Baltic Sea Breezes Welcome to the Region 2011/2012 Evening moodinNyhavn/Copenhagen

©Ireneusz Cyranek Baltic Sea Breezes 1

CONTENTS EDITORIAL Natural and Cultural Heritage – Promising Potentials Common Heritage – for Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region 2 Feature of Identification for the Baltic Sea Region – Common Tasks – Fascinating Cultural Heritage Gothic 6 Common Objectives Sand Dunes – A Wonder of Nature to Visit and Experience 8 A central public place to meet, debate and Sustainable Nature Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region – exchange ideas – this A Plenty of Breathtaking Protected Areas 10 was the “Agora” around 500 BC in European Charter for Sustainable Tourism Greece. The project in Protected Areas 11 AGORA 2.0 repre- Protected Areas of the PARKS & BENEFITS project sents not just the go for the Charter in the Baltic Sea Region 11 ancient Greek term, but it also follows the Flagship Projects for Closer Cooperation main principle of in the Baltic Sea Region – Innovations Conducive to bringing different par- Tourism and Environment 12 ties closer together, to let them cooperate Enjoy South Baltic! – Fruitful Cooperation under and benefit from each other’s knowledge and work. the Umbrella of Baltic Sea Region Strategy 13 In this frame, 24 partners from 9 neighboring coun- Baltic Sea Region Records Upswing in Tourism – tries of the Baltic Sea act jointly following the imple- Interview with Thomas Mielke, Director BTC 14 mentation of the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013. AGORA 2.0 was initiated by University Baltic Sea Tourism Forum – of ´s Institute of Geography and is an ap- Stimulating Sustainable Future Cross-border Activities 15 proved Baltic 21 Lighthouse project. The countries around the Baltic Sea do not only Journalists from India Visiting the Baltic Sea Region – share a long period in history, but also certain natu- Exploring a Melting-pot of Cultures 16 ral and cultural resources. However, the inhabitants´ perception about the common characteristics is not Cover Picture: View of the church in Mariefred, ©Freddie Bijkerk fully developed yet and the Baltic Sea Region is not well-known as one common region. For this reason, the project AGORA 2.0 aims at iden- 2 tifying peculiarities which might support the devel- opment of a common identity of people living in the Baltic Sea Region. It seems that appealing treasures 6 of natural and cultural heritage are very promising features in this regard. Based on those heritage assets, innovative tourism products should be developed. The promotion of these products will increase the visibility of the whole area as a tourist destination and as an inter- esting business environment. Various experts have already met at the “Agora”, in order to pursue the goals of the project. Of course, common heritage, tasks and objectives around the sea will also let the partners keep on cooperating in the future, in order to strengthen the visibility of the Baltic Sea Region.

Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Steingrube

12 Natural and Cultural Heritage Promising Potentials for Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region By Prof. Dr Wilhelm Steingrube, Institute of Geography and Geology, University of Greifswald

Of course, there are countless natural and cultural sites, historical buildings and new astonishing directions in architectural style; very small and also big events; specific food and drinking customs; very old traditions and episodic cultural festivals; UNESCO world heritage labeled and hidden treasures – all these offers lure people to visit the region. So, the Baltic Sea Region is characterized by innumerable touristic attractions.

ourism is a growing and future ori- tourism service and management to Another bottle neck of tourism develop- Tented market on the one hand, but develop the tourism potentials in an op- ment is the simple mechanism that the on the other hand it is a demand driven timal way. power of attraction of single sites and market, too, which means that it is ex- As a little support the Baltic Sea destinations correlates with the dis- tremely competitive. Heritage Tourism Information Service tance to source markets: Within and Many attractions are owned and man- (www.bastis-tourism.info) has been im- close to the region the attractions are aged by public bodies. Often, they are plemented. It is a web-based database well known, but going further away they not very well equipped, financially – but that provides market research results of become more and more unknown. And they hope to generate additional bene- the neighboring countries of the Baltic even if the information is available fits from tourism. Furthermore, they Sea for everybody who is engaged in worldwide due to web-presentations, need staff that is well educated in heritage tourism in the area. tourists will not travel long distances to Baltic Sea Breezes 3 ©Jens Mohr ©Toomas Volmer ©Toomas

Cities full of tradition – Representative characteristics of the Baltic Sea Region? (Photo: View of St Catherine’s Passage in ’s Old Town)

www.6-bsr-wonders.net. In this con- characterize the landscape in the North test, the most attractive and popular (archipelagos, single blocks & boulders treasures of the region are to be everywhere), the southern coastline is elected. marked by endless sandy beaches, shifting sand dunes and other soft Widespread Common Features coastal formations. View of Skokloster /Sweden The other way to become visible in the Regarding cultural features, different world – promoting widespread common socio-economic systems, groups like features - has to be backed by several the Vikings or the small single attractions. To lure guests peculiarities, which have to represent strongly influenced the entire region from outside the area the tourist desti- the whole region. around the Baltic Sea. Many nations of the Baltic Sea Region need Typical of the entire region - regarding and other historical buildings still docu- to cooperate and to enter the tourism the natural appearance - are the large ment these periods. market as a common destination. But areas of forests covering most parts of The red brick is the characteristic stone then it has to be decided which attrac- the region. It is also the coastline with in the Baltic Sea Region, which was tions to boost. two totally different faces: while stones used to construct numerous public and There are two different ways of becom- ing visible in the world tourism market: either by single unique selling proposi- tions or by common features, which cover and represent most parts of the ©Freddie Bijkerk region.

