Community Tourism UK - a discussion
Who are we?
We are a collection of community focused organisations/projects from around the UK discussing the need for a 'Community Led Tourism Alliance'.
England https://www.goodorganisation.co.uk/about.html in York
Scotland https://www.scoto.co.uk/resources/uk-community-tourism-alliance/ representing the whole of Scotland (they are the most organised among us)
Wales https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/ and our Community Research Network https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html and People's Economy peopleseconomyuk.org/what-were-building/
Northern Ireland discussions are happening and we hope a NI partner will join us soon
We all met at the "Tourism: Our Voice" conference in York, 3 July 2025, which focused on community-led, sustainable tourism. See the 2025 agenda tourism_programme.pdf.
Why we support a national voice and a declaration for action
We feel the need to create a UK response/endorsement to The Reykjavik Declaration (Nov 2025) European tourism agreement https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/news/european-tourism-leaders-embrace-reykjavik-declaration-community-focused-future
Reykjavík Declaration:
"Through this statement, we promote a vision of tourism focused on people, places, and purpose, with the primary aim of enhancing the well-being of residents across Europe. Our commitment is to support thriving communities, protect Europe’s cultural and natural resources, and promote respectful interactions between visitors and hosts."
Sharing our experiences and knowledge
Share and learn at the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange, SCOTO Gathering 2026, Glasgow 5-6 March 2026.
Scottish Community Tourism National Conference & Learning Exchange - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/2026-scoto-gathering/
BOOK NOW here app.bolderspace.com/web/6925d34e2a2c7c1d4b49af3a
Next steps
Drafting a 'Declaration for Action' as a response to the Reykjavík Declaration for discussion.
Think about developing a UK wide best practice model of tourism levies. This is in respond to the variety and 'mess' of top down tourism policies. Current levies are inconsistent, focus on revenue generation and and lack a view on the community impact. We acknowledge the research gap between revenue generation and the impact on communities and small business.
Work together to produce the website communitytourismalliance.uk where experiences, ideas and solutions can be shared.
Joanna Hatch, Foundational Economy Alliance Organiser and Dolennu Project Lead says:
"The Dolennu project's ongoing programme of training and support is developing research skills and an understanding of tourism and our economy. We are learning about the distinctive character of each of the valley communities (Conwy, Ffestiniog, Nantlle and Ogwen) and the challenges and opportunities these communities face.
We are excited to bring our learning and experiences to the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange at the SCOTO Gathering 2026." https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html
We are a collection of community focused organisations/projects from around the UK discussing the need for a 'Community Led Tourism Alliance'.
England https://www.goodorganisation.co.uk/about.html in York
Scotland https://www.scoto.co.uk/resources/uk-community-tourism-alliance/ representing the whole of Scotland (they are the most organised among us)
Wales https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/ and our Community Research Network https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html and People's Economy peopleseconomyuk.org/what-were-building/
Northern Ireland discussions are happening and we hope a NI partner will join us soon
We all met at the "Tourism: Our Voice" conference in York, 3 July 2025, which focused on community-led, sustainable tourism. See the 2025 agenda tourism_programme.pdf.
Why we support a national voice and a declaration for action
We feel the need to create a UK response/endorsement to The Reykjavik Declaration (Nov 2025) European tourism agreement https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/news/european-tourism-leaders-embrace-reykjavik-declaration-community-focused-future
Reykjavík Declaration:
"Through this statement, we promote a vision of tourism focused on people, places, and purpose, with the primary aim of enhancing the well-being of residents across Europe. Our commitment is to support thriving communities, protect Europe’s cultural and natural resources, and promote respectful interactions between visitors and hosts."
Sharing our experiences and knowledge
Share and learn at the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange, SCOTO Gathering 2026, Glasgow 5-6 March 2026.
Scottish Community Tourism National Conference & Learning Exchange - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/2026-scoto-gathering/
BOOK NOW here app.bolderspace.com/web/6925d34e2a2c7c1d4b49af3a
Next steps
Drafting a 'Declaration for Action' as a response to the Reykjavík Declaration for discussion.
Think about developing a UK wide best practice model of tourism levies. This is in respond to the variety and 'mess' of top down tourism policies. Current levies are inconsistent, focus on revenue generation and and lack a view on the community impact. We acknowledge the research gap between revenue generation and the impact on communities and small business.
Work together to produce the website communitytourismalliance.uk where experiences, ideas and solutions can be shared.
Joanna Hatch, Foundational Economy Alliance Organiser and Dolennu Project Lead says:
"The Dolennu project's ongoing programme of training and support is developing research skills and an understanding of tourism and our economy. We are learning about the distinctive character of each of the valley communities (Conwy, Ffestiniog, Nantlle and Ogwen) and the challenges and opportunities these communities face.
We are excited to bring our learning and experiences to the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange at the SCOTO Gathering 2026." https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html
Reykjavík Declaration
European Travel Commission, November 2025
Tourism for Europe, Europe for Tourism
Reykjavík Declaration
Preamble
Tourism in Europe is a powerful force that touches the lives of communities, the vitality of our cultural and natural heritage, and strengthens societal cohesion. We, the Members of the European Travel Commission, reaffirm that tourism should never be an end in itself, but a means to the enrichment, regeneration, and revival of our destinations for current and future generations. Through this statement, we promote a vision of tourism focused on people, places, and purpose, with the primary aim of enhancing the well-being of residents across Europe. Our commitment is to support thriving communities, protect Europe’s cultural and natural resources, and promote respectful interactions between visitors and hosts.
