Applications have opened for the 2026 edition of the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards, an initiative led by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) in partnership with Europa Nostra, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and NECSTouR, marking a continued effort to promote innovation and sustainability in Europe’s tourism sector.
The 2026 awards are held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Culture Compass for Europe: Synergies for Regenerative, Smart and Resilient Cultural Tourism,” reflecting what organisers describe as a growing focus on building tourism models that are adaptive, community-oriented and environmentally responsible.
Entries are open until 15 May 2026 and invite a wide range of stakeholders, including local, regional and national authorities, tourism boards, cultural institutions and NGOs, to submit projects demonstrating tangible results in sustainable cultural tourism over the past three years.
The awards aim to recognise destinations that enhance visitor experiences while respecting traditions and actively involving local communities. According to organisers, winning initiatives will serve as examples of excellence capable of inspiring further development across Europe’s tourism landscape.
Six categories have been outlined for this year’s competition, covering key areas such as:
- Resilience in sustainable cultural tourism destinations, including natural heritage, green transition, and climate action.
- Creative Tourism and Co-Created Cultural Tourism Experiences.
- Digitalisation in smart tourism, cultural heritage and creativity aspects, enhancing visitor experiences.
- 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.
- Active, Slow and Accessible Cultural Tourism – Walking, Cycling and Hiking Tourism around Culture and Heritage.
- Regenerative Cultural Tourism & Heritage Led Destination Regeneration – Regenerative Tourism Synergies with Culture and Heritage.
The initiative is positioned not only as a competition but also as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Organisers highlight its role in connecting destinations, increasing visibility and encouraging a shift toward what is described as a more “resilient, value-oriented European tourism landscape.”
By aligning with broader European priorities such as green transition, digital innovation and social inclusion, the awards seek to translate policy goals into practical action at local and regional levels. They also underscore the role of cultural tourism as a driver of sustainable development, capable of strengthening local identity, supporting communities and revitalising less-visited areas.
The winners will be announced during the 19th International Conference for Cultural Tourism, scheduled to take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 on the Greek island of Skiathos. Finalists will be invited to attend the event, where the awards ceremony will be held.
Now in its ninth year, the awards continue to build on earlier editions linked to European initiatives such as the European Year of Cultural Heritage, reinforcing long-term efforts to position cultural tourism as a cornerstone of a more sustainable and resilient European economy.
