From 8th to 10th October 2023, Policy Area Tourism Coordinators attended the global Green Destinations conference held in the 2023 European Green Capital of Tallinn. The event has facilitated meaningful connections among industry stakeholders in an extraordinary setting. The sustainable solutions and best practices for the efficient management of tourism destinations have been explored. Over 55 speakers from diverse corners of the world have generously shared their expertise and insights, adding to a vast pool of knowledge that will influence the trajectory of sustainable tourism in the future. We express gratitude to all those who have joined hands, ensuring a responsible and promising future for tourism.

On the 2nd Day, during the Panel Discussion "Discussion Panel: National and Regional Perspectives," Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło, PA TOU Coordinator from Pomorskie Tourist Board, presented her input "Towards greener and more sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region – reflections from the EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism”  and participated in the panel discussion together with four other inspiring leaders from Estonia, Slovenia, Finland, Austria who shared their sustainability goals and the strategies employed to achieve them within the tourism industry. 

These national and regional leaders explained and discussed their efforts to push their respective tourism sectors forward on the path to sustainability, catalysing transformation and propelling initiatives far and beyond. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges they have encountered along the way and what elements have brought success. Through powerful storytelling and visionary leadership, the aim of this panel was to motivate local, regional and national leaders to inspire their stakeholders to collaboratively create a legacy of responsible tourism that enriches communities and safeguards our planet for future generations.

Host: Hugo de Jong, Green Destinations

Speakers:

• Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development, Visit Finland – “Sustainability & climate action in tourism: measuring impact”
• Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło, EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Policy Area Coordinator, Poland – “Towards greener and more sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region – reflections from the EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism” 

Panel:

• Maša Klemenčič, Project Manager at Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenia
• Imbi Lepik-Martinson, Coordinator of Quality Systems, Visit Estonia
• Katrin Erben, Expert on Sustainability, Austrian National Tourist Office

All pictures from the @GreenDestinations website https://www.greendestinations.org/gd-2023-estonia/