A New Collaborative Approach

The first technical dialogue, attended by over 90 representatives from European cities, the European Commission, and local stakeholders, showcased this innovative collaboration. With support from the European Urban Initiative, cities are now vital contributors to policy creation, bringing distinct local realities into the EU policymaking process. The dialogue centered on the theme of balanced tourism management, using it as a gateway to broader urban transitions including climate resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable urban mobility.

Strategic Themes and Discussions

The dialogue was structured around three thematic working groups:

1. Managing High Visitor Numbers: Cities like Barcelona and Copenhagen illustrated approaches to shift from volume to quality management, focusing on spatial distribution and reducing pressure on hotspots. Emphasis was placed on governance across municipal boundaries, integrating tourism with housing, planning, and public spaces.

2. Sustainable Growth and Governance: Cities such as Vaasa and Bruges demonstrated holistic approaches to tourism as a complex urban system, linking policy with economic diversification, sustainability, and metropolitan coordination.

3. Growing Tourism in Smaller Destinations: Cities like Rovereto and Saue explored ways to grow tourism while preserving local identity, emphasizing urban regeneration, revitalization, and year-round economic strengthening.

Towards Practical Solutions

Commission representatives acknowledged the EU's role in supporting local actions through funding, data standards, and peer learning. Initiatives like the EU Tourism Dashboard and Tourism Transition Pathway platform were highlighted as key resources. As part of a Focused Policy Lab, the two-day event fostered knowledge sharing on environmentally sustainable business models and social innovation through inclusive tourism.

This dialogue is a significant stride towards a more structured and practical partnership between European institutions and cities, embodying a shared vision for sustainable and strategic tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities alike.

For more information and presentations from cities, follow this link.

#Sustainable tourism #Destination management #Community-based tourism #Stakeholder engagement #Climate-friendly tourism practices #Sustainable destinations