Unique Selling Propositions of the Region What are the unique selling proposi- tions of our region? There are the big capitals of the countries and there are several UNESCO world heritage prop- erties. But do they represent character- istics of the Baltic Sea Region? Perhaps there are other sites, traditions or events, which are more typical of the entire region. To collect and identify the most promising natural and cultural Redbrick : heritage assets of the region, there is a Church in Kamien Pomorski/ public online ranking available on 4 Baltic Sea Breezes ©Betina Meliss (3)

View of the lighthouse in Swinoujscie/Poland

also private buildings. The project Sea states: red brick gothic, castles & The Baltic Sea is easy to find in a map, AGORA 2.0-Heritage Tourism for museums, forests, shifting sand dunes but the region surrounding the sea is Increased Baltic Sea Region Identity, and stones (blocks & boulders). difficult to define – the definition de- tries to elaborate innovative tourism pends on the discipline and the pur- products and new solutions in heritage “Identity” – The New Key Word pose. So, the area of the Baltic Sea tourism in 5 transnational pilot groups. It is very important for the Baltic Sea Region varies between “simply neigh- Each pilot group focuses on a subject Region to be promoted as a unit by bouring countries” and the water catch- that is typical of at least three Baltic tourism marketing. ment area of the sea, sometimes addi-

tionally involving Norway or even Island, due to political reasons. The EU defined an own programme area for this region. At least since that moment, politicians tend to regard the Forest in Zemaitija National Park/ Baltic Sea Region as a unit. There are the common sea and the natural ap- Baltic Sea Breezes 5

pearance, with its geological surface formed during the Ice Age, which give a sense of regional unity. The similar cli- mate supports the idea of a homoge- ©Juliane Hess (2) nous region. And of course, there is a common his- tory of co-operation and conflicts. In the region there have developed similar architectural styles, traditions, cuisine and also related art styles. The high lev- el of economy, education and security is also similar, compared with other parts in the world. Nevertheless, there is not really a com-

mon feeling within the population; there ©Freddie Bijkerk ©Betina Meliss (2)

Nature in the Baltic Sea Region appears in many fascinating ways.

itage assets. The features offered for ferent target groups in tourism which evaluation cover all three dimensions of have to be addressed by different ad- sustainability: 9 elements of natural verts. Therefore, it is important to have characteristics, 10 cultural assets and 6 a pool of such “common (identity) fea- of economy and society. tures”. It is expected not to select just the “one The Baltic Sea Region has a lot of po- and only” feature, but a pool of charac- tential characteristics as well as numer- teristics. Such a set is more useful be- ous attractions, but it is necessary to cause it is necessary for marketing pur- select those, which cover most as- poses to know several features, which pects, fit to the target markets and are are backed by the population. This is borne and supported by the local pop- due to the fact that there are always dif- ulation.

Shifting sand dune in the Slowinski National Park/Poland

Traditional folklore in

is not yet a common language. Thus, identity is the wrong term! Unfortunately, this word is mostly used when talking about the Baltic Sea Region. But instead of discussing and showing the non-existence of a common identity in the whole Baltic Sea Region, AGORA 2.0 goes a different way. Identity is a very sensitive, slowly grow- ing feeling among many people; it has to be borne by the population. Following a bottom-up perspective, an online questionnaire survey “What do we have in common in the whole Baltic Sea Region?” (www.bsr-identity.net) tries to identify features that represent a potpourri of cultural and natural her- 6 Baltic Sea Breezes

Feature of Identification for the Baltic Sea Region Fascinating Cultural Heritage Brick

By Christoph Pienkoss, European Route of Brick Gothic

This is the dream destination for culture addicts, those seeking recreation and time travellers: solitary ice-age landscapes, picturesque lakes and rivers, coasts and beaches, wind-lashed shallow bays, untouched forests, meadows and fields and the tower of a brick church is always peeking out from behind the next turn of the bike path, next to an old inn or between the trees of many old avenues. The church is probably Gothic – Brick Gothic.

