The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) is a management tool designed, evaluated and certified by EUROPARC Federation, that aims at defending a type of tourism that integrates environmental, cultural and social aspects with economic development in protected areas, thus promoting sustainable development and regarding the needs of present generations without compromising future generations.

Therefore, the Charter becomes a partnership between all those agents who have a prominent role in tourism development in the region, with the objective of promoting sustainable tourism.

This partnership began with the development of a Strategy for Tourism by the managers of the Protected Areas and all their partners, such as tourism companies and operators. The main objective of this Strategy will be to promote touristic activities and products that are socially and ecologically sustainable, also contributing to the economic development of the region.

This Strategy is based on four main objectives:

• Conservation and valorization of natural and cultural heritage;
• Social and Economic development;
• Improvement of the quality of life of local population;
• Management of visitors influx and improvement of tourist offer quality.

To allow these objectives to be accomplished an Action Plan was developed. This plan includes several actions put under the responsibility of the ECST partners for the next 5 years.

Learn more about the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism | Click here


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