Network Directory of European Local and Regional Authorities Active in Social Tourism (2011)

The first Directory of the International Social Tourism Organisations’ Network of Local and Regional Authorities (ISTO) has been presented during the plenary meeting of the Network which was held on May 26-27 in Östersund (Sweden) on the invitation of the Jämtland Härjedalen Region.

This work provides, for each entity, a brief presentation of the region, their social tourism policy, their actions and programmes as well as European and international projects and partnerships. It also includes some key tourism factors, interesting facts and useful contact details.

The content, completed with photos and maps, allows an easy and pleasant reading of this directory, destined to better inform on the actions of the member regions in social tourism and to facilitate exchanges and collaborations among the different member authorities.

The directory also constitutes an invitation for other local and regional authorities wishing to join the Network. Several regions, provinces, departments, municipalities and agglomerations have implemented programmes to facilitate the access to holidays for the largest number while respecting the environment and the host population and therefore this first work should be broadened to those other regions and local authorities interested in “Tourism for All”.

Having its roots in several European countries with a long tradition in social tourism, and starting to develop as well in the Americas, this Network that was created within ISTO in 2006, will certainly play an important role in the establishment of social tourism policies, together with national administrations and operators.

It is thus the Directory of these first entities that are not only involved in social policies for tourism but are also prime tourist destinations, which is now available in French and English on the ISTO website.

A printed version in English can also be requested at the ISTO secretariat.

OITS/ISTO aisbl : Rue Haute, 26-28 1000 Brussels/Belgium

Tel : + 32 2 549 56 89/90 Fax : + 32 2 514 16 91

Email: info[at] bits-int [dot]org

OITS/ISTO is an Honorary Associate Member of ENAT