorities to develop draft legal acts, expert evaluation of some government initiatives, including on administrative reform in the tourism industry, and as a result, strengthened its influence on the development of tourism industry in Ukraine. |
honorary members
Mr Michael Cramer
Former Chair of Tourism and Transport Committee of European Parliament (2010-2012) Former MEP (2004-2014) ETCN Honorary Member since 2019 
Ms Androulla Vassiliou
former European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth ECTN Honorary Member since 2015 
Mr Adriaan Linters
Secretary-General European Federation of Associations of Industrial and Technical Heritage (EFAITH) ECTN Honorary Member since 2017 |
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