Tourism has long been recognised as both an economic driver and a tool for strengthening cultural ties across the Baltic Sea Region. To channel this potential, Policy Area Tourism supports stakeholders, projects and communities in developing more resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism. Coordinated jointly by the Pomorskie Tourist Board (Poland) and the Oulu Region (Finland), the PA provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The work of PA Tourism is structured around three main actions. The first focuses on transnational tourism development in remote and rural areas. By encouraging investment and sustainable visitor flows in locations such as disconnected cities, islands and archipelagos, the action helps spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly. It also strengthens local employment, infrastructure and services—important factors in slowing rural-to-urban migration and fostering more resilient communities.

The second action emphasises investing in people, skills and technology in the tourism industry. With new demands for digitalisation and changing labour markets, tourism stakeholders need to build competencies that will support innovation and inclusivity. By prioritising training, digital skills and modern technology, PA Tourism contributes to a more competitive sector while ensuring that benefits are shared broadly among citizens and communities.

The third action addresses the protection and sustainable use of cultural heritage and natural resources. Tourism depends heavily on the preservation of landscapes, ecosystems and cultural assets. This action supports the creation of green and authentic offers, investments in eco-friendly infrastructure, and practices that respect local identities and host communities. By promoting environmentally friendly tourism, PA Tourism aims to ensure that both visitors and residents can enjoy the region’s resources in the long term.

Through these actions, PA Tourism contributes to building a smarter, greener and more resilient Baltic Sea Region, where tourism development not only supports economic growth but also strengthens social and environmental sustainability.

An essential part of this work is the annual Baltic Sea Tourism Forum, a key event that gathers stakeholders from across the region to exchange knowledge, foster cooperation, and shape future tourism policies. The 17th edition of the Forum will take place in Gdańsk on 1–2 October 2025, continuing its tradition as the leading platform for dialogue on tourism in the Baltic Sea Region. More info here: https://eusbsr.eu/policy-area-tourism/activities/ 

More details, including current activities and opportunities to get involved, can be found on the official PA Tourism website: https://eusbsr.eu/policy-area-tourism/

#Sustainable tourism #Destination management #Regenerative tourism #Tourism strategies