This latest edition of NEWSTouR details our successes since November, our Annual General Meeting held in Milan, where NECSTouR officially launched its long-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, the newsletter details the network’s growing influence within EU institutions. Highlights include its proactive role in developing the forthcoming European Tourism Strategy, contributions to the Committee of the Regions’ Opinion on Sustainable Tourism, and promotion of Smart Specialisation as a core tool for regional innovation.

The edition also covers progress across key projects such as DEPLOYTOUR, D3HUB, and the Tourism of Tomorrow Lab, all of which support data-driven and inclusive tourism transformation.

NEWSTouR also provides the opportunity to showcase the work of our members, in this edition, we feature five stories from our membes 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.

With a continued focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and inclusive governance, this edition of NEWSTouR stands as a testament to the strength of regional cooperation in building a greener, smarter, and more resilient tourism future for Europe.