Applications open for 2026 Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards

The European Travel Commission (ETC) has once again joined forces with the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Europa Nostra and the Network of European Regions for Competitive and Sustainable Tourism (NECSTouR) to launch the 2026 edition of the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards. Now in its ninth year, the initiative continues to spotlight innovative approaches to sustainable cultural tourism across Europe.

This year’s theme, “Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Culture Compass for Europe: Synergies for Regenerative, Smart and Resilient Cultural Tourism”, reflects a growing focus on building destinations that are not only sustainable but also adaptive and forward-looking.

Applications are open to a wide range of stakeholders, including national, regional and local authorities, tourism boards and associations, destination management organisations, museums, interpretation centres, cultural routes, festivals and cultural NGOs. Eligible applicants are invited to present tangible results and achievements in sustainable cultural tourism development.

Candidates may submit their applications under one of the following categories:

1. Resilience in sustainable cultural tourism destinations, including natural heritage, green transition, and climate action.
2. Creative Tourism and Co-Created Cultural Tourism Experiences. 
3. Digitalisation in smart tourism cultural heritage and creativity aspects, enhancing visitor experiences.
4. Transnational thematic tourism products involving culture and heritage, including European Cultural Routes and European Heritage Label networks, cross-border and multi-destination tourism initiatives involving at least 2 countries.
5. Active, Slow and Accessible Cultural Tourism – Walking, Cycling and Hiking Tourism around Culture and Heritage.
6. Regenerative Cultural Tourism & Heritage Led Destination Regeneration – Regenerative Tourism Synergies with Culture and Heritage.

The winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony, taking place as part of the 19th International Conference for Cultural Tourism, organised by ECTN from 23 to 26 September 2026 on Skiathos island, in the Thessalia Region of Greece.

The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026.

Further information on the 2026 Awards is available at this link.