Support of the sustainable tourism development in the Baltic Sea region by Lidiia Fedchuk

Sustainable tourism – is a part of tourism industry trying to provide a low impact on the environment and local culture.

in the Green Economy Symposium The Travel and Tourism in the Green Economy Symposium Gothenburg, Sweden 14-15 September 2009

Sustainable tourism development of Baltic Sea Region is provided mainly by: UNWTO – United Nation World Tourism Organisation ETC – European Travel Commission EU – European Union

sustainable tourism should: According to UNWTO sustainable tourism should: make optimal use of environmental resources  respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits maintain a high level of tourists’ satisfaction 

European Travel Commission – is a non-profit organisation whose role is to market and promote tourism to Europe in general, and to their individual countries in particular.

to make this part of Europe more : EU Strategy of SDT for 2007-2013 is to make this part of Europe more : Environmentally sustainable (e.g. reducing pollution in the sea); Prosperous (e.g. promoting innovation in small and medium enterprises); Accessible and attractive (e.g. better transport links); Safe and secure (e.g. improving accident response)

SWOT analysis Strengths: of sustainable tourism development in the Baltic Sea region Strengths: Non-usual climate for many countries (cold, windy) Diverse nature and landscape (lakes, islands, cliffs, forests) Diverse culture and history (Vikings, Hansa, Brick Gothic, Amber) Diverse holiday performance of BSR-tourists Numerous initiatives and projects promoting sustainable tourism Innovative and creative suppliers for sustainable tourism products Promoting and developing an EU regional program Common language – English Successful environmental polices Thematic and geographic co-operation on sustainable tourism

SWOT analysis Weaknesses: of sustainable tourism development in the Baltic Sea region Weaknesses: Short summer season Lack of supply chain management Poor knowledge of market requirements and customers requests Poor visibility of sustainable tourism products Partly poor knowledge of employees in the tourism sector regarding tourism development Gap between strategies and practices Eutrophication (algae blooms) Environmental problems in some areas Lack of communications between cultural heritage experts and tourism “Cold” mentality (Lack of communication skills important for tourism) The lack of tourism and economic education and research The lack of professionalism within the tourism industry

SWOT analysis Opportunities: of sustainable tourism development in the Baltic Sea region Opportunities: Different traditions and methods Mapping of resources as a starting point Potential for cross-national routes Grooving interest and demand in nature and culture tourism Increasing customer awareness on sustainability issues Development of strategic co-operation Usability of IT solutions for STD Further development of Baltic Sea cruise tourism A development of Baltic Sea World Heritage Tourism (culture tourism) Growing importance of tourism for sustainable development Improvement of economy Model for sustainable development Baltic 21/ Labs for sustainable nature tourism

Threats: SWOT analysis of sustainable tourism development in the Baltic Sea region Threats: Growing competition with destinations outside the BSR Increasing expectations of customers Environmental problems associated with growth in road, air and sea transport Sometimes politicians not seeing the tourism as an industry by majority of politicians Overfishing as a bad example of fishing tourism development

Sustainable Tourism Development of Baltic Sea Region

Thanks for your attention!