Building a Sustainable Future for Youth Ecotourism in Europe
The global rise of sustainable tourism and ecotourism has fundamentally reshaped how local communities, particularly in remote areas, showcase their natural and cultural heritage. This shift offers a unique opportunity for young people to lead environmental conservation while creating new professional pathways.
YouthTrails is an EU-funded initiative designed for young people, youth workers, and tour operators to collaboratively build the skills needed for responsible tourism. Our goal is to empower the next generation to transform their passion for the environment into concrete entrepreneurial ventures. The project addresses a critical gap: the lack of specialized “green” tourism skills and the challenge of balancing local environmental protection with economic viability.
Results and impact
While ecotourism is growing, it is not yet a consolidated reality in many European regions, often due to a lack of technical training among youth. YouthTrails bridges the gap between the untapped natural potential of rural territories and the professional development of young people. Our mission is to merge environmental stewardship with economic value creation.
Key Initiatives of YouthTrails:
The YEL! Quality Label: Launching the “Youth Ecotourism Label” (YEL!) to recognize excellence in environmental sustainability and accessibility within tourist accommodation facilities.
Youth Work Competence Framework: Establishing a specialized skill set for youth workers to lead ecotourism education.
Digital & Practical Toolkit: Developing resources for the active promotion and management of sustainable tourism practices.
Local Eco-Initiatives: Training young people to launch green ventures that respect local cultures and ecosystems.
Dynamic Remote Mapping: Creating interactive and printable maps highlighting Europe’s hidden gems and remote destinations.
2024-1-IS01-KA220-YOU-000246411
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
