Celebrating Protected Areas Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism
Last 19 November, we were proud to celebrate Protected Areas from across Europe that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, earning their place as European Charter for Sustainable Tourism Awardees.
Bringing Protected Area excellence to Brussels!
The award ceremony for the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) took place in the European Parliament in Brussels. We were honoured to be hosted by MEP Giuseppe Antoci, who was awarded the Alfred Toepfer Medal in 2016 for his extraordinary courage in defending nature against organised crime. He emphasised that initiatives, such as the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, demonstrate Europe’s capacity and responsibility to advance sustainable tourism, safeguard biodiversity, and support resilient local communities.
We also had the privilege of welcoming two insightful keynote contributions:
- “Sustainable tourism and nature conservation: challenges and opportunities”
by Andrea Vettori, Head of the Nature Conservation Unit, European Commission – DG Environment
- “Towards a new EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism”
by Ramunė Genzbigelytė-Venturi, Policy Officer for Tourism, European Commission – DG MOVE
Get to know the winners!
This year, 24 Protected Areas were awarded the ECST. This includes 6 new awardees and 18 that have successfully re-applied to the ECST. You can virtually travel through these areas here:
The newly awarded Parks are:
- Antola Regional Natural Park, Italy
- Emilia Western Parks, Italy
- Gauja National Park, Latvia
- Monti Lucretili Natural Regional Park, Italy
- Serralada Litoral Park, Catalonia, Spain
- Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the Netherlands
Get to know all the awardees here!
During the ceremony, the awardees had the opportunity to showcase best practices successfully implemented in their territories, demonstrating the diversity and innovation behind sustainable tourism across Europe. Presentations included:
- Developing and managing the GR60 – Magic Mountains Long-Distance Trail
By João Carlos Pinho, Executive Coordinator, ADRIMAG / Montanhas Mágicas. The Park noted:
The Charter has proved to be of utmost importance in defining the main strategic orientations and the main actions to be developed, for the whole territory, regarding sustainable tourism development.
- Creating a Unified Visual Identity for the Soomaa National Park Charter Area
By Aino Viinapuu, Board Member, Green Riverland Partnership
- Implementing Sustainable Mobility with Shared E-Bikes in Weerribben-Wieden National Park
By Sharon Jagt, Project Manager for Sustainability and Economy, Weerribben-Wieden National Park
- ECST Forum as the Main Tool for Integrating Sustainable Tourism into the Management of the Julian Alps Transboundary MaB UNESCO Biosphere
By Stefano Santi, Director of Prealpi Giulie Nature Park, and Tit Potočnik, Director of Triglav National Park. They said:
ECST is a special journey that allows us to connect parks, local communities, and tourists beyond borders, honoring nature along a shared path of sustainability.
- Park and Operators: Building a Sustainable Future Together
By Franco Locatelli, ECST Responsible – Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna National Park. He remarked:
The ECST represents a great opportunity for our Park, and it is therefore an honor to receive this recognition. In recent years, thanks to the ECST, we have built an important network with local operators and other institutions. It has also provided a valuable opportunity for professional and educational growth for our members, as well as for raising awareness about sustainable tourism.
As this year’s celebration came to a close, heartfelt thanks went to all who joined us at the European Parliament in Brussels. Their presence and engagement strengthened the shared commitment to building a more sustainable future.
Warm congratulations to all the awarded Protected Areas for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing sustainable tourism across Europe.
Discover the photo album here: