The ReStart project, launched in January 2026, represents a new wave of EU-funded initiatives aimed at transforming how tourism supports destinations. Instead of just focusing on sustainability, the project explicitly seeks to speed up the shift towards regenerative tourism—where tourism actively enhances places, communities, and ecosystems. Funded through the Interreg North-West Europe programme, the project lasts 3.5 years and aims to help destinations balance tourism growth with climate action, community wellbeing, and quality of life. This reflects a wider shift in European tourism policy, where resilience, regeneration, and long-term value are becoming key priorities. A major strength of ReStart is its partnership. The project is led by Visit Flanders (Belgium) and includes a diverse range of organisations from across Europe, including:

• Westtoer (Belgium)
• Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
• Munster Technological University (Ireland)
• NECSTouR (Belgium)
• Municipality of Leeuwarden (Netherlands)
• Regional Council of Brittany (France)
• Coastal Synergie (France)
• City of Koblenz (Germany) 

Together, these partners include a diverse range of destinations, academic institutions, and policy networks from Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, and Germany, with outreach extending to Luxembourg. This transnational network is vital, as regenerative tourism requires coordinated efforts that transcend borders. At the centre of the project is the development of the “ReStart Compass”—a practical framework to help tourism authorities move from planning to action. It offers definitions, step-by-step guidance, and adaptable tools for different regional contexts. Unlike many policy-focused initiatives, ReStart emphasises real-world application, testing, and refining concepts through practice. The project’s pilot approach involves eight sites across Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, testing regenerative solutions in real conditions. This allows for tailored approaches addressing local challenges. Additionally, the project will train at least 54 tourism authorities and support SMEs in integrating regenerative principles into their services. 

The initiative is built around four pillars: managing tourism flows, climate adaptation and mitigation, community involvement, and quality of life. These reflect core aspects of regenerative tourism and align with EU priorities on green transition, social inclusion, and territorial cohesion. From a European perspective, ReStart is highly relevant, bridging the gap between policy ambitions and practical application. Many EU strategies emphasise sustainability and resilience, but destinations often lack the tools and capacity to implement them. 

ReStart provides structured support through guidance, training, and real-life testing. The project also emphasises the involvement of SMEs and local stakeholders, ensuring that regenerative approaches lead to tangible changes in tourism products and experiences, thereby strengthening the sector’s resilience and competitiveness across Europe. Ultimately, ReStart shows how EU cooperation can foster systemic change in tourism by connecting regions, sharing knowledge, and testing solutions collaboratively. This creates a foundation for scaling regenerative approaches beyond the project and positions Europe as a global leader in developing a responsible, future-oriented tourism model.

More information:
https://www.buas.nl/en/news/new-eu-project-restart-to-accelerate-the-transition-to-regenerative-tourism-in-north-west

#Projects #Regenerative Tourism #Sustainable Tourism #Smart Tourism