Under the motto "Industrial heritage: differentiating the European tourism offer", the 2011 edition of the European Tourism Day took place in Brussels on 27th September, on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

Around 250 participants examined how the preservation and promotion of European industrial heritage can contribute to the diversification of tourism in Europe. "Trans-national thematic niche products, such as youth mobility programmes or educational programmes to discover the rich industrial heritage of Europe can be key strategies for the tourism sector, especially in times of economic crisis", commented Constanze Adolf, EUFED’s Operating Director.

"I am impressed by the innovative programmes presented today. However tourism development strategies can only be alternatives to avoid job-losses and economic depression in abandoned areas, if they ensure social and environmental sustainability" Constanze Adolf added. This shows the importance of continuous capacity building and strong commitment of the main actors in the tourism field. "I am sure that youth hostels with their innovative quality management and own ambitious Sustainability Charter are best placed in this context".

A presentation of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) awarded in 2011 in the category "Tourism and Regeneration of Physical Sites" has taken place and awarded destinations have been presented alongside the conference with an exhibition.

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