The YouthTrails kick-off meeting marked the beginning of a new European journey focused on youth ecotourism. The first international meeting took place in Iceland on 16 and 17 December 2024. During the two days, partners shared ideas, experience and common goals.
YouthTrails is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme. The project runs from November 2024 to January 2027. Its main goal is to support sustainable tourism through the active involvement of young people.
The project also brings together youth workers, local communities and tourism providers. Together, they can design travel experiences that respect nature, local cultures and the needs of younger generations.
YouthTrails kick-off meeting: five countries working together
The meeting was hosted by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, the project coordinator. The partnership includes five organisations from five European countries:
- Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland.
- PINA, Slovenia.
- Hopeland, Greece.
- Mentortec, Portugal.
- APS Polygonal, Italy.
Each partner brings different skills to the project. These include education, youth work, regenerative tourism and digital innovation. Therefore, the partnership can explore ecotourism from several points of view.
During the meeting, participants introduced their local areas. They also discussed different sustainable tourism practices, opportunities and challenges.
The exchange highlighted the importance of authentic experiences. Responsible tourism should not only reduce its environmental impact. It should also respect each destination and create a real connection with local communities.
A youth-friendly ecotourism label
A key part of the meeting focused on the project’s second Work Package. A Work Package is a group of activities designed to achieve specific project results.
This part of YouthTrails will create a European label for youth-friendly ecotourism venues. The label will help identify places that support sustainability, inclusion and youth participation.
To develop it, the partners agreed on a shared research method. Young people, organisations and tourism providers will contribute their views. As a result, the label can respond to real needs and experiences.
It will also provide guidance for venues that want to improve their environmental and social practices. In this way, sustainability can become more visible, practical and easier to understand.
Learning directly from Iceland
The YouthTrails kick-off meeting included more than planning sessions. The partners also visited the Icelandic Tourism Cluster. There, they explored Nordic approaches to regenerative tourism.
The visit introduced ideas linked to citizen science, environmental care and social responsibility. In addition, the participants joined a workshop on youth-focused ecotourism activities.
Partners discussed how to map places that are suitable for young travellers. They also explored nature protection activities and digital campaigns for younger audiences.
Therefore, Iceland became more than the meeting location. Its landscape provided a real example of the connection between tourism, nature and local communities.
The next steps for YouthTrails
The Iceland meeting defined roles, working methods and shared goals. Most importantly, it created a strong foundation for cooperation between the five countries.
YouthTrails will develop educational resources, digital tools and maps of rural and lesser-known European destinations. Moreover, it will create a network of tourism venues committed to sustainability and youth engagement.
The project aims to help young people become active agents of change. Through training and practical resources, they can design and promote responsible travel experiences in their own communities.
Learn more on the YouthTrails project page published by APS Polygonal. You can also read the meeting report from Reykjanes Geopark and visit the official YouthTrails website.
