Members of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions gathered in Centre-Val de Loire, France, for a joint NAT-SEDEC study visit dedicated to tourism, nature and territorial development. Discussions focused on the role of tourism as a driver of rural development, the preservation of cultural and gastronomic heritage, and strategies to strengthen the attractiveness and competitiveness of rural areas. Participants exchanged views on sustainable tourism, regional tourism strategies, skills development and the contribution of local and regional authorities to shaping Europe’s tourism agenda.
Radim Sršeň, Chair of the Rural Pact Coordination Group and Mayor of Dolní Studénky, stressed that tourism remains one of the most important economic activities in many rural regions, creating jobs and supporting local prosperity. “Tourism is not a side issue for rural Europe – it is one of its strongest economic engines.” He called for stronger recognition of the sector in future EU policies and funding instruments, while emphasising cooperation, sustainability, innovation and education as key factors for success. He also underlined the importance of ensuring that the value generated by tourism remains within local communities.
Patrik Schwarcz-Kiefer, Member of the County Council of Baranya Vármegye, highlighted the importance of preserving Europe’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. “Europe’s cultural and culinary heritage is one of its greatest tourism assets.” Drawing on the experience of Central and Eastern Europe, he stressed the need to revive traditions that were lost during decades of agricultural standardisation and to promote them as a source of regional identity and tourism attractiveness.
The debate also featured contributions from Matthieu Cuip, Councillor of the Île-de-France Region and President of NECSTouR, and Thibaut Guignard, President of LEADER France and Mayor of Plœuc-L’Hermitage. Both speakers shared their perspectives on regional tourism strategies, sustainable destination management and the role of rural development policies in strengthening the attractiveness, resilience and competitiveness of Europe’s territories.
The study visit provided an opportunity for EPP-CoR members to exchange best practices and explore how tourism, culture and local development can contribute to stronger, more resilient rural regions across Europe.