The Sustainable EU Tourism project, launched in 2023 and funded by the European Union, is driving transformative change across Europe’s tourism sector. Through a series of workshops and collaborative initiatives, the project aims to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions for the tourism industry. By uniting EU destinations, tourism experts, and policymakers, this initiative is fostering a future where tourism supports both local communities and the environment.

Upcoming Workshop: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

The Sustainable EU Tourism project is hosting its second high-impact workshop, titled Smart Solutions – Pathways to Sustainable Tourism, on March 26, 2025. The event, available online, will bring together leading EU destinations and tourism experts to explore how technology, data, and digital solutions can accelerate sustainability in the tourism sector. As the industry faces increasing pressure to minimize its environmental impact, these discussions are crucial for driving change and fostering innovation in Europe’s tourism industry.

Workshop Agenda: Focus on Technology, Data, and Sustainability

The workshop, which runs from 17:00 to 18:45 CET, will cover a range of critical topics aimed at advancing sustainable tourism across Europe. The event will feature:

• Introduction & Presentation of the Sustainable EU Tourism project
• EU Support for the Tourism Ecosystem: Insights from Andreea Staicu of the European Commission (DG MOVE)
• EU Initiatives & Tools for Tourism Development: Presented by Marlène Bartès of DG MOVE
• Sustainable EU Tourism Talk: Smart solutions for a sustainable tourism future with Misa Labarile from DG MOVE and Dolores Ordóñez from ANYSOLUTION
• Panel Session: Best practices unpacked, featuring case studies from destinations like Ljubljana, Andalucía, Benidorm, Dubrovnik, and Bruges
• Conclusion & Next Steps

Participants will have the chance to gain insights into how technology and data are transforming tourism in Europe, shaping a more sustainable future for the sector.

Reflections from the First Workshop: Diversifying Tourism for Sustainability

The first workshop, titled Widening Horizons: Diversifying Tourism for a Sustainable Tomorrow, took place from March 11–12, 2025, at the European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels. The event brought together 27 Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) from across Europe to discuss diversification strategies for tourism resilience and sustainability.

Key topics discussed included:

• Tourism Diversification: Addressing imbalances in tourism flows and enhancing local community involvement.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Destinations like Malta shared insights on using satellite and transactional data to improve tourism management.
• Accessibility Innovations: Examples from Liepaja (Latvia) and Katerini (Greece) showcased how accessibility can be improved through tactile maps and stakeholder collaboration.
• Seasonality Solutions: Saalfelden-Leogang (Austria) presented its development of a year-round mountain bike park to attract off-season visitors.
• Sustainability Practices: Bled (Slovenia) shared its zero-waste initiatives and community engagement efforts to promote responsible tourism.

Following these discussions, DMOs worked together to create action plans addressing common challenges. They formed five twinning groups to tackle key sustainability issues such as accessibility, consumer preferences, and seasonality. These groups developed concrete ideas, including the establishment of a Best Practice Lab for knowledge exchange and strategies to encourage responsible behavior through gamification and EU-wide awareness campaigns.

Next Steps: Continuing the Collaboration for a Greener Future

The Sustainable EU Tourism initiative is committed to turning these ideas into reality. Following the first workshop, DMOs will continue refining their action plans through webinars and further collaboration. The goal is to ensure practical implementation of the solutions developed and deepen the partnerships formed between destinations. This ongoing collaboration highlights the importance of cross-destination cooperation in achieving the EU’s tourism sustainability goals.

A Compilation of Best Practices from Across Europe

In line with the project’s mission to promote sustainable tourism, the Sustainable EU Tourism initiative has released a comprehensive compilation of best practices from 50 EU destinations. This resource, which draws from extensive research and surveys, offers valuable insights into how European destinations are tackling pressing tourism challenges such as water scarcity, waste management, and over-tourism.

One standout example from the compilation is Benidorm (Spain), recognized as the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. Benidorm has implemented innovative water management strategies, including separating rainwater and wastewater, composting sludge for agricultural use, and generating biogas from wastewater to produce electricity. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to make Benidorm a model of sustainable tourism, setting a benchmark for other destinations committed to environmental responsibility.

Impact on European Tourism and Global Travel Trends

The Sustainable EU Tourism project is setting the stage for a major shift in the way tourism is approached in Europe. As destinations collaborate and innovate to create sustainable travel solutions, travelers can expect a more responsible and environmentally friendly tourism landscape in the coming years. The project’s focus on technology, data, and digital solutions will also have a significant impact on the global tourism industry, as these innovations can be applied to destinations worldwide, shaping a greener, more sustainable future for travel.

The project’s emphasis on accessibility, seasonality, and responsible tourism practices is particularly timely, as these issues are increasingly relevant to today’s global travelers. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, destinations that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity will likely see increased demand. This presents opportunities for both established and emerging travel destinations to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market by adopting green practices and offering unique, sustainable experiences.

Stay Informed: Join the Movement for Sustainable Tourism

The Sustainable EU Tourism project offers an exciting opportunity for destinations, tourism experts, and policymakers to come together and shape the future of tourism in Europe. As the project continues to unfold, stakeholders from across the continent are invited to participate in the upcoming workshop on March 26, 2025. This is an important event for anyone interested in driving sustainable change in the tourism industry and ensuring that European tourism remains resilient and inclusive in the face of global challenges.

The post What Makes Bled, Slovenia, the Ultimate Destination for Sustainable Tourism and Zero-Waste Travel Enthusiasts? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.