NECSTouR, the Network of European Regions for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism, is pleased to announce the handover of its Presidency from Ms Elena Baena, representing the Region of Andalucía, to Mr Mathieu Cuip of the Île-de-France Region. The transition became effective at today’s NECSTouR Board Meeting and marks the beginning of a one‑year mandate for Mr Cuip.

During her Presidency, Ms Baena successfully advanced NECSTouR’s commitment to resilient and sustainable tourism development, strengthening the role of European regions in co‑creating the future of tourism. Under her leadership, the network deepened collaboration with EU institutions, advanced its prestigious Tourism of Tomorrow Lab data hub, accelerated work on climate‑conscious tourism initiatives, and amplified the voice of regions in shaping European tourism policies.

NECSTouR warmly thanks Ms Baena for her leadership, dedication, and vision during this transformative period for the tourism sector.

A Presidency during a crucial year for EU Tourism Policy

Taking over at a key moment, Mr Mathieu Cuip, elected member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), assumes the Presidency as the European Commission prepares to unveil its new European Tourism Strategy in early May 2026 as discussions accelerate on the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-34.

Leveraging his dual role as regional representative and CoR member, Mr Cuip will guide NECSTouR’s strategic engagement with EU policymakers, ensuring that the network’s expertise, principles, and best practices help shape the implementation of the upcoming EU Tourism Strategy. His priority will be to mobilise and connect more European regions committed to accelerating the transition toward a greener, smarter, and more inclusive tourism model.

A President Committed to Growing the Network and Its Impact

“It is an honour to take over the Presidency of NECSTouR at such a decisive moment for European tourism,” said Mr Mathieu Cuip. “With the upcoming EU Tourism Strategy, regions have a unique opportunity to influence the future of European tourism policy. My ambition is to open NECSTouR’s doors even wider by inviting more regions to join our shared mission and ensuring that regional expertise is central to Europe’s sustainable tourism transition.”

Under his Presidency, NECSTouR will focus on:

• Strengthening regional engagement with EU institutions ahead of and following the release of the new European Tourism Strategy.
• Expanding the network’s membership and partnerships to include more regions leading innovative and sustainable tourism practices.
• Supporting regions in navigating the green and digital transitions through collaborative projects and practical tools led by NCSTouR’s climate, data and governance hubs.
• Reinforcing NECSTouR’s role as the leading European platform for sustainable, resilient and competitive tourism governance for regions.