New NECSTouR President Elena Baena introduces this latest edition of NEWSTouR detailing our activities since November, notably our Annual General Meeting held in Milan where NECSTouR officially launched its much-anticipated Governance Hub. The creation of the Governance Hub alongside the Climate and Data Hubs, enables NECSTouR and our members to continue to drive regional collaboration, smart policymaking, and climate action across the network.

Additionally, NEWSTouR details the network’s growing advocacy work through the Committee of the Regions. The NECSTouR Tourism Advocacy Group has met twice in the first half of 2025. We are also responding to the consultation on a new European Tourism Strategy, contributing to the Committee of the Regions’ Opinion on Sustainable Tourism, and promotion of Smart Specialisation as a core tool for regional innovation.

This edition also covers progress across key EU funded data projects D3HUB and DEPLOYTOUR, and the Tourism of Tomorrow Lab service, all of which support data-driven and inclusive tourism transformation.

NEWSTouR showcases the work of our members. In this edition, we feature five stories from our members across Europe highlighting their successes and good practices. The Łódzkie region celebrates ten years of its ecological tourism programme, offering residents guided nature excursions that integrate environmental education and community engagement. Meanwhile, Normandy prepares for a major cultural milestone: the millennium of William the Conqueror’s birth in 2027. This pan-European celebration will unite regions linked to Norman heritage, blending tourism, culture, and education on a continental scale.

Other standout stories include Puglia’s slow tourism network, Skåne’s expanding “Map of Quietude” campaign promoting tranquil travel, and the creation of new wine tourism hubs in South Limburg, demonstrating the diverse and innovative approaches being taken by members across Europe.

We hope you enjoy reading it and welcome your feedback.