The Steering Committee of the POST – Polycentric Sustainable Tourism – project recently met in the north of Portugal to take a further step in the design of a strategy to promote a more balanced and sustainable tourism model in the Atlantic region. During three days of work, the experts involved shared knowledge, experiences and defined the next steps to advance the project.

This project, 75% co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, aims to develop a ‘Polycentric Tourism’ strategy that promotes sustainability and cohesion between the different areas of the region, reducing dependence on the busiest coastal areas and promoting tourist destinations in the interior.

The meeting started in Viana do Castelo, where the basis for the implementation of the strategy was established. The participants defined the steps to be followed in the development of the project and the communication roadmap. In addition, a summary was agreed with recommendations for the design of the polycentric tourism methodology and a map was drawn up with the key points in the Atlantic area that require greater attention.

During these days, the Steering Committee members also visited the cities of Viana do Castelo, Valença, Barcelos and Braga, which are part of the Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal territory and the Atlantic Eixo. 

Finally, on the third day, Atlantic Cities organised a workshop on best practices to deepen and discuss examples of sustainable tourism implemented in the participating destinations. Over the coming months, work will be carried out to define a concrete methodology to inspire other tourist destinations and to create a catalogue of good practices. In addition, a webinar will be organised for tourist destinations and key actors in the region to encourage the exchange of experiences and the creation of a collaborative network.