The European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), in collaboration with the European Travel Commission (ETC), Europa Nostra, and the Network of European Regions for Competitive and Sustainable Tourism (NECSTouR), has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards. Now in its eighth year, this initiative aims to recognize and promote outstanding achievements in sustainable cultural tourism across Europe.
Focus and Goals
The 2025 awards will center around the theme: “Visitor Experiences and Authenticity for Sustainable, Smart, and Resilient Cultural Tourism Destinations.”
This theme highlights the importance of offering authentic experiences for visitors while advancing sustainability, innovation, and resilience in cultural tourism.
The awards aim to:
- Promote the development of sustainable cultural tourism practices.
- Increase visibility for European cultural tourism destinations.
- Foster networking and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
Eligibility
The awards are open to a wide range of entities involved in cultural tourism across Europe, including:
- National, regional, and local authorities
- Tourism boards and associations
- Destination management organizations
- Museums and interpretation centers
- Cultural routes and festivals
- Cultural non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Award Categories
Applicants can submit their projects under five categories:
Resilience in Sustainable Cultural Tourism Destinations: Focuses on initiatives that strengthen the resilience of cultural tourism destinations, particularly in areas like heritage preservation, climate action, and the green transition.
Wine and Gastronomy Tourism Based on Eno-Culinary Heritage Preservation: Recognizes projects that promote wine and gastronomy tourism while preserving culinary traditions and offering authentic experiences.
Digitalization in Smart Tourism – Cultural Heritage and Creativity: Awards projects using digital technologies to enhance cultural heritage experiences, promoting smart tourism practices.
Transnational Thematic Tourism Products Involving Culture and Heritage: Celebrates cross-border tourism projects that focus on cultural and heritage themes, including European Cultural Routes and European Heritage Label networks.
Cultural Tourism Services for All – Visitors and Residents Alike: This category recognizes inclusive cultural tourism services that cater to both visitors and locals, particularly with initiatives engaging younger generations.
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to submit their initiatives through the official ECTN website. The process involves providing detailed information about the project, including its goals, strategies, and expected or achieved outcomes. Applicants must also explain how their projects align with the award categories and theme.
Awards Ceremony
The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony during the 18th International Conference for Cultural Tourism, hosted by ECTN. The conference will take place from October 1 to 4, 2025, in Sibiu, Romania. This event will bring together industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in cultural tourism, offering ample networking and collaboration opportunities.
Benefits of Participation
The Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards offer various benefits to participants, including:
- Recognition: Award winners gain recognition for their contributions to sustainable cultural tourism, enhancing their reputation among industry peers and visitors.
- Visibility: Winning projects will receive increased exposure through ECTN’s communication channels, attracting more visitors and potential partnerships.
- Networking: Participants will have the chance to connect with other professionals, share best practices, and explore new partnerships.
- Knowledge Sharing: The awards promote the exchange of innovative ideas and successful strategies, advancing sustainable cultural tourism across Europe.
Conclusion
The 2025 Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards offer a valuable opportunity for European destinations and organizations to showcase their dedication to sustainability, authenticity, and innovation in cultural tourism. By participating, applicants help shape the future of Europe’s cultural tourism, ensuring its resilience and appeal for future generations.
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