Background

The decision to form a European Cultural Tourism Network arose out of a conference on Cultural Tourism held in Brussels in February 2003 hosted jointly by the Wales Tourist Board, British Council and the Wales European Centre which was attended by representatives of 17 countries. It was clear from the delegates that no network existed to bring people working in tourism and the cultural industries together on the European level.
Following the conference, a steering group was established to develop the network, with the following regions/countries represented: Wales, Sweden, England, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Aosta Region (Italy) and Catalunya. In addition, Interarts and the EU Federation of Youth Hostel Associations were represented.

Raison d’être

ECTN is the only network which brings the tourism and cultural industry professionals working in different regions of Europe together to exchange experience and information on best practice. The agreed objectives for the network are:

• to facilitate sharing of research
• to facilitate the development of transnational projects
• to ensure improved cooperation and integration between the tourism and cultural sectors
• to develop and improve training opportunities
• to to enable exchange of experience and best practice
• develop common responses to European Commission consultations
• to link with other networks.

ECTN progress to date

• ECTN Barcelona Conference August 2004
• Contribution to DG Enterprise Tourism unit networking study
• ECTN Interreg IIIC project bid – approved 17 January 2005

If you are interested in participating in ECTN please email ectn@wales.gsi.gov.uk