This new group aims to bring together ISTO members around a shared objective: to strengthen the role of social sustainability in public tourism policy.
The various topics to be covered throughout the year are listed in this document.
Coordinator: Coralie Marti, Director at ATES (Association pour le tourisme équitable et solidaire).
Advocacy on Youth Tourism, mobility and leisure to the European authorities.
Extending the "Discover Europe" scheme.
Coordinator: Benoît César, General Secretary of Kaleo asbl.
Strengthening the visibility and role of ISTO towards Europe (Institutions and other stakeholders).
Development of the network.
Coordinator: Frédéric Léonard, Director General at Floreal Holidays.
The purpose of ISTO Europe is to provide a forum for European members to share their views and experiences through meetings and participation in European projects.
This section pursues a strategy and carries out actions in areas such as:
On 25-27 March 2026, in Strasbourg, the ISTO Europe Forum 2026 "Towards Tomorrow’s Tourism: A Human-Centered and Economically Responsible Tourism" took place.
During these three days, tourism stakeholders from across Europe and the world gathered to shape the future of a more inclusive, sustainable, and economically responsible tourism sector. This unique event offered a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation - bringing together public authorities, private and non-profit operators, researchers, and experts.
On 21 October 2025, European members of ISTO gathered in Brussels to discuss the future of ISTO’s European Section. Representatives from across Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain) – from academic institutions, public tourism bodies and non-profit tourism organisations – joined forces to co-create and outline a joint action plan based on a pragmatic political vision that is fully in line with members’ expectations.
During the afternoon, members of the Alliance on Training and Research took the floor for a lively discussion on social sustainability, chaired by Anya Diekmann.
The working group on Youth Tourism organised a meeting in La Rochelle, France. From 25 to 29 January 2023, members and partners of ISTO gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities that youth tourism in Europe presents.
The last European Forum, intended for ISTO members and partners in Europe, aims to facilitate exchanges and feed collective strategies. Two major themes were on the programme for the 2021 edition: the first one on the notion of sustainable, responsible and virtuous tourist destination and the second one on the post-crisis period and the future for collective accommodations with the basic trends and lessons to be learned.
One of the main projects ISTO Europe is currently working on is the implementation of the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) amongst ISTO members.
To help you to find the EU funding you need for your business among all EU programmes, the European Commission launches the Guide on EU funding for tourism.
The section offers several activities, including CafecISTO, webinars offered by ISTO to all its members and to the tourism sector in general around the world. Discover all the recordings here.
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