hat is because Brick Gothic has left cities, villages, countries and structures The cultural heritage Brick Gothic is Tits mark on the landscape along the around the Baltic Sea and far into the easily recognisable, yet always a bit dif- Baltic Sea and far inland. Churches and south were affected in different ways by ferent in every location. It is an excel- basilicas, town halls, , city the same development. lent feature of identification for the re- gates and fortifications, religious and secular buildings speak their common

language, characterised by the great ©EuRob e.V. ©EuRob e.V. upheavals starting from the 13th centu- ry: the Christianisation, the great period of the Hanseatic League, the founding of monasteries and cities, the construc- tion of the castles of knights' orders, the significant period of the Baltic Sea within global Europe of . Each structure is a masterpiece of its own. The following centuries brought many ups and downs – with times of prosperity and burning cities, success stories and wars, hostilities and friend- ships. Many of the magnificent Brick Gothic monuments withstood these tu- multuous times and stood for eternity as intended. Yet it is only recently that St Mary’s church in Gdansk – St Catherine’s church in visitors can experience along the the biggest Brick Gothic church is an example of German Brick Gothic "European Route of Brick Gothic" how in Europe architecture Baltic Sea Breezes 7

to wellness, cycling, golf, hiking and Greifswald, Güstrow, Lüneburg, aquatic sports and are still living build- Bardowick and Churches around

©EuRob e.V. ings in service for people to play in, Lüneburg, Monasteries of Lüneburg, Gothic marvel at, admire and use. Beyond and Burg , Brick Gothic, many other treasures Neukloster, Parchim, Prenzlau, Ribnitz- beckon the curious: forests and lakes, Damgarten, the Island of Rügen, cliffs and dune landscapes, castles, ru- Schleswig, , Stendal, ins, palaces, farm houses and manor , and ) are houses from a wide variety of eras. your hosts. Even beyond these coun- Discover traces of common history and tries, in parts of Sweden and the future on the European Route of Brick , in , , Gothic and in the Baltic Sea region! Lithuania, (e.g. the city of Tartu), (Haderslev), Poland (, Russia and Belarus, beautiful examples Stargard Szczecinski, Slawno, Torun, of brick Gothic can be found. Plock, Gdansk, Chelmno and ) A common European history is to be and (, , experienced. Brandenburg/Havel, Buxtehude, www.eurob.org ©EuRoB e.V.

The medieval centre of the Polish town Chelmno is characterised by numerous Brick Gothic buildings.

gion. It is always visible, glows red in the sun, is simple yet grandiose, artisti- cally accomplished, comprehensible and touchable, brimming with history and stories. Brick Gothic structures outlived dozens of religious and worldly leaders, are older than the oldest uni- versities, were models for painters such as Caspar David Friedrich and Lyonel Feininger, tower above later baroque, neo-Gothic and classical structures. They are today the cultural counterpoint ©Bildquelle ©EuRoB e.V.

St John’s church in Schaprode is The Town Hall of the Polish city Torun belongs to the most outstanding achievements considered the third oldest Brick Gothic of medieval bourgeois architecture in Europe and served as an architectural model for building on the island of Rügen. the Town Hall in Berlin. 8 Baltic Sea Breezes

Sand Dunes in the Baltic Sea Region A Wonder of Nature to Visit and Experience ©Lithuanian State Department of Tourism

By Lise Lyck, Centre Director, Copenhagen Business School

In the EU project AGORA 2.0 there are 24 partners dealing with and analyzing the natural and cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea Region. They investigate different features of the area, such as the brick architecture, castles, sand dunes, forests and stones. The topic of this article is a very outstanding characteristic of the region, namely sand dunes that can be found in Lithuania, Kaliningrad, Poland and Denmark.

and dunes are ridges, hills and the dominant wind direction. Initially, which will bind and stabilize the dune at Ssmall mountains of sand situated the sand is transported by the wind and the same time. The dunes are exposed close to or at the top of a beach above is stopped by a hindrance in the land- to erosion by wind and water and have the usual maximum wade. The wind scape like a bush, a stone or a rock. to be protected. has blown the sand together forming a The dune will normally grow over time, Sand dunes have many forms. A dune ridge or a hill created by the wind from as well as the marram grass on it, field is an area covered by extensive sand dunes – the large ones are called ergs. Sand dunes are said to be kinds of deserts in which specific types of plants grow and birds live. Most of the sand dunes are relatively stable but some are not, as they are shifting and wandering in the wind direction. This sand movement gives the hills and ridges a very mysterious atmosphere ©Baltic Sea Tourism Commission, ©Baltic Sea Tourism and makes them remarkable features of the landscape.

Shifting Sand Dunes in the Baltic Sea Region In the Baltic Sea countries sand dunes can be found in Lithuania and Kaliningrad, where especially the Curonian Spit is an outstanding exam- Baltic Sea Breezes 9 ©BaltikumTourismus Zentrale, Berlin ©BaltikumTourismus

