"Sustainable tourism and local development: resources, strategies and policies for albania, as a part of european union"
Venue: Tirana (AL) 30/05/2011
The third edition of the international conference focused on cultural routes. Organised by the European University of Tourism in Albania, associated Member of NECSTouR, the conference gathered international experts on cultural and sustainable tourism. During the event, the General Director of the Ministry of Tourism signed for Albania a cooperation agreement to integrate the Cultural Route of Ancient Sites of the Performing Arts, which already includes 901 tourist spots across Europe and the Mediterranean. The panellists discussed thereafter the Governance and the promotion of the route in Albania, as well as the added value for Albania to take part in this important European Tourism Strategy. Porf. Dr. Messina, from the University of Pisa, associated member of NECSTouR, underlined the importance of the Cooperation Agreement because it provides the sources for local development of the territories included in the project.
Please find the complete report at the bottom of this page
Danube: smart & sustainable cities and regions
Venue: Alba Iulia (RO) 16/17/05/2011
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania is organizing the Alba Iulia Business Forum, one of a series of events dedicated to the implementation of the Action Plan of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. The main objective is to identify priority projects and strategic partnerships at European level. The debates will be focused on: Tourism and cultural heritage, Health, Research, Innovation and renewable energy, Education, Agriculture and Food processing.
For more information contact the Permanent secretariat
European Tourism Stakeholders Conference
Venue: Budapest (HG) 12-13/05/2011
The Hungarian Presidency of the EU hosted the two days conference "Sustainable and Responsible Tourism as a contributor to quality of Life". The first panel was dedicated to health tourism and highlighted the 3 principles of the Directive on Patient's Right in Cross border Healthcare, Reimbursement, Insurance and formal cooperation between health systems. The second panel was focused on Responsible Tourism Business and counted with the interventions of representatives from the private sector The panelists insisted on the importance to involve and have the support of the local/regional authorities in their project. NECSTouR President intervened during the debate to reiterate the important role of Regions as the main strategic actors to ensure the quality of life of the tourist, the residents and the workers. The local tourism industry facing enormous difficulties, the Regions represent the best level to support them tackle these challenges. The last panel was dedicated for the first time in a European Conference to sustainable tourism behavior from best practices to recommendations. Several high level stakeholders presented their view of the European Tourism Policy, the EU Commission Vice President and Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, the Tourism Minister of Hungary, of Italy and of Poland, the General Secretary of the OECD and the President of Hungary itself
Please find the complete report of the conference at the bottom of this page
11th Forum Of Adratic And Ionian Chambers Of Commerce
Venue: Budva (Montenegro) 11-13/05/2011
Organised in Montenegro, the XI Forum of Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce focused on the Integrated Maritime Policy: the "blue growth" for economic development and sustainability of the Adriatic-Ionian Macro-region. The roundtable on the 12th May, dedicated only to tourism gave the opportunity to the representatives of NECSTouR, Tuscany Region, ISNART, and the European Institute of Cultural Routes to discuss the future opportunity for the Adriatic macro region with the members of the FAICC in terms of Branding, networking and developing projects. Representatives of the Council of Europe also contributed to the discussion and enhanced the participants to valorize and promote better their cultural and natural heritage.
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Rio 2012 - Preparation Of A European Position
Venue: Brussels (BE) 04/05/2011
The United Nations organised a Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between the 4th and the 6th of June 2012 with the objective of securing and renewing international political commitment for sustainable development, and addressing new and emerging challenges. The Conference organised by the European Parliament Intergroup on "Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development" of the 4th of May mainly focused on a green economy in the context of sustainable development, and on the institutional framework for sustainable development. Chaired by the MEP Jo Leinen, the Conference has been the occasion to gather international experts of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, ranging from the Director of the UNEP Regional office for Europe, Christophe Bouvier, to experts of the IUCN and the IEPP.
More information here
ETC/UNTWO SEMINAR
Venue: Dublin (IR) 03-04//05/2011
The seminar organised by the European Travel Commission (ETC), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has provided an overview of the ETC and UNWTO Handbook on Tourism Product Development. The fundamentals and principles of tourism product development has been taught as well as the steps included in the product development process with international 'best practice' case studies. Following to this seminar, the handbook will be published and will be available for NECSTouR Members.
More information here
European Landscape Convention And Cultural Heritage
Venue: Strasbourg (FR) 03-06/05/2011
The 6th Council of Europe Conference on the European Landscape Convention (3-4th of May) has permitted all member States and observer of the Council of Europe, international governmental and non-governmental institutions and organisations, to become aware of the progress made in the implementation of the Convention, as well as to obtain replies to practical questions related to its implementation.
More information here
On the other hand, the 4th Plenary Session of the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage and Landscape (5-6th of May) was the occasion for the DG Education, Culture and Heritage to present and discuss the progress report on the reform of the Council of Europe as well as the follow-up of the Heritage Convention.
More information here