European Members Gather in Brussels to Shape the Future of the European Section of ISTO.

The members of the European section of the International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO) gathered on 21 October 2025 in Brussels for a full day of exchange, reflection, and co-construction dedicated to the future of the European Section of ISTO and to advancing social sustainability in tourism across the continent.

The meeting brought together around 25 representatives from across Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. Participants came from a wide range of sectors, including public tourism bodies, non-profit and social tourism organisations, and academic institutions, a diversity that reflects the richness of ISTO’s European network.

Morning Session: Building a Common Vision for the European section of ISTO

The day began with a welcome address by Frédéric Léonard, Vice-President of the European section of ISTO, who currently serves as interim president until the next elections scheduled for October/November 2026. The morning session entitled “What does the future hold for the European section of ISTO?”, was facilitated by Martin Ophoven, who guided participants through a collaborative process to revitalise a collective dynamic within the section.

Discussions focused on identifying the main priorities for the section, the keys to success, and the optimal organisation of future activities. Participants emphasised that ISTO thrives thanks to a shared conviction in the importance of tourism for all and inclusive, human-centred tourism, where dialogue, cooperation, and shared growth take precedence over competition.

The session also highlighted the importance of in-person collaboration, collective experiences, and positioning ISTO as a laboratory for transformation, where innovation and the exchange of best practices are fundamental elements. With 60 years of advocacy for tourism for all - as reflected in the Montréal Declaration, the Aubagne Addendum, and the Brussels Addendum - ISTO continues to stimulate reflection and sustainable transformation in tourism for all, keeping people and solidarity at the heart of its work.

Afternoon Session: Exploring Social Sustainability in Tourism

In the afternoon, participants gathered for a meeting organised by the Alliance on Training and Research in Social and Fair Tourism, chaired by Anya Diekmann, coordinator of the Alliance. Before each presentation she gave us an introduction to the current state of research on tourism workers, local communities and tourists.

The session entitled “Social Sustainability – Theory and Practice: a Dynamic Conversation” explored social sustainability through a series of engaging presentations and discussions. Keynote speaker Raquel Huete (University of Alicante) examined “Tourism for All? Rethinking Social Sustainability in a Smart Tourism Destination: The Case of Benidorm.”

The following interventions deepened the conversation around the different dimensions of social sustainability:

• Communities: Daphnée Baekelmans and Patrick Struelens explored how to better integrate local stakeholders and residents in tourism development.
• Tourists: Laure Pourcin presented research on how holiday projects can foster well-being and social inclusion.
• Measuring impact: Jonathan Lesceux shared insights on implementing social sustainability indicators through the example of social tourism accommodation in Wallonia.

The discussions highlighted how research can actively contribute to the implementation of social sustainability, ensuring that tourism development benefits workers, communities, and visitors alike.

Conclusions and Next Steps: Formation of the Europe Collective

During the meeting, a dedicated Europe Collective was established, bringing together 10 committed members which will be responsible for steering, monitoring the section and implementing the action plan for the section, in consultation and collaboration with the Secretary General of ISTO.

This working group will also be in charge to prepare the upcoming ISTO Europe Forum, scheduled for March 2026. To support the preparation and organisation of the Forum, a support team of 4 members will assist the Europe Collective.

The Europe Collective will meet every two weeks, with the first meeting scheduled for Friday, 7 November 2025. Through this committed and collaborative approach, ISTO Europe aims to strengthen cooperation among members, foster innovation, and ensure that tourism for all remains a central focus of its work across the continent.