The webinar ‘Polycentric tourism: balancing tourism flows and developing tourism in inland areas’, organised by Atlantic Cities and held on 19 February, gave voice to the most innovative initiatives advancing the concept of polycentric tourism.  At this meeting, a diverse group of experts and key players in the tourism sector shared pioneering initiatives aimed at promoting a more balanced and sustainable tourism.

Throughout the presentations and through the debate encouraged by questions from the audience, the webinar favoured the discussion of various strategies to redistribute tourist flows and promote less overcrowded destinations. With the participation of entities such as ATU, Failte Ireland, La Rochelle Cognac, Eixo Atlántico, INORDE, IPVC and PETR Ouest Charente, the event highlighted good practice projects that demonstrate how tourism can grow harmoniously, benefiting both local communities and travellers.

Among the initiatives presented were the Dublin Coastal Trail, which facilitates access to Dublin’s coastal towns by public transport; La Rochelle Océan Pass, a digital pass to promote sustainable mobility; Eixo Atlántico’s cross-border tourism strategy; and Terra Aventura’s interactive treasure hunt, which encourages the exploration of the coastline and the use of public transport.

Projects such as Geodestination Terras de Celanova-Serra do Xurés and The Portuguese St. James Way addressed how tourism can be decentralised through the training of entrepreneurs and the development of alternative routes to the French Way, contributing to a more equitable distribution of tourism in the region.

Nearly 100 attendees, among which 22 represented POST partners and 77 were external participants, had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and strengthen sectoral collaboration in this webinar.