NECSTouR Summit in Kotka, Finland 21.-23.10.2026
Join us in Kotka-Hamina and discover how authenticity, happiness, and sustainability can shape the next generation of European destinations!
Welcome to Kotka, Finland
The NECSTouR Summit is a joint event by Visit Kotka-Hamina and NECSTouR that brings together European regions, DMOs and partners to shape the future of tourism. It focuses on practical solutions for sustainable and regenerative tourism, strengthening regional resilience, improving destination management through cooperation, and building skills and partnerships for a changing operating environment.
For whom is this event for?
This event is aimed at bringing together policymakers, destination managers, sustainability experts, and regional innovators, municipalities, tourism experts as well as regional and national level DMOs.
Why attend the event?
The event includes a NECSTouR Board Meeting, NECSTouR Summit and study visits, offering opportunities to share best practices, exchange practical knowledge and build partnerships that translate strategy into action across European destinations. We hope to see you in Kotka this upcoming October. Register for the event here.
If you are non-NECSTouR member, click here.
Programme
Day 1 – 21 October | Arrival & Welcome
Arrival of Participants (for your convinience, we will organise a bus transfer from Helsinki Vantaa Airport to Kotka at 16.00)
18.00-21.30 Welcome Dinner
An informal evening to welcome participants and facilitate initial networking.
Address: Keskuskatu 21, Kotka
Day 2 – 22 October | Governance, Knowledge Exchange & Thematic Sessions
Venue: Kotka City Hall
Address: Kustaankatu 2, Kotka
Morning Session
09:00-10:45 NECSTouR Board of Directors Meeting
Participation: NECSTouR Board Members only
- Governance and membership updates
- Strategic alliances development plan
10.00-10.15 Coffee Break
11.00 – 13.00 NECSTouR Summit: The NECSTouR 2030 Pathway in the framework of the European Sustainable Tourism Strategy
Participation: NECSTouR members only
NECSTouR Members are invited to a strategic discussion as part of the revision of the networks strategy in response to the European Tourism Strategy: A collaborative platform to align strategic priorities, exchange knowledge and support decisions related to the network’s future:
- How does participatory tourism governance enables “Authenticity as a Competitive Edge: Linking Sustainable Happiness, Climate Action and Destination Resilience.
- Network priorities, targets and alliances.
- How governance connects the NECSTouR Climate and Data Pathways: The NECSTouR DMO model recommendations.
Networking lunch 12.15-13.00
13.00-17.00 NECSTour Summit
Participation: Open to all participants
13.00-17.00 Afternoon Thematic Session (Onsite)
Authenticity as a Competitive Edge: Linking Sustainable Happiness, Climate Action and Destination Resilience
Programme
Keynote Address 13.00-14.00
A distinguished sustainability leader presenting a global perspective on regenerative tourism and destination resilience. (TBD)
Parallel Workshops 14.30-15.30
- Sustainable Mobility and Climate Action Planning
Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development, Visit Finland
Introduction and facilitated workshop - Heritage Tourism as a Driver of Authentic Experiences
Milla Öystilä, Tourism Specialist, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (Governing Body of Suomenlinna)
Introduction and facilitated workshop - The Baltic Perspective on Regenerative Tourism – from principles to strategic and practical action for destinations
James Simpson, Project Manager, RegenT project (Novia University of Applied Sciences)
Introduction and facilitated workshop
Plenary Wrap-Up 15.30-16.30
- Key insights and conclusions
- Next steps and strategic outlook
EU Projects Exhibition
Poster Session
Presentation of EU-funded initiatives (e.g. INTERREG, LIFE and other programmes)
Exhibition format: self-standing roll-ups or equivalent
Networking Dinner 19.00-22.00
Venue: Restaurant Vausti
Address: Kotkankatu 7, Kotka
Hosted by Visit Kotka-Hamina
Day 3 – 23 October | Study Visit & Networking
Study Visit Programme
Bus transportation for NECSTouR members from the hotel in Kotka to study visit sites and airport according to below schedule: Departure at Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Kotka 8.30
Kotka 8.45-10.45 :
Loviisa (incl. lunch) 11.15-15.00:
15.00 bus transportation to the airport 50 minutes
Arrival at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
End of the programme at 16.00
Accommodation
Reservations: Sokos Hotels Sales Service Centre Telephone: +358 300 870 000 / individual room reservations E-mail: sokos.hotels@sok.fi Please quote the allotment code BCUR261021 when making a reservation.
www.sokoshotels.fi/en – Reservation code BCUR261021
The allotment is available until 14.10.2026 6:00 PM (Finnish time). Please notice that there is a limited amount of rooms available with the special rate (For one person 111.00 EUR /room /night For two persons 131.00 EUR /room /night)
