Sustainable Tourism - Preparatory action

In 2009

The main objective was to raise awareness on cycling tourism in Europe and its contribution to sustainable tourism.

A specific focus was put on highlighting the regional economic impact of cycling tourism and the importance of developing the Iron Curtain Trail as EuroVelo route no. 13.
In this regard, an awareness rising and promotion campaign (including production of the video-clip "Discover Europe by bike" and organisation of three regional workshops in Member States) on cycling tourism as a sustainable form of tourism was implemented.

• More details about the First Year (2009).

In 2010

The overall objective of the initiative was to provide added value in improving the sustainability and competitiveness performance of European cycling tourism.

The call for proposals: "Promotion of cycling tourism in the European Union as means of sustainable tourism development" was launched aiming at supporting and promoting cross-border and trans-national cycling routes and cycle networks, with a view to contribute, directly or indirectly, to reduce CO2 emissions in the tourism industry.

• More details about the Second Year (2010).

In 2011

The "Sustainable tourism" preparatory action focuses on the following main objectives:

• Raising awareness of the contribution of different cultures to a common European identity, through the understanding of Europe's history and integration process and common values on the basis of its tangible, intangible and natural heritage
• Promoting the role of cultural tourism as a factor for sustainable economic development, European citizenship and intercultural dialog;
  Promoting sustainable and responsible tourism within the EU and neighbouring countries
• Reinforcing the image and profile of Europe as a high-quality destination among European and third-country citizens
• Strengthening the capacity of tourism operators and small enterprises in remote and less known destinations to reach out to new publics, facilitating the exchange of experiences and their networking and clustering efforts
• Stimulating competitiveness and innovation of the tourism industry in the European Union.

In view of the above mentioned main objectives, the call for proposals "Promotion of trans-national thematic tourism products in the European Union as means of sustainable tourism development (12/G/ENT/TOU/11/411B)" focuses on the enhancement and promotion of different thematic transnational tourism products such as: routes/itineraries/trails (either physical or virtual) contributing to the development and promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism in Europe.

• More details about the Third Year (2011).