The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) is delighted to announce the release of its latest report on sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region for the year 2023-2024. This comprehensive report, authored under the diligent guidance of BSPC Rapporteur Ms. Birgit Hesse, President of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, provides an in-depth overview of the current state and future prospects of sustainable tourism across the Baltic Sea Region.
Key Highlights of the Report
1. EU and Regional Initiatives: The report details the various European Union initiatives that are currently promoting sustainable tourism, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. It emphasizes the role of programs like Interreg Baltic Sea Region, which is fostering innovation and sustainability through cross-border cooperation.
2. Impact of Climate Change: A significant portion of the report focuses on the challenges posed by climate change, including the warming of the Baltic Sea and its impact on tourism. The proliferation of bacteria due to rising sea temperatures, which affects public health and tourism, is addressed, alongside the need for sustainable environmental practices.
3. Innovative Tourism Projects: The report showcases numerous innovative projects that are helping to reshape tourism in the region. These include initiatives like the Baltic Sustainable Boating 2030 project, which aims to transform the Baltic Sea region into a leading destination for sustainable leisure boating, and the “Bike Across the Baltic” project, promoting cycling tourism as a climate-neutral travel option.
4. Economic and Social Impact: Beyond environmental concerns, the report also delves into the socio-economic aspects of tourism. It explores the potential of rural and roots tourism to drive economic diversification, preserve cultural heritage, and sustain local communities, particularly in the face of urbanization and depopulation.
5. Policy Recommendations: The BSPC’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism is reflected in its policy recommendations, which call for the continued development of sustainable, resilient, and innovative tourism practices. The report also supports the transition to green and digital tourism as a means to enhance the sector’s resilience post-COVID-19.
Strategic Vision for the Future
The 2023-2024 report aligns with the BSPC’s broader vision of promoting sustainable development across the Baltic Sea Region. It underscores the importance of collaboration between regional, national, and EU-level stakeholders to achieve the dual goals of environmental sustainability and economic resilience in the tourism sector.
As part of this strategic vision, the BSPC welcomes initiatives that address both the immediate and long-term challenges of sustainable tourism. These include addressing the impacts of climate change, fostering innovation in tourism offerings, and ensuring that tourism remains a driver of socio-economic development in the region.
Conclusion
The BSPC’s report on Sustainable Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region is an essential resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the wider public interested in the sustainable future of tourism. It not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape but also offers actionable insights and recommendations for the continued growth and sustainability of the tourism sector in the Baltic Sea Region.
The full Report can be downloaded hereand on the Rapporteur’s webpage.
We encourage all stakeholders to engage with the findings and join the ongoing dialogue on sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region.