The Centre-Val de Loire Region and NECSTouR are excited to invite you to our next Annual General Meeting taking place from 21-23 April 2026 in Bourges! We look forward to seeing you in Bourges and celebrating our achievements since Milan together.
Join us in Bourges, designated European Capital of Culture 2028 for our next AGM!
Our network’s flagship event will be centred on the theme:
Tourism and Culture: from creation to legacy – building resilient and connected territories
The 2026 NECSTouR AGM will highlight how a holistic destination management model that integrates both culture and tourism can create lasting value and connections across territories.
The programme will focus on how cultural heritage and tourism can be integrated to create long‑term territorial value, with Centre‑Val de Loire presenting its approach and the preparations taking place in Bourges which has been designated as European Capital of Culture 2028.
For all our members, don’t miss this occasion to start engaging with our community. Start planning your trip and meet us in Bourges, for an inspiring exchange of ideas, creativity and collaboration.
Our AGM offers members a unique chance to experience the full breadth of what NECSTouR delivers—placing attendees at the heart of Europe’s tourism agenda. This year in Bourges, our community will be able to engage directly with EU institutions, explore innovative tools for destination management, and learn from a leading cultural destination preparing for its European Capital of Culture year.
Hear from High‑Level EU Leadership
Attendees will hear a keynote from Mona Björklund, Director for Policy Coordination at the European Commission’s DG MOVE, who will share strategic insights into the forthcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy and the evolution of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–34. Her contribution will place regions at the centre of current EU tourism policy‑making.
Join Hands‑On Data & Climate Workshops
Members will have the opportunity to take part in two in‑depth thematic sessions:
Data Hub Workshop
Led by the Tourism of Tomorrow Lab (ToTLab), this session includes a full demonstration of the Sustainable Tourism Indicators Platform and the NECSTouR Data Pathway Pilot Experience, supporting regions in systematic data collection, benchmarking and evidence‑based decision‑making. The workshop also highlights NECSTouR’s collaboration with TOURMIS.
Climate Hub Workshop
Led by climate adaption expert Thomas Dworak, this interactive session will guide members through real climate‑risk scenarios and practical adaptation steps that destinations can begin applying immediately, in line with the fourth action of our 2026 Work Programme.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with more than 25 European regions and tourism experts, creating valuable opportunities to exchange experiences, ideas and best practices within the NECSTouR community. Throughout the AGM, there will be dedicated thematic networking sessions, shared dinners and guided tours—plenty of opportunities to learn from and connect with peers.
Discover Culture as a Tool for Destination Transformation
Learn from the Centre‑Val de Loire Region how culture can transform a destination through a roundtable discussion moderated by a member of our Governance Hub, officially launched at our previous AGM in Milan. This roundtable will showcase the region’s success in shaping a destination through culture, featuring:
– Karine Gloanec‑Maurin – Regional Councillor to the President, Centre‑Val de Loire Region
– Alexis Rousseau‑Jouhennet – Director, Château de Valençay
– Suzanne Steen – Development Manager, La Cyclo Bohème
Gain first‑hand knowledge through a guided study visit to Halle au Blé, exploring Bourges’ key cultural transformation projects linked to its European Capital of Culture 2028 bid. You’ll discover how the city integrates cultural programming, placemaking and community engagement to shape a resilient, future‑ready destination.
Don’t miss out on our flagship event of the year—get in touch to find out more!