The latest release from the Interreg Euro-MED Dialogue4Tourism Project, in collaboration with the Community4Tourism Project, marks a significant step forward for sustainable tourism governance. The "Handbook for Sustainable Tourism Observatories: Strategies, Governance and Implementation Guidelines" serves as a comprehensive guide for developing, strengthening, and effectively operating Sustainable Tourism Observatories.

This invaluable tool draws upon the collective wisdom and detailed discussions that took place during the sessions organized by key coordinators: the Lazio Region in Italy, the European University of Rome, and the El legado andalusí Foundation - Regional Ministry of Culture and Sport of Andalusia, Spain. These entities, along with other project partners from across Europe, have contributed their expertise to outline innovative data-management approaches, stakeholder engagement strategies, and policy-integration practices that empower STOs to act as strategic instruments in sustainable tourism governance.

The handbook is embedded within the broader context of the Interreg Euro-MED Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. It integrates the Interreg Euro-MED Thematic Projects of the Sustainable Tourism Mission, providing a vibrant forum for exchange and debate. Managed by the Lazio Region, with substantial input from the Università Europea di Roma and partners like ASCAME and GTI, the Network fosters collaborative data collection, analysis, and dissemination to promote evidence-based decision-making.

Importantly, the mission of the NSTO aligns with global and European sustainability frameworks, such as the EU Transition Pathway for Tourism, the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism, and the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy. This alignment ensures that STOs can evolve from mere monitoring structures to influential governance platforms capable of shaping, informing, and evaluating sustainable tourism policies.

Currently, the Network boasts 40 member institutions, including partnerships and associated partnerships from the former Interreg MED Program. By leveraging the expertise from a diverse array of sectors, the initiative aims to broaden its scope and enhance its impact across Europe.

The release of this handbook is a landmark moment for sustainable tourism, providing critical strategies and guidelines necessary to transition STOs into proactive agents of change within the tourism sector.

For those interested in exploring this comprehensive guide, the handbook is available for download here.

#Governance of tourism destinations #Sustainable tourism planning #Stakeholder engagement #Strategies and actions #Tourism sustainability indicators #Cross-regional cooperation