NECSTouR’s Strategy Director, Cristina Nuñez, delivered a key speech at the EESC Hearing on "Tourism in the EU: social sustainability as a driver for the long-term competitiveness of the sector". This contributes to the EESC’s upcoming opinion on how sustainability can shape the future of European tourism.

Cristina underlined that NECSTouR is committed to strengthening the positive value of tourism, aiming for destinations that not only thrive but regenerate as part of Regenerative Tourism Governance. Our goal is to help all European regions adopt regenerative approaches by 2030.

Cristina emphasized the importance of involving residents and businesses in destination management, marketing, and governance strategies. The power of collective action is critical for a sustainable future.

On current tourism challenges: Climate change, infrastructure readiness, and financial constraints are pressing issues. Yet, progress is being made as regions come together to benchmark solutions.

Tourism as a Prosperity Driver: In many regions, tourism already promotes social well-being and economic growth. However, saturated destinations must urgently address capacity and environmental challenges.

Cristina also shared the importance of European initiatives like D3HUB - EU Competence Centre to support data management in tourism destinations, aiming to connect passionate destinations through data-driven management, and the need for structured funding opportunities across the EU. As well as NECSTouR's involvement with the European Tourism Manifesto to strengthen the partnerships within the tourism industry to reinforce the European tourism vision and strategy.