19th ECTN Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe: Skiathos hosts European gathering on the future of sustainable cultural tourism
How can tourism help places become more resilient, inclusive and sustainable while strengthening cultural heritage and local communities? This question was at the heart of the 19th ECTN Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe, held in Skiathos, Greece, from 23 to 26 September 2026, under the theme “Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Culture Compass for Europe: Synergies for Regenerative, Smart and Resilient Cultural Tourism”.
The conference brought together tourism professionals, heritage practitioners, researchers, policymakers and cultural organisations from across Europe to explore the latest developments in cultural, heritage, smart and sustainable tourism. Discussions focused on the role of culture and heritage, digitalisation, climate resilience, regeneration and sustainability in enhancing visitor experiences and supporting more resilient destinations.
The conference also highlighted the important role of destinations and local authorities in shaping a more sustainable future for tourism. Thodoris Tzoumas, Mayor of Skiathos, welcomed participants to the island and highlighted Skiathos’ commitment to sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism, building on its rich cultural heritage and natural environment. The conference was organised in close cooperation with the Municipality of Skiathos, which played an important role in bringing this European gathering to the island.
Across a rich programme of sessions and case studies, participants explored six key themes: resilience and climate action; creative and co-created tourism; digitalisation and smart tourism; transnational cultural routes and heritage networks; active, slow and accessible tourism; and regenerative tourism and heritage-led destination regeneration. Examples ranged from cultural routes and traditional crafts to digital heritage experiences, cycling and walking tourism, community-led regeneration and innovative approaches to climate adaptation.
Connecting European policy and practice
The conference also provided a platform to discuss key European developments shaping the future of tourism and heritage. A dedicated plenary session explored the European Heritage Days, the Council of Europe Cultural Routes and the European Travel Commission (ECT) work on sustainable tourism and destination management.
Europa Nostra Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, Vanessa Fraga Prol, contributed to the plenary session, highlighting the work of the European Heritage Hub on Sustainable Cultural Tourism and the important role of cultural heritage in the transition towards more sustainable and resilient tourism.
The programme brought together contributions from European and international organisations, including the European Commission, UN Tourism, the European Travel Commission, Europeana, ENAT, the European Cyclists’ Federation and the Creative Tourism Network.
Celebrating destinations putting heritage at the heart of sustainable tourism
The conference also hosted the 2026 ECTN Awards for ‘Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism’, organised by ECTN in partnership with Europa Nostra, the European Travel Commission and NECSTouR, with support from Europeana, the Creative Tourism Network, ENAT and the INSPIRES and Smart Tour projects. Manos Vougioukas, Secretary-General of ECTN, played a central role in bringing together the conference and Awards programme, working with the ECTN Board and partners to strengthen European cooperation on sustainable cultural tourism.
About nineteen finalists presented their projects across the six Award categories, showcasing diverse approaches to resilient, creative, digital, transnational, accessible and regenerative cultural tourism.
The Awards celebrate destinations and initiatives demonstrating how culture and heritage can contribute to more sustainable, smart and resilient tourism. They also provide a platform for sharing experience, fostering cooperation and inspiring destinations across Europe to place heritage, local communities and sustainability at the heart of tourism development.
The Awards ceremony took place during the conference gala dinner on 24 September, bringing together finalists, partners and participants to celebrate achievements in sustainable cultural tourism.
Beyond the conference sessions, participants had the opportunity to discover Skiathos’ cultural heritage through study visits, including the Evaggelistria Monastery Museum, Skiathos Castle and museums in Skiathos town. These visits offered a practical illustration of the close connection between destination development, living heritage and local communities.
The conference therefore provided not only a European platform for exchanging knowledge and policy perspectives, but also an opportunity to showcase how local destinations can place culture, heritage, communities and sustainability at the centre of tourism development.
