The meeting “Beyond Resilience: Leveraging Connectivity, Heritage and Local Excellence to Build Lasting Sustainability” gathered high-level stakeholders from across the European tourism ecosystem to lay the groundwork for the TRAN own-initiative report on “Enhancing connectivity, preserving cultural heritage, and driving local excellence in European tourism: destination management and regional tourism growth.”

NECSTouR’s Contribution: The Regional Perspective: John Fitzgibbon, NECSTouR Managing Director, delivered a presentation entitled “Sustainable Tourism Regions & Improving Stewardship in the Next MFF.”

He highlighted that regional and destination management organisations (DMOs) are at the forefront of delivering Europe’s sustainable tourism ambitions but they require continued policy and financial support. “More marketing means more tourism and therefore, in some cases, more pressure on destinations,” he warned. “We must coordinate efforts at the appropriate level and respect subsidiarity. Regions can and are helping but they need ongoing support.”

NECSTouR also called for:

• Adequate funding for future EU tourism flagships in the next programming period (MFF) 2028-34 and, ideally, a dedicated tourism budget line;
• Inclusion of tourism in the next Cohesion Policy (2028–2034) to ensure long-term support to regions with tourism priorities for regions enshrined in National Plans
• Smarter regional programming, such as Smart Tourism Specialisation Strategies and intra-regional flow management plans;
• Empowered intermediaries to assist regions and DMOs in managing visitor flows sustainably;
• The creation of an EU Data Competence Centre to enhance stewardship and data-driven decision-making at sub-national level.

A Shared Vision for Europe’s Tourism Future

The hearing featured contributions from leading tourism voices, including the European Travel Commission, European Regions Airline Association, and the Arts Council Malta. The discussion was guided by Rapporteur Mr. Daniel Attard, MEP, with closing remarks from Ms. Vozemberg-Vrionidi.

The European Commission, represented by Ms. Andreea Staicu (DG MOVE), presented the upcoming consultation process and timeline for the European Sustainable Tourism Strategy, expected to define the EU’s approach to tourism in the next decade.

The TRAN own-initiative report, prepared by Rapporteur Mr. Daniel Attard, MEP, is expected to be published next month. NECSTouR looks forward to continued collaboration with the European Parliament and Commission on advancing a sustainable and competitive tourism future for Europe’s regions.