ple of shifting sand dunes. The 98 km ample of shifting dunes is Raabjerg Mile take a swim and enjoy the beauty and long Spit is a thin and curved peninsula in the North of in Denmark. the mystery of the landscape. The light that separates the Baltic Sea and the Since 1900 it has moved 1500m North- grey color of the sand together with the Curonian Lagoon and it covers East, normally 15 m annually. It covers plants, birds and the sea create special Europe´s highest moving sand dunes an area of 1600 ha, includes 3.5 mio m3 colors and the light from the sky and with a height of up to 60 meters (see of sand and is 35-40m high. Poland al- sea offer unique and unforgettable photos on p. 8 and 9 above). so has shifting dunes, which can be views. The experience from climbing To be mentioned are also the sand found in the Slovinski National Park, the shifting sand dunes is very impres- dunes in Poland in the Slowinski along the Baltic Sea coast between sive for both children and adults and Natural Park, the sand dunes found in Rowy and Leba. The dunes rise to 42 m definitely a sight to behold. Denmark in the island and above the sea level and can be consid- the dunes in the North of Zeeland. ered as the most impressive attractions Back in time, sand storms moved the of the park (see photos below). sand dunes and whole villages and churches were buried in the sand. In Why Should People Visit the Sand Poland and in Denmark for instance it is Dunes in the Baltic Sea Region? still possible to visit churches almost The sand dunes are situated at the totally buried by the sand. A famous ex- coast. You can rest in the sand dunes, ©Freddie Bijkerk (2) 10 Baltic Sea Breezes

Sustainable Nature Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region A Plenty of Breathtaking Protected Areas By Romy Sommer, animare projectmanagement

The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) offers a great diversity of natural treasures which is preserved in protected areas. But these green jewels are not only important habitats for rare species of flora and fauna, but also tourist magnets for the whole area. The following 8 parks are involved in the project PARKS & BENEFITS, which supports the BSR in gaining visibility as one destination. ©Matsalu National Park ©Biosphere Reserve Southeast-Rügen

with habitats such as sea-grass banks, seaweed forests and calm water. The dry grasslands, beech forests, steep shale cliffs, rocky and pebble beaches, Matsalu National Park salt meadows and sand cliffs also have a great ecological value and underline the close link between land and sea. Estonia: Matsalu National Park www.biosphaerenreservat-suedostruegen.de Matsalu National Park was founded to protect nesting and migratory birds and Norway: Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella conserve semi-natural grasslands and National Park the Väinameri region. The park is ©Müritz National Park Dovrefjell Sunndalsfjella National Park 48.610 ha in size and embraces and the 9 adjoining protected areas Matsalu bay and the delta area of the have a total size of 4.365 km2. The area Kasari River together with surrounding has a wide range of topography, geolo- flooded and coastal meadows, reed gy and climate boosting semi alpine beds and forests. The park is famous landforms, carved out by glaciers, with for its reed beds, which are the largest in the Baltic Sea. Matsalu – Ramsar site and awarded with the European characterised by extensive pine forests Diploma for Protected Areas – is also and bogs. The smaller area around the one of the most important wetland bird village of Serrahn features impressive areas in Europe. old beech forests in a hilly landscape www.matsalu.ee which have been inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage lately. Germany: Müritz National Park www.nationalpark-mueritz.de ©Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park The osprey plunges into the lake and the trumpeting of cranes can be heard Germany: Biosphere Reserve – over 100 lakes surrounded by large Southeast-Rügen forests make Müritz National Park very Situated on Germany’s largest island ragged peaks, fjords and the Dovrefjell special. The park is famed for its crys- Rügen, the diverse landscape and his- mountain plateau with Mount Snøhetta talclear water and magical landscape. It tory of land use in the biosphere re- as its majestic landmark. The park was includes a 500 meter wide strip along serve has led to an extraordinary variety created to preserve Europe‘s oldest the eastern shore of the largest German of habitats. Approx. 50% of the bios- wild reindeer population and one of lake: the Müritz. This area of the park is phere reserve consists of open water ’s last intact mountain eco Baltic Sea Breezes 11

systems. Visitors mostly enjoy the herons, grebes and various ducks. The area’s traditional outdoor life, e.g. on white tailed eagle, black stork, otters, European Charter guided musk and elk safaris but there beavers, ermines and wolves are also for Sustainable Tourism are also several visitor attractions in the at home within the park boundary. area worth seeing. www.kurtuva.lt in Protected Areas www.dovrefjellradet.no The European Charter for Sustainable Denmark: Nature Park Maribosøerne Tourism in Protected Areas is a practi- Lithuania: Zemaitija National Park In the heart of the island Lolland the cal management tool that enables pro- Zemaitija National Park is a real discov- Maribo Lakes lie in a unique nature tected areas to develop tourism sus- ery for travellers who wish to explore park, one of the most outstanding natu- tainably. The core element of the the wild nature and original traditions of ral areas in Denmark. The Maribo Lakes Charter is working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to develop a the region. It was shaped as a result of and surrounding reed beds, marshes, common sustainable tourism strategy the drifting ice blocks that scraped meadows and broad-leafed forest con- and an action plan on the basis of a deep holes for lakes and subsided in stitute an area of extremely high biolog- thorough situation analysis. It is based rifts forming the cobweb of shoals. on the 10 Charter Principles for sus- Islands and peninsulas compose the tainable tourism and comprises a set of view of the Plateliai Cascade. The park guidelines, check-lists and methodolo- is famous not only for the diverse and gies. All Charter projects and activities endemic flora and fauna but also for its aim at protecting the natural and cultur- rich cultural heritage. Zemaitija National al heritage and at improving tourism in ©Nature Park Maribosøerne ©Nature Park Park was awarded the title „2008 the protected areas in terms of the en- vironment, local population and busi- European Tourist Destination of nesses, as well as visitors. Excellence in Intangible Heritage“ The Charter and the Charter Network is (EDEN). owned, managed and coordinated by www.zemaitijosnp.lt the EUROPARC Federation. The ical interest because of the unique Federation represents more than 400 plant, bird and animal life, with their members in 36 countries, who them- specialized organisms. The area also selves manage the green jewels of contains many cultural and historical Europe's land, sea, mountains, forests, attractions and ancient remains. Around rivers and cultural heritage.

