Are you passionate about sustainable & green travel and the future of tourism in the beautiful Baltic Sea Region? If so, mark your calendars and book your tickets because the Baltic Sea Tourism Forum 2023, organised by the EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism Coordinators in Tallinn, is an event you cannot miss.

Imagine a conference where experts and visionaries from the fields of tourism, DMOs, public authorities and regional development come together to discuss and shape the future of one of the most picturesque regions on the planet—the Baltic Sea Region. This year's lineup is extraordinary, promising a day filled with enlightening discussions, groundbreaking workshops, and the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. There are only a few places left, so this is the final call to register yourself for the event!

Here's a sneak peek of what awaits you at the Baltic Sea Tourism Forum 2023:

The day will start with welcoming words from Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Estonia. Riisalo's words will set the tone for a day dedicated to exploring sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region. Following Riisalo, the stage will be graced by Wiesław Byczkowski, Vice-Marshall from Pomorskie Region, and Jussi Rämet, Region Mayor of Oulu Region, who will provide valuable insights into the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region's Priority Area (PA) on Tourism organisations. Their contributions will further enrich the discussions on sustainable tourism, making this event even more enlightening and comprehensive.

Latest Trends in Green & Sustainable BSR Tourism by Prof. Anna Dziadkiewicz

Professor Anna Dziadkiewicz from the University of Gdańsk and the Pomeranian Agency of Development (PL) kick off the event with insights into the latest green and sustainable BSR tourism trends. Her talk will shed light on how the Baltic Sea Region is pioneering eco-friendly travel practices in a world increasingly conscious of environmental issues. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge on how sustainability shapes the tourism landscape.

Regenerative Tourism Introduction from Skåne Region by Niclas Fjellström

Niclas Fjellström, the Skåne Region Global Coordinator of the Culinary Heritage Network (SE), will introduce the concept of regenerative tourism. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability, aiming to impact the environment and local communities positively. Niclas Fjellström's insights will challenge conventional tourism practices and inspire attendees to think about how their actions can contribute to the regeneration of destinations.

How Can the EU Macro Regional Strategies Harness Cooperation by Blagovestka Riiser

Blagovestka Riiser from DG Regio, European Commission, will tackle the topic of cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. In a world where collaboration is key, Blagovestka's discussion on how EU macro-regional strategies can drive regional development will be invaluable. Attendees will better understand the political and economic forces shaping the region's tourism industry.

Trend Destination BSR: Understanding Consumer Behavior of German Tourists by Ulf Sonntag

Ulf Sonntag, Managing Director at NIT Institute for Tourism Research in Northern Europe (DE), will delve into the minds of German tourists, a significant demographic in the Baltic Sea Region. Understanding consumer behaviour is crucial for destination marketing and development. Sonntag's insights will empower attendees to tailor their offerings to the desires of this vital market.

Panel on "Green Tourism Development in the Baltic Sea Region Countries: Best Case Scenarios"

Learn from the success stories of the Baltic Sea Region countries with insights from industry leaders. Discover best-case scenarios where green tourism development has thrived. These practical examples, shared by experts including Imbi Lepik-Martinson from Visit Estonia (EE), Liisa Kokkarinen from Visit Finland (FI), and Agnė Jasinavičiūtė, Director of the State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment (LT), will provide inspiration and actionable takeaways for attendees looking to implement sustainable practices in their businesses or regions.

The afternoon sessions begin with a workshop organised by the Council of the Baltic Sea States and BaltSusBoat2030 Interreg BSR project teams – "Co-creating Vision for Sustainable Boating in the Baltic Sea Region". Facilitated by experts like Paulius Kliučininkas, Alda Nikodemusa, Jūlija Jaunrodziņa, Mikhail Durkin, and Andreas Nilsson, this workshop will delve into the future of sustainable boating in the Baltic Sea Region. Discover how youth advocacy, spatial planning, regional coordination, clean practices, and innovative projects are shaping the boating industry in the region. It's a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable boating practices actively.

SME's Perspective on Green and Sustainable Cruise Tourism: As cruise tourism becomes increasingly popular, discussing how it can be made more sustainable is essential. This session will explore innovative solutions and ideas for making cruise tourism in the Baltic Sea Region environmentally friendly while providing exceptional travel experiences. Piret Mürk-Dubout, Management Board Member of Tallink Group (EE), will provide valuable insights into how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) approach green and sustainable cruise tourism.

Special Guest and Final Session: As the day draws to a close, be prepared for a remarkable guest speech by Alessandra Priante, Regional Director for Europe at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Her insights into tourism in the Baltic Sea Region and Europe will provide a broader perspective on the industry's future.

The final session will set the stage for the future with Grzegorz Poznański, Director General of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Expect to gain a comprehensive overview of the day's discussions and a vision for what lies ahead. Another great speaker in this session, Lucille Ehrhart, Executive Secretary of the Baltic Sea Commission, will share her perspective on the role of the Baltic Sea Commission in shaping the future of tourism in the region.

Plus, get a sneak peek into what's in store for BSTF 2024 as Region Mayor Jussi Rämet extends a warm welcome.

The Baltic Sea Tourism Forum 2023 in Tallinn isn't just another conference; it's an opportunity to be at the forefront of the future of tourism. From green and sustainable practices to regenerative tourism, from understanding consumer behaviour to fostering regional cooperation, this event offers a comprehensive look at the evolving tourism landscape in the Baltic Sea Region.

It's an opportunity to connect with experts, share your insights, and contribute to developing sustainable practices that will preserve the Baltic Sea's natural beauty for generations to come. Don't miss your chance to participate in this transformation—book your spot at the forum today, and together, let's chart the course towards a sustainable and responsible tourism future in the Baltic Sea Region!

The EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism Coordinators organise the 15th Baltic Sea Tourism Forum with support from the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Visit Estonia, Visit Tallinn, Interreg Baltic Sea Region and the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

We look forward to seeing you there! 

With warm regards, 

Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło & Anna-Maija Toivonen, EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism Coordinators