BackClimate-smart tourism in the Baltic Sea Region
Linking Megatrends to the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
Powerful and overlapping megatrends are reshaping tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, including the urgency of climate adaptation, the digital transformation of services, growing pressure on natural and cultural assets, and demographic shifts that impact the workforce and mobility. Policy Area Tourism responds to these shifts by aligning its work with the core objectives of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR): Save the Sea, Connect the Region and In crease Prosperity.
By supporting climate-smart tourism models, Policy Area Tourism contributes to saving the sea, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism, and encouraging low-carbon travel. By fostering cooperation across borders, sectors, and governance levels, it connects the region, creating shared standards and platforms. Supporting innovation and enhancing business capacity increases prosperity, particularly in rural and coastal areas that rely on tourism for employment and community well-being.
This approach is visible in key transnational initiatives and projects. Baltic Biking UP-GRADE (Interreg South Baltic) and Bike Across the Baltic (Interreg Baltic Sea Region) promote cycling tourism as a sustainable mobility option connected to the EuroVelo 10 route, allowing you to cycle around the entire Baltic Sea. CliNeDest – Climate Neutral Destinations (Interreg Baltic Sea Region) equips SMEs and DMOs with tools for carbon-based business transformation. Our Interreg Baltic Sea Region project platform – RegenT will drive the regenerative turn in tourism by linking nature-based solutions, community empowerment and long-term value creation.
In everything we do, Policy Area Tourism reinforces the EUSBSR’s role as a macro-regional platform for coordination, innovation and shared impact. As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, Policy Area Tourism remains committed to securing the future by ensuring that the Baltic Sea Region becomes a leader in sustainable, smart and inclusive tourism.
Policy Area Tourism Coordinators
Securing the Future – Views from the Policy Area Coordinators
This text is originally published in the “Securing the Future – Views from the Policy Area Coordinators” publication. The publication consists of thematically focused articles that are aligned with the Strategy objectives. The texts support informed discussion on topics relevant across the Baltic Sea Region.
Download the full publication here.
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