©Zemaitija National Park the lakes there are large manor houses with woodlands. Protected Areas www.naturparkmaribo.dk of the Latvia: Kemeri National Park PARKS & BENEFITS The national park is covered by wet- project go for Lithuania: Kurtuvenai Regional Park lands of an amazing diversity. Lake the Charter in the Here, 15.000 years ago, melting gla- Kanieris, e.g. is a Ramsar site. Being a ciers formed impressive landforms, coastal lagoon lake of just about 1 m Baltic Sea Region high banks, continental dunes and a depth, covering 1.128 ha and compris- The PARKS & BENEFITS project – spectacular ridge and canyon-like val- ing large, impassable labyrinths of focusing on the Baltic Sea Region – ley. Hills enveloped with deep forests, reedbeds, it is home to almost 200 bird facilitates international co-operation in valley streams, small bottomless lakes species and an important stop-over many aspects of protected area man- and swamps cover the landscape of place during bird migrations. agement. Thinking holistically, we work in a network of eight large protected the park. Naturalists have counted Underneath the wetlands of Kemeri areas, regional authorities, stakeholders 1.000 species of plants in the regional National Park sulphurous mineral water in tourism & environment, and academ- park and in the forest huge single trees is formed - a foundation for a health re- ic institutions backed by EUROPARC grow. The swamps attract large sort dating back to 1838. Federation as European umbrella or- amounts of birds including cranes, gray www.daba.gov.lv ganization.

www.europarc-nb.org www.parksandbenefits.net ©Kemeri National Park ©Kemeri ©Kurtuvenai Regional Park 12 Baltic Sea Breezes

Flagship Projects for Closer Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region

