Events

11 March 2026

WadNext Conference: Creating balance and making real progress for sustainable tourism

Cultural tourism

Ecotourism

Gastronomy tourism

+16 more

07/09/2026

The Wadden Sea Area: Where Innovation and Inspiration Meet

From policy plans to real change. That’s what the European Sustainable Tourism Strategy stands for. The ambition? Tourism that contributes to broad prosperity, climate goals, and livable destinations. But that can only happen if we learn from each other, exchange experiences, and collaborate across borders. That’s why the province of Fryslân (the Netherlands) is organizing the WadNext Conference in September 2026.

This is the conference where you’ll meet policymakers, destinations, and researchers from all over Europe. Not in an anonymous conference hall, but in a place where both the challenges and the solutions are tangible: the UNESCO Wadden Sea Region.

07/09/2026 - 09/09/2026

Ameland, The Netherlands

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Province of Fryslân

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Province of Fryslân

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Geographical descriptors

Albania

Armenia

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

EU-27

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Kosovo

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

Other

Organisation Type

Academic / Research and VET Institutions

Business Support Organisation

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

EU Institutions

Local Authorities

National authorities

Networks and Federations / Confederations

NGOs / Non-profits

Specific types of tourism
- Cultural tourism
- Ecotourism
- Gastronomy tourism
- Rural tourism

Transition Pathway Strategic Areas
- Best practices, peer learning and networking
- Changes in tourism demand and opportunities
- Circularity of tourism services
- Digitalisation of tourism SMEs and destinations
- Green Transition of Tourism Companies and SMEs
- Innovative tourism services
- Tourism strategies
- Well-being of residents

Business activities
- Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism
- Events catering and other food services
- Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities
- Hotel and similar accommodation
- Museums
- Recreational and sport activities
- Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport

Day 1: Welcome to island Ameland

Your journey begins with the crossing to Ameland. Choose the classic ferry or, for those seeking a deeper connection with the elements, a unique guided mudflat hike across the seabed. We’ll kick things off in the evening with a warm welcome dinner at Paviljoen ’t Strandhuys, where the sea breeze sets the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: Sharing knowledge and accelerating change

We start our plenary session by looking at the big picture: how do we shift from a focus on volume and growth toward creating true value?

Keynote Insight: Ilektra Kouloumpi (Doughnut Economics Action Lab) will introduce the Doughnut Economy, which is a practical framework for reshaping tourism within our social and planetary boundaries.
Expert Sessions: We’ll move from listening to doing. Smaller, interactive groups will dive into themes like regenerative tourism, sustainable transitions, and smart mobility.
Impact & Connection: The afternoon is dedicated to making a collective positive impact, followed by a festive evening. Expect local specialties and plenty of space to forge new, lasting relationships.

Day 3: Inspiration & Action

After an evening with making new connections, we start fresh with a powerful message from the next generation: the youth of the Wadden area. We’ll also explore national and international best practices from regions leading the way in sustainable hospitality.

Island Expeditions: It’s time to head outdoors! We’ll split into groups for expeditions across the island, discovering innovative projects in unexpected, scenic locations.
The Wrap-up & Promise: We conclude our journey together with a "promise". A personal and professional commitment to take home to your stakeholders and visitors.

The official program ends at the end of the afternoon. It is possible to get a ferry in the evening to go the mainland.