The 16th Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe was held in Paphos, Cyprus, on 18th to 21st October 2023. The conference, held under the theme "Smart Tourism - Smart Destinations: Cultural Heritage & Creativity, Digitalisation, Sustainability," brought together experts from across Europe and beyond to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the field of cultural tourism. Key themes of the conference included the role of digital technologies in enhancing cultural tourism experiences, sustainable tourism practices for preserving cultural heritage, the development of innovative cultural tourism products and destinations, the importance of stakeholder collaboration in promoting cultural tourism and others.
Participants engaged in lively discussions and workshops, sharing their expertise and insights on how to create more engaging, sustainable, and inclusive cultural tourism experiences. The conference also showcased a number of innovative projects and initiatives that are transforming the way cultural tourism is managed and experienced. Milena Popova from Europeana and Tourism 4.0 Heritage Lead Matevž Straus held a presentation on how cultural tourism can benefit from the data spaces for tourism and cultural heritage.
The conference's closing remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of cultural tourism. Participants pledged to continue working together to develop sustainable and responsible tourism practices that will enhance the visitor experience while preserving and promoting Europe's rich cultural heritage.