Innovations Conducive to Touring ©Turku Tourism and Environment

By Päivi Oliva, Coordinator Turku Touring

he Regional Council of Southwest Tourism” seminars, nearly 100 stake- fishing in the Baltic and especially TFinland, Turku Touring, the regional holders from different sectors and re- cooking in the Baltic are the key pro- marketing and sales organisation of gions around the Baltic Sea took part in motion areas of the FP 12.7. However, tourism in Southwest Finland and the exchanging experiences and dis- we must always endeavour to create Centre of Expertise for Tourism and cussing the perspectives and future of sustainable means by which we can Experience Management are responsi- the rural and coastal tourism in the enjoy the sea, the landscape, the ma- ble for the Flagship Project (FP) 12.7, BSR. It became obvious that deeper rine life and the wildlife, for many years an activity within the framework of the co-operation is needed. to come, underlines Ms. Anne-Marget EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Niemi at Turku Touring. (EUSBSR), which concentrates on the Sharing Successes and Best development of environmentally friendly Practices Towards InnoNet - Centres of coastal and rural tourism. The main ob- FP 12.7 concentrates on the sustain- Expertise for Innovation Imple- jective is a closer cooperation between able development of products, services mentation for Tourism in the BSR the actors in the Baltic Sea Region and the accessibility. ”A new type of Participation in many project prepara- (BSR) tourism sector, as well as provid- cooperation is needed in the Baltic Sea tions has been taken by the FP 12.7, ing competence and the best practices Region, efficient product development e.g. with Turku Science Park, which for the tourism industry. and service competence. We must submitted a project application for the build commonly marketable product 4th call under the BSR Programme at Join the Network of Baltic Sea entities, which will be made available the end of March 2011, together with Coastal and Rural Tourism for the customers more efficiently, for the Centre of Expertise for Tourism and Created by the FP 12.7, the network example by means of electronic com- Experience Management and Turku covers the entire BSR and makes it merce,” says Ms. Päivi Lappalainen at Touring. possible for the actors to attain suc- the Centre of Expertise for Tourism and Centres of Expertise programme in cess, to find the best practices and to Experience Management. Finland have successfully managed to share them with each other. Ms. Anne-Marget Niemi, Director of gather actors from the public sector, Approximately 30 members have joined Tourism at the Southwest Finland the academia and companies. This co- in the network of Baltic Sea Coastal Tourist and Convention Bureau, strong- operation has opened new aspects to and Rural Tourism so far. Many events ly believes that the keyword is “acces- the tourism business. This kind of de- have been organized by the flagship to sibility” when developing tourism. velopment that the BSR enables should activate the stakeholders. During the Activities such as sailing in the Baltic, be welcomed. Innovations for service two “Common Future for Baltic biking in the Baltic, hiking in the Baltic, sectors are known to be difficult to find Baltic Sea Breezes 13 and easy to copy. However, the needs, Enjoy South Baltic! based on raising environmental aware- ness and shift in customers’ values to- Fruitful Cooperation under the Umbrella wards sustainability, innovations that improve the tourism businesses’ ac- of EU Baltic Sea Region Strategy tions in environmental responsibility are soon required. By Marta Chelkowska, Pomorskie Voivodeship; This is exactly what the InnoNet project Krystyna Hartenberger-Pater, Pomorskie Tourist Board aims to do. By combining best practis- es from partners and developing coop- he leaders of the Flagship Project eration between countries, the project T12.9 “Promotion of culture and na- idea is to form a network that can easily ture heritage” - Pomorskie Region and ©S. Skladanowski share innovations, quickly adopt new Pomorskie Tourist Board continue mon- ideas and share development responsi- itoring activities related to project initia- bilities. By and large, the project is re- tives implemented in the Baltic Sea flected from the basics of the Finnish Region. Follow-up activities will focus CoE programme, but the focus is set on on identifying ongoing initiatives within building an innovation environment that European Cultural Routes and nature shares differences in cultural, educa- centers around the Baltic Sea states. tional, industrial and in customer back- The leading events, based on the use of ground. It is the type of network that al- unique and competitive Baltic cultural lows unexpected thinking and cross resources, will also be taken into ac- sectoral adaptation of new skills. count. View of the Neptune’s fountain in Gdansk. Those actions will be undertaken within the new ESB! project that is direct cooperation with the private co-financed by the European Regional sector. Development Funds within the South SME’s of the tourism branch are key Baltic Cross-border Co-operation partners in the tourist offer manage- Programme 2007-2013, and imple- ment and selling system. The first stage Up to Date with BASTIS mented by partners from Poland, of the project implementation will focus Useful Market Information Lithuania and Germany. This project will on the creation of new tourist products on the Baltic Sea Region mainly focus on the South Baltic area, and packages on the base of unique re- BASTIS, the Baltic Sea Heritage Tourism but wider scope will also be included sources and observed trends in Information Service, is now online and running. tourism. The second project stage will BASTIS aims to provide everybody dealing because the Baltic Sea Region is de- with heritage tourism in the Baltic Sea region fined as one tourist destination on the be designed to launch the new prod- (e.g. SMEs, tourism authorities and associations) global tourism market. ucts on the market. In the end, there with tailored market information, free of The aim of the ESB! project is to will be a vital connection between charge and easy to access! Have a look at www.bastis-tourism.info! Here you can find, well- strengthen the image and competitive- South Baltic tour operators, tourist structured and at one glance, statistics, market ness of the South , which agencies and the tourist industry, as research results and analyses on all Baltic Sea shall be defined as the "rising star" well as a close communication base destination countries, on the most important among other international tourist desti- with the end customer, namely the source markets for the Baltic Sea Region and a segmentation and analysis of different cultural nations, and to improve the quality of tourist, for whom the offer has been de- and natural tourists in Europe interested in holi- tourism offers and services throughout veloped. days in the Baltic Sea region. Users can add and update information within BASTIS – this is especially important for the sec- The Pomorskie region offers varied touristic delights. tion about heritage sites: If you are a heritage site within the Baltic Sea region, it would be great if you could include your site in BASTIS. To get started, please have a look at the help section and if there are questions, please feel always free Board Tourist ©Pomorskie to contact the NIT. To receive all news about the progress of BASTIS, please subscribe to our blog by clicking on “follow blog” in the blog section of BASTIS. BASTIS is part of the Agora 2.0 project, part- financed by the EU within the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013. It is hosted by the BTC (Baltic Sea Tourism Commission) and was con- ceptualized by the NIT (Institute for Tourism Research in Northern Europe). By Ulf Sonntag, Head of Market Research, N.I.T. Kiel 14 Baltic Sea Breezes

Baltic Sea Region Records Upswing in Tourism

Interview with Thomas Mielke, Director Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC), Stockholm

