9th Annual EUSAIR Forum
Šibenik, Croatia | 15 - 16 May 2024
CONCLUSION OF THE PILLAR IV SESSION:
Navigating the green and digital transition – creating a sustainable future for AI region
Focused on the updated Action Plan and newly suggested topics and actions aimed at fostering a green, digital, and resilient future for tourism within EUSAIR, Pillar 4 session emphasized that green and digital transition are core priorities of the European agenda.
Tourism has the potential to serve as a driver for change and as an example of utilizing big data and technology. This involves sustainable tourism management of overcrowded areas while also revitalizing less populated rural regions and developing innovative tourism offerings and training for new generation of professionals in the field. Tourism can be a tool for improving inequality in society by making tourism accessible for all and improving quality of life within the EUSAIR region. The sustainable future of EUSAIR tourism is possible only through substantial multi-state and multi-stakeholder dialogues towards one shared vision.
State Secretary Tonči Glavina (as of May 17th newely appointed Minister of tourism and sport of the Republic of Croatia), opened the session by emphasizing that the green and digital transition represent crucial strategies in collective efforts towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Concluding that we have power and responsibility to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Adriatic-Ionian region, he invited participants to use this panel as a platform for discussion around the policy challenges in shifting towards sustainable tourism models.
Panellists from European Commission, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy shared insights, perspectives and interesting projects addressing the challenges of double transition in tourism of Adriatic-Ionian region.
Pillar 4 session at the 9th EUSAIR Forum concluded that EU policies and initiatives are driving force of digital and green transition and should be explored regularly. A large part of the EUSAIR region is rural which represents a great potential for introducing innovative strategies, products and services in the domain of rural tourism. Digital nomads, initiative of best villages and online travel agencies could be seen as strategies for attracting people and business. Discussion on inclusive tourism continue together with the promotion of accessibility and diversity within the tourism ecosystem. Only by understanding and embracing inclusive practices, local communities and travellers will benefit from tourism and have the overall experience.
EUSAIR tourism community needs to continue advocating sustainable solution that preserve region’s beauty and diversity for future generations.
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