In recent days, Copenhagen was chosen to host the 24th European Tourism Forum. Experts from the entire European tourism sector gathered here to discuss issues of sustainable development and competitiveness. The event was organized by the European Commission and the Danish Ministry of Urban, Rural Development, and Religious Affairs.
Forum participants discussed digital transformation, open data, the development of inclusive communities, and the role of tourism in strengthening European identity. The EU's Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy was also presented for the first time, aimed at enhancing the industry’s competitiveness and resilience.
“For us, tourism is not just about traveling. Tourism is about people united by love for their country, heritage, and nature. It is the people who make Ukraine unbreakable and its economy resilient to challenges,” emphasized Oleksandr Veseleni, head of the tourism development and digitalization department of DART.
As a potential future member of the European Union, Ukraine presented its own experience in tourism development. Even during wartime events, hotels, restaurants, and guides served as support for displaced persons, showing their humanity and solidarity.
Ukrainian innovative tourism initiatives aimed at rehabilitation through travel, preservation of cultural values, pilgrimage, volunteering, and sustainable development were also highlighted.
The forum presented many interesting projects and ideas aimed at developing tourism in Europe and supporting various initiatives to enhance the tourism sector as a whole.