Heraklion, following an invitation from the European Commission, has been selected as a partner in the Urban Agenda for the EU partnership (URBAN AGENDA for the EU), which is being created in the new thematic area of Sustainable Tourism.
Through this network of cities, Member States and stakeholders, Heraklion will play an active role in shaping the context of sustainable tourism at the urban level, particularly in identifying challenges faced by cities locally, while contributing actions and activities emerging from the network being developed. The objectives of this network include improving existing legislation on urban areas and urban challenges, supporting and enhancing innovative and user-friendly funding mechanisms for urban areas, and exchanging and developing knowledge (data, studies, and good practices) alongside sharing experiences to deepen understanding of urban challenges in sustainable tourism, in order to inform future planning and actions.
The coordinators of the action are the Municipality of Genoa and the Municipality of Galati. The work is expected to begin in early 2023, while the participating partner cities collaborating with Heraklion to address challenges under the theme “Sustainable Tourism” include Larissa, Venice, Šibenik, Zadar, Porvoo, and Narva.
The Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Heraklion, Mr. George Sisamakis, commented on the city’s inclusion in the partnership, stating: “Our choice to participate in the Sustainable Tourism network of the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership, which contributes to the formulation of EU policies and actions, is a sign of recognition of the effort being made here in Heraklion. Clearly we will benefit on multiple levels as we will have the opportunity to be directly informed about developments in the most important sector of our local economy, tourism, to exchange know-how and to contribute to the formulation of policies that concern the future of tourism and urban areas. Through this networking, a head start in tourism-related programmes and resources is clearly ensured, so that we can actively contribute to a more sustainable model of development in a modern city like Heraklion.”
What is the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership
Launched in May 2016, the Urban Agenda for the EU represents a multi-level working method that promotes cooperation between Member States, cities, the European Commission, and other stakeholders to stimulate growth, sustainability, and innovation in European cities, as well as to identify and address social challenges.
It is an integrated and coordinated approach to examining the urban dimension of European Union and Member State policies and legislation. By focusing on specific priority themes within structured partnerships, the Urban Agenda for the EU aims to improve the quality of life in urban areas through three core pillars of policy development and implementation: better legislation, improved funding, and strengthened knowledge and expertise.
Fourteen partnerships have been defined across themes including air quality, circular economy, climate adaptation, culture and cultural heritage, digital transition, energy transition, housing, inclusion of migrants and refugees, innovative and responsible public procurement, jobs and skills in the local economy, sustainable use of land and nature-based solutions, urban mobility, urban poverty, and security in public spaces. In 2022, “Greening Cities” and “Sustainable Tourism” were added to the agenda.
The new thematic partnership on “Sustainable Tourism” focuses on tourism-related challenges in cities as a key component of sustainable urban economic development. It also builds on outcomes from previous partnerships on digital transition, housing, urban mobility, employment and skills in the local economy, as well as culture and cultural heritage.
Further information about the Agenda: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/newsroom/news/2022/07/15-07-2022-call-for-partners-urban-agenda-for-the-eu-partnerships-on-greening-cities-and-sustainable-tourism
GSTC Destination Assessment of Heraklion
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) conducted a Destination Assessment of Heraklion, Greece, from March to December 2021. The assessment was led by Dr. Ioannis Pappas, in close collaboration with the city’s authorities.
Based on the outcomes of the assessment, the authorities of Heraklion developed a roadmap to utilise the findings through subsequent actions and initiatives, including participation in the Urban Agenda for the EU partnership. The assessment process reflects the GSTC approach of providing a structured, evidence-based evaluation of destination performance using the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Standard, supporting destinations in designing and implementing long-term sustainability strategies.
Dr. Ioannis Pappas commented that the GSTC Destination Assessment serves as a critical first step for destinations to understand their current position and development needs. He noted that Heraklion demonstrated how such an assessment can support both reflection and momentum for shaping a more sustainable future for residents and visitors.
