Gestrin at the 3^rd International Conference on Baltic Sea Strategy in Jurmala 22 Nov

“Tourism is an important driver in and for a positive regional economic development. This is a gratifying tendency with promising prospects for the future. But to reap the immediate and long-term benefits from this development, it is indispensable that the further expansion of tourism in the Region proceeds in a sustainable manner, that can strike a rewarding balance between economic incentives and natural and cultural considerations” said Christina Gestrin, BSPC, in her keynote address at the III. International Conference on the Baltic Sea Strategy, held in Jurmala 22-23 November. Tourism and cross-sectoral initiatives for a sustainable development of the Baltic Sea Region was one of the main themes of the Conference, which was organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Latvia, the Swedish Institute, and the organization Keep Latvia Tidy. “Tourism is clearly associated with relaxation and recuperation. However, it should not mean relaxation from environmental concerns. If you behave environmentally-friendly in your everyday life, you should of course bring those habits along when you go on vacation. Sustainable tourism is not just a responsibility for event providers; it is also a personal responsibility, regardless of where you are staying. Minimizing your ecological footprint will help preserving the natural riches for generations to come. A continued growth of sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region is an endeavour that – handled prudently – can contribute both to the socio-economic development of the Region and to the protection and preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. This is, then, a true win-win situation”, Gestrin emphasized.