Towards Resilient Ecosystems for Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality in Europe: A Two-Day Critical Dialogue

Over two days, participants engaged in thought-provoking presentations, field trips, and rich discussions, addressing the deep-seated systemic barriers that hinder the long-term prosperity of communities and destinations. The event combined theoretical and practical perspectives, including a visit to the Urban Tourism Living Lab in Rotterdam, supplemented by insights into the work of the Urban Living Lab Breda. This also helped ground the theoretical discussions in concrete, practical examples of innovation in practice.

Key insights from the event

“The discussions explored how the LTH sector can fundamentally transform itself, rather than simply making small, incremental improvements. They examined how capitalism, labor insecurity, and governance structures both constrain and provide opportunities for transitions. Participants called for moving beyond top-down governance models to multi-level participatory approaches that include marginalised voices, such as those of youth, migrants, or informal workers, who are often excluded from policy and planning processes. They also called for a redefinition of ‘success’ away from narrow economic parameters and toward more holistic goals such as well-being and social and environmental justice.”

"Regeneration" emerged as a central, albeit contested, concept. While some participants saw it as a promising framework for restorative and future-oriented practices, others warned that it could become an empty phrase without clear application. From various perspectives, there was broad agreement on the need to test regenerative, yet context-sensitive, interventions, with robust quantitative and qualitative impact indicators and broader stakeholder involvement.

Looking ahead

The way forward, however, requires building bridges between academic research and sectoral reality, as well as between theoretical ambitions and practical needs. Participants shared a strong desire to meet on common ground and begin with what already exists: the tools, policies, relationships, and knowledge embedded in communities and practice. Importantly, this also means rethinking the language and formats of knowledge sharing, creating instead inclusive, dialogic spaces that support mutual understanding, learning, and shared responsibility for outcomes.

Project Vision

The broader project will continue to develop through ongoing collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and the involvement of public and private stakeholders. One of its key pillars is the establishment of the Resilient Tourism Ecosystems Lab (RTEL), a platform for cross-sector dialogue, university staff mobility, and the co-creation of ideas and initiatives in research and education.

Dr. Jelena Farkic leads this collaboration at Breda University of Applied Sciences.