The Baltic Sea region is economically depen- economic problems in our region which were ges in recent years in our region. The wealth dent on tourism to a great extent. Was the de- recently even topped by a political crisis. in Russia is growing and not only concentra- velopment of tourism in the region able to However in the second quarter Latvia had ted on a few oligarchs but the Russian middle profit from the global upswing after the eco- 30% more tourists in accommodation facili- class also discovers our region as a tourist de- nomic crisis? ties and also over 30% more nights spent by stination and they are not only coming in Th. Mielke: Yes - the tendency for tourism in foreign visitors compared to the same period January (Russian Christmas) and to Finland the Baltic Sea region is positive. For the year last year! but Russians even started to cruise - on their 2011 the number of tourists increased in al- own boats, St Peterline – to Helsinki, Tallinn most all destinations. After the crash in 2009 What is especially popular with tourists who and Stockholm. On the other hand Russia is especially the Baltic countries had a very po- come to the Baltic Sea region? becoming more and more interesting for EU sitive development in terms of the number of Th. Mielke: I think that many of our own citi- tourists and visa formalities do not seem to nights spent in tourist destinations with two zens discover neighbouring countries. The be any obstacle any more and the 72 hours digit growth numbers. But also Scandinavia, whole Baltic Sea region – which is very close visa-free cruises by St Peterline are one step Poland and Germany benefited from the in- – offers excellent tourism infrastructure, un- in the right direction. The advent of Russians creased number of tourists. Transportation spoilt nature, no mass-tourism and is located to our region has an impact on the incoming companies also profited from the positive de- far away from international epicentres of war tourism industry in our region. Russian velopment – Tallink achieved an all time high or terrorism. Furthermore the Baltic Sea regi- language skills need to be improved, products in the number of transported passengers in on is a perfect destination for weekend tour- tailor-made for Russians are needed etc... June 2011. ism, short or second/third holidays and However, the example of Finland shows how This development is in line with the global spa/health tourism. successfully Russians can be attracted. trend for the first half of this year and even After a small setback during 2009/10 cruise- slightly better. During the first six months of What new trends are emerging in the Baltic tourism is back on growing track again, flight 2011 there were 5% more holidaymakers Sea region in your opinion? connections are growing within the region worldwide compared to the same period last Th. Mielke: The growing number of Russian and airports report a growing number of pas- year. tourists is certainly one of the biggest chan- sengers. Again tourism proved to be the first industry which recovered from the crisis quickly which is important for other parts of the economies in our countries. However the clouds of eco- nomic decline are still existing which can in- fluence the influx of tourism to our region negatively. ©Baltikum Tourismus Zentrale, Berlin ©Baltikum Tourismus What is the outlook for this year’s summer season in your opinion? Th. Mielke: As I said before the general trend is positive and I doubt this trend will change substantially for the rest of this year. To give you one positive example beside many others - Latvia. The country recently received a lot of attention as the country with the most severe A panoramic view of Riga Baltic Sea Breezes 15

Baltic Sea Tourism Forum Stimulating Sustainable Future Cross-border Activities

By Johannes Volkmar - International Marketing at -Vorpommern Tourist Board

he Baltic Sea - well known for its invited participants and specialists from form and give the opportunity to meet Tnatural beauty, clean water and se- tourism institutions around the Baltic countries' officials of national and re- cure environment - invites to discover Sea. The major objectives are gional administrations, representatives coastal strips with white sandy beach- • to establish and consolidate a long of Baltic Sea tourism institutions, pri- es, beautiful fishermen’s villages and term communication basis, vate tourism providers and experts of seaside resorts and to explore the inner • to strengthen the cooperation of all the sector. The Forum focusses on two land with unspoiled nature, rich cultural Baltic Sea neighbouring countries, pillars: Firstly, on an official opening of heritage and colourful cities and vil- • to ensure the concerns of tourism in the countries' representatives and ex- lages. Nine countries adjoining the the Baltic Sea region and perts of current Baltic Sea topics and Baltic Sea, which makes the area one • to exploit the existing international secondly, on technical workshops un- of the most diversified and fascinating development potentials more efficiently. der predefined topics. The Forum will travel destinations worldwide. Following the meetings in be a perfect opportunity for exchanging The Baltic Sea region shows high po- /Lithuania in 2009 and knowledge and ideas between col- tential in attracting international trav- Kaliningrad/Russia in 2010, the fourth leagues, specialists and decision mak- ellers and guests. However, the area al- Baltic Sea Tourism Forum was suc- ers of the tourism sector in the Baltic so faces shortcomings especially con- cessfully held in Sopot/Poland 2011. Sea region and should stimulate sus- cerning a joint and coherent image, a The identification and determination of tainable future cross-border activities cross-national product development areas for effective cooperation and the among tourism institutions. The and promotional activities as well as development and promotion of com- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourist transparency and visibility of tourism mon products and services have been Board will organise a pre-meeting in offers and services in foreign source discussed just as the importance of na- May 2012, in order to prepare the markets. tional tourism organisations and the Forum's activities. To contribute to the development of significance of more information ex- The 5th edition of the Baltic Sea Tourism those, the Ministry of Economics, change among them and thus between Forum will be also supported by the Labour and Tourism and the the Baltic Sea neighbouring countries. State Chancellery Mecklenburg- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourist The 5th Baltic Sea Tourism Forum - held Vorpommern in its function as coordi- Board initialised the first Baltic Sea in Germany and Denmark from 14 to 16 nator for the priority area tourism in the Tourism Forum in in 2008 and November 2012 - will provide a plat- EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

