Event Description

In frames of “Circular North Sea Regions”, we invite destination managers to share knowledge and experiences on the development of sustainable destination strategies. The seminar will focus on strategies at the destination level, including the involvement of private and public stakeholders and the link to regional development strategies – also known as the governance perspective.
In a following seminar, we will focus on the impact of sustainable strategies both in single enterprises and at the destination level.

Target Group: Destination management organizations (DMO's) and tourism stakeholders in the North Sea Region.

Place: The conference will be held as a webinar on Microsoft Teams. Participation is free of charge, but participation is only possible following invitation from the organizers.

Program:

13:00: Welcome by Business Hub Fyn

13:10: Destination Fyn is going green
Within the frames of Circular North Sea Regions, Destination Fyn is developing a sustainable tourism strategy as part of a common green vision for Fyn. We present a baseline survey on sustainability in our tourist sector, an SDG screening tool adapted to tourist companies, and our emerging sustainable strategy. We invite you to give comments and recommendations for the further work.

13:30: Questions and debate on chat and by microphone

13:40: Fjord Norway – a coherent sustainability strategy across regions by Stein Ove Rolland, director of Fjord Norway
The fjord landscape of western Norway is a world famous destination that stretches across Rogaland, Vestland, Møre og Romsdal regions. The common interest has lead to a close cooperation on developing a strategy for sustainable tourism development involving many different stakeholders. The presentation will focus on the process of assuring ownership at the political, strategic and operational level in all the regions. 

14:00: Questions and debate on chat and by microphone

14:10: Case: Hiking in the Fjell – a case from Lysefjord by Helge Kjellevold, Managing Director Lysefjorden Development og Stiftelsen Preikestolen
By adding services and local knowhow to the experience, Lysefjord has developed a thriving business taking visitors in the fjell for spectacular hikes in a safe environment. The business is a role model for combining nature and business in a sustainable concept.

14:20: Questions and debate on chat and by microphone

14:25: A short break

14:30: Wadden Sea – A strategy as lighthouse by Sjon de Haan, Coordinator Wadden Sea World Heritage Netherlands
Getting everyone onboard for a strategy seems like a big challenge but making the strategy work is an even bigger challenge. The Sustainable tourism strategy in the Wadden Sea has two important roles. It is a lighthouse for all stakeholders when they develop new projects, guiding the direction. But in order to travel you need action, that’s why we made an action plan.

14:50: Questions and debate on chat and by microphone

15:00: Sustainability rocks – but what works by Guy Bigwood, Global Destination Sustainability Index
Sustainability strategies are emerging in the tourist sector worldwide – but what works and what doesn’t? The GDS-Index is evaluating over 60 large and small tourism destinations in the world and offers strategic consultancy to cities and regions. We have invited the CEO Guy Bigwood to give his perspective on strategies for sustainable and regenerative tourism development.           

15:20: Wrapping up and end of session by Business Hub Fyn

15:30: End of meeting

Circular North Sea Regions (Circ-NSR) is founded by eight regional organizations and research institutions and is supported by EU through a grant from the INTERREG – NSR program. The purpose of the co-operation is to strengthen the circular economy and a sustainable development in the North Sea Region through improved governance.