For the 14th time, the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) conference took place in Athens. At the conference, titled “Regenerating European Tourism through Culture, Heritage and Creativity,” participants discussed the latest trends in cultural heritage and opportunities for sustainable tourism, including innovation, digitalization, creativity, and the development of cultural tourism products. Emphasis was placed on the significant role that cultural heritage and creative tourism play in the recovery of European tourism following the pandemic crisis of 2020 and 2021.
The aim of the conference is to explore key challenges, risks, and opportunities for sustainable and responsible tourism development related to cultural and heritage values, as well as to suggest practical steps for the development and promotion of cultural tourism products. The theme covers all forms of culture, including contemporary cultural expressions and all types of cultural and natural heritage.
Participants from various countries and organizations discussed the trajectory of tourism during the pandemic, as well as the opportunities and next steps required for the tourism industry to return to providing the same economic benefits as before travel restrictions. Cross-sectoral cooperation and a deep understanding of sustainable tourism were highlighted as vital factors.
The conference was organized within the framework of the Interreg Europe project “Cult-CreaTE.” The Vidzeme Tourism Association also presented the project’s progress, results, and the implementation of the Action Plan in Vidzeme.
As per tradition, the ECTN Awards were presented. Among the laureates is the Gulbene educational and interactive center “Railway and Steam” (Dzelzceļš un tvaiks), which was recognized as the best railway cultural tourism heritage site in Europe. Read more here.
This award enhances the visibility of European cultural tourism destinations, creates a platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge, and promotes networking between destinations. Tourism destinations across Europe can participate in the competition to showcase their achievements in sustainable cultural tourism in several selected categories each year.
More information:
Alise Plaude,
Public Relations Specialist for the Cult-CreaTE project
The lead partner of the project is the Vidzeme Tourism Association. Its total budget is EUR 1,798,270.00, of which 85% is co-financed by the European Union. The project runs from 01.06.2018 to 30.11.2022.