Guiding Principles
1. Tourism as a Shared Benefit
We commit to ensuring that tourism generates broad value for local societies. Economic vitality must be
accompanied by cultural vibrancy, social inclusion, and environmental regeneration. Tourism should
strengthen communities and contribute to their wellbeing.
2. Communities at the Centre
We recognise residents as the custodians of Europe’s destinations. Their wellbeing, voices, and aspirations are at the heart of all tourism development. Tourism is most meaningful when it enhances daily life, reinforces local identity, and builds resilience for the future.
3. Innovation and Digital Transformation
We recognise innovation and digital transformation as key enablers of resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness in European tourism. We commit to supporting digital upskilling, data-driven decision-making, and smart destination management. By fostering cooperation among national and international tourism organisations, we aim to accelerate modernisation and ensure that all actors — especially SMEs — benefit from technological progress.
4. Respect for Culture and Heritage
Europe’s diverse heritage is both fragile and priceless. We commit to promoting tourism that safeguards and celebrates cultural and architectural treasures, supports creative expression, and nurtures living traditions. Tourism should be a vehicle for cultural continuity and renewal.
5. Strengthening Nature and Society
We commit to actively enhancing ecosystems and supporting the health of natural environments. Tourism should be a positive force that helps revitalise and improve the places it touches. This also includes supporting sustainable livelihoods, creating meaningful career paths, and promoting fair opportunities throughout the tourism value chain.
6. Tourism as a Force for Peace and Understanding
Travel in Europe is a bridge between cultures, encouraging empathy, dialogue, and cooperation. Tourism reaffirms the values of freedom, equality, solidarity, and respect that underpin both our continent and the ETC’s mission.
A Shared Future
This declaration serves as a compass for our actions. It is a collective promise to reimagine tourism as a a practice striving for a regenerative purpose that gives back more than it takes. Together, we will work towards destinations where visitors are welcomed as guests, where communities feel enriched, and where the beauty and diversity of Europe are safeguarded for the generations to come.
Signatories at https://etc-corporate.org/uploads/2025/11/Reykjavik-Declaration_Final.pdf
Tourism for Europe, Europe for Tourism
Reykjavík Declaration
Preamble
Tourism in Europe is a powerful force that touches the lives of communities, the vitality of our cultural and natural heritage, and strengthens societal cohesion. We, the Members of the European Travel Commission, reaffirm that tourism should never be an end in itself, but a means to the enrichment, regeneration, and revival of our destinations for current and future generations. Through this statement, we promote a vision of tourism focused on people, places, and purpose, with the primary aim of enhancing the well-being of residents across Europe. Our commitment is to support thriving communities, protect Europe’s cultural and natural resources, and promote respectful interactions between visitors and hosts.
Guiding Principles
1. Tourism as a Shared Benefit
We commit to ensuring that tourism generates broad value for local societies. Economic vitality must be
accompanied by cultural vibrancy, social inclusion, and environmental regeneration. Tourism should
strengthen communities and contribute to their wellbeing.
2. Communities at the Centre
We recognise residents as the custodians of Europe’s destinations. Their wellbeing, voices, and aspirations are at the heart of all tourism development. Tourism is most meaningful when it enhances daily life, reinforces local identity, and builds resilience for the future.
3. Innovation and Digital Transformation
We recognise innovation and digital transformation as key enablers of resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness in European tourism. We commit to supporting digital upskilling, data-driven decision-making, and smart destination management. By fostering cooperation among national and international tourism organisations, we aim to accelerate modernisation and ensure that all actors — especially SMEs — benefit from technological progress.
4. Respect for Culture and Heritage
Europe’s diverse heritage is both fragile and priceless. We commit to promoting tourism that safeguards and celebrates cultural and architectural treasures, supports creative expression, and nurtures living traditions. Tourism should be a vehicle for cultural continuity and renewal.
5. Strengthening Nature and Society
We commit to actively enhancing ecosystems and supporting the health of natural environments. Tourism should be a positive force that helps revitalise and improve the places it touches. This also includes supporting sustainable livelihoods, creating meaningful career paths, and promoting fair opportunities throughout the tourism value chain.
6. Tourism as a Force for Peace and Understanding
Travel in Europe is a bridge between cultures, encouraging empathy, dialogue, and cooperation. Tourism reaffirms the values of freedom, equality, solidarity, and respect that underpin both our continent and the ETC’s mission.
A Shared Future
This declaration serves as a compass for our actions. It is a collective promise to reimagine tourism as a a practice striving for a regenerative purpose that gives back more than it takes. Together, we will work towards destinations where visitors are welcomed as guests, where communities feel enriched, and where the beauty and diversity of Europe are safeguarded for the generations to come.
Signatories at https://etc-corporate.org/uploads/2025/11/Reykjavik-Declaration_Final.pdf
South Lakeland Poverty Truth CommissionWritten and narrated by Sarah, South Lakeland Poverty Truth Community Commissioner, this short film focuses on the issue of making a home in an area dominated by tourism. Sarah was a speaker at the 'Tourism: Our Voice' conference 3 July 2025 at York St John Creative Centre, York.
Find out more about South Lakes Poverty Truth Commission here https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/about-us/south-lakeland-ptc/ |
SCOTOScottish Community Tourism National Conference & Learning Exchange - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/2026-scoto-gathering/ BOOK NOW here app.bolderspace.com/web/6925d34e2a2c7c1d4b49af3a |