International Sustainable Tourism Networks

South West Tourism was involved in, and contributed to, a number of International Sustainable Tourism networks which are summarised below:   

European Research NEtwork for Sustainable Tourism - ERNEST

ERNEST is the European Research Network for Sustainable Tourism comprising of 12 European regions. The South West of England was one of the regions involved in the network, represented by South West Tourism. ERNEST works to develop and strengthen the coordination of regional research programmes on sustainable tourism. There are 10 strategic research areas that have been identified for analysis during the ERNEST project and these are:

1. Impact of transport
2. Residents' quality of life
3. Quality of work
4. Widening the relations between demand/offer (geographical and seasonal concentration of tourism)
5. Active conservation of cultural heritage
6. Active conservation of environmental heritage
7. Active conservation of distinctive identities of destinations
8. Reduction and optimisation of use of natural resources with particular reference to water
9. Reduction and optimisation of energy consumption
10.   Reduction of waste and better waste management

Within the network the member regions work to share and build on research work already underway at regional level and make it more productive and efficient through exchange and implementation of joint research activities. 

To find out more about the network please visit the ERNEST website 
or download the ERNEST Leaflet (PDF). Recently released are the latest ERNEST newsletter and press release.

NECSTouR

NECSTouR is a Network of European Competitive and Sustainable Tourism Regions, which works through the following five thematic working groups to strengthen and develop a framework for the co-ordination of national and regional development and activities in the field of sustainable tourism:

1. Social and Environmental Responsibility
2. Quality of Life of residents
3. Widening seasonal concentration
4. Active conservation of heritage and identity
5. Transport and mobility  

The South West hosted the second NECSTouR meeting in Plymouth in June 2009.

To find out more visit the NECSTouR website
or download the NECSTouR leaflet (PDF)

To read the latest NECSTouR Newsletter please click here.

The International Tourism Sustainability Group

The International Tourism Sustainability Group (TSG) was set up by the European Commission in 2004. The Group comprises individuals from international bodies, member state governments, regional and local authorities, the tourism industry, environmental and trade unions, and research and educational bodies, who have expertise and experience in the sustainability of tourism.