The photo shows the participants of the 1st Baltic Sea Tourism Forum Rostock – initialised by the Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism Mecklenburg- Vorpommern and the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourist Board

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourist Board Johannes Volkmar Tel: +49 (0)381-4030-663 Fax: +49 (0)381-4030-555 [email protected] www.balticseatourism.eu 16 Baltic Sea Breezes

Journalists from India Visiting the Baltic Sea Region Exploring a Melting-pot of Cultures

Recently many journalists from overseas countries got accquainted with countries around the Baltic Sea, its people, their history, architecture, cultural highlights, touristic sights and nature on press trips organised by the Baltic Sea Tourism Commision (BTC). In the last two years six journalists from India explored our region in two trips.

ll trips were organised in close co- high population density, the tropical cli- Aoperation with our partner Finnair, mate and nature in India. Architectural    other partners and our BTC members. and culinary highlights were part of all                                  !     The first trip covered Helsinki, Tallinn, programs - from the brickstone archi- "#$% & '( )            Tartu, Riga, and Cracow and tecture to Rigas Balzams.            the second trip went from Helsinki to As English is the main communcation         Berlin/Potsdam, Lübeck and St Peters- language in India the excellent knowl-          burg. edge of English of the staff in hotels,     !   In general all participants returned to restaurants, museums were another     " #       India very satisfied with many positive positive surprise.         "!  impressions and good memories.The So far six articles from the trips were $ %     "!  #& ' ()   

journalists were especially positively published among other destinations                "!                *     +,   &   surprised by the excellent infrastructure about Tallinn, the oldest capital in     +-        .   !   %   +//+      $       '        !       in the Baltic countries and Poland. Northern Europe, listed as a World    * --0-00#  &        ' 1 #    1    1        *     2  Hotels, restaurants and museums were Heritage site as the “best preserved    1   *           beyond all expectacions. The fresh air, medieval town” by the UNESCO, or ... Published in “Exotica” vol. 3 no. 11, September 2009 pleasant climate and a fascinating na- Tartu - 1000 years old but due to the and online at www.vibgyortravels.com ture were an interesting contrast to the many students an eternally young uni-

versity town, also known as the “City of Good Thoughts”, and the Latvian capi- tal Riga with its splendour of the Art Nouveau architecture. Not surprisingly one of the tour partici-

©Jaak Nilson/Enterprise Estonia pants - Mr Prakash Dubey wrote in the Economic Times India “I wish I had a few more days to fully absorb the ethos of this charming city.”* Let's hope that these articles will en- courage more indian guests to visit our region and to “stay a few more days”! By Thomas Mielke

*Economic Times is one of the prestigious eco- nomic dailies in India with a readership of 2 million View of the Town Hall square in Tallinn all over India.

PRODUCTION & EDITORS

Editors: Project AGORA 2.0 Lead Partner: University of Greifswald, Institute of Geography and Geology Makarenkostraße 22, 17487 Greifswald Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Steingrube, Tel. +49 (0)3834-864540, [email protected] Project Coordinator: Dipl. oec. Betina Meliss, Tel. +49 (0)3834-864541, [email protected]

Production: Orschel Verlag GmbH Malvenweg 4, 51061 Köln, Tel. +49 (0)221-963564-0, www.orschel-verlag.de, [email protected] Editorship: Dr. Hans-Peter Wagner, Andrea Bellok Layout: Michael Kemp Printing: L. N. Schaffrath Druck Medien GmbH & Co. KG, Geldern Baltic Sea Region Programme Area 2007 – 2013 Website: http://eu.baltic.net ©VisitDenmark/Henrik Stenberg ©Viking Line

AGORA 2.0 – Project Partners BELARUS GERMANY LITHUANIA • Belarussian Association Country Escape • University of Greifswald, Institute of • Administration of Neringa Municipality DENMARK Geography POLAND • Copenhagen Business School • Institute for Tourism and Recreational • National Foundation for Enterprise Culture Research in Nothern Europe ESTONIA • Regional Development Agency of • German Association for Housing, Urban • County of Lebork • NGO West-Estonia Tourism and Spatial Development SWEDEN • Estonian Heritage Society • Entrepreneurs Association Rostock • Narva City Government and Surrounding • Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC) • Skokloster Castle FINLAND LATVIA • Finnish Tourist Board • Latvian Country Tourism Association • National Board of Antiquities, Lauku Celotajs Häme Castle • Latvian Fund for Nature • Latvian Tourism Development Agency New Horizons... ©Daniel Eriksson/Viking Line

...Welcome to the Baltic Sea Region

Lead Partner University of Greifswald, Institute of Geography Makarenkostrasse 22, 17487 Greifswald GERMANY Prof. Wilhelm Steingrube Dipl. oec. Betina Meliss Phone: +49 (0)3834/864541 [email protected], www.agora-tourism.net

Baltic Sea Tourism Commission Bräckegatan 1 16261 Vällingby SWEDEN www.balticsea.com