– The CreativeTourismNetwork® launches a new call for destinations worldwide
The Creative Tourism Network® is pleased to announce the launch of a new, streamlined application formula that enables destinations of all kinds to apply for the CreativeFriendlyDestination® label through a yearly open call.
The deadline is July 15th, but from now on all submissions will be assessed within six days of reception. Successful applications may lead to the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding and the rollout of an international press campaign to highlight the destination’s commitment to creative tourism.
This new mechanism has been designed to make the process faster, clearer, and more accessible, allowing destinations to plan their creative tourism strategy with greater agility and confidence.
– The Creative Tourism Network®: The Global Reference for Creative Tourism
Recognized as the unique and official global organization for creative tourism, the Creative Tourism Network® has been shaping the sector since its creation in 2010. Over the past decade, it has led hundreds of conferences, trainings, and expert missions worldwide, collaborating with major international bodies such as UN Tourism, UNESCO, UNOSSC, GIZ, and numerous ministries and national tourism boards. Its pioneering work has positioned CTN as the global reference for creative, sustainable, and community‑centered tourism models, supporting destinations in unlocking their creative potential and achieving international recognition.
– Empowering destinations through their creative tourism assets
Creative tourism is increasingly recognized as a transformative model that values the identity, creativity, and cultural vibrancy of each territory. The CreativeFriendlyDestination® label highlights destinations that offer authentic, participatory, and community‑based experiences, while fostering:
- the activation of local creative ecosystems
- the valorization of intangible heritage
- the empowerment of communities and creative entrepreneurs
- the diversification of tourism offerings
- positive impacts on seasonality, climate adaptation, and local development
Destinations applying through this new formula will benefit from CTN’s expertise in identifying and enhancing their creative tourism assets, from artisans and cultural practitioners to creative hubs, festivals, gastronomy, performing arts, and innovative cultural initiatives.
– Strategic benefits of becoming a CreativeFriendlyDestination®
This agile process allows destinations to use their membership strategically — whether to support funding applications, strengthen project proposals, or plan the development of their creative tourism program with personalized guidance from the CTN Board of Experts.
Becoming a CreativeFriendlyDestination® provides access to:
- international visibility through CTN’s global network
- tailor‑made advisory services
- training and mentoring for local stakeholders
- event curation and co‑creation opportunities
- international promotion through press campaigns, conferences, and partnerships
- integration into a community of pioneering destinations worldwide
These benefits help destinations position themselves as innovative, sustainable, and community‑centered tourism models, aligned with global trends and international agendas.
– A membership designed for diversity and impact
The membership fee structure — starting at 350€ — has been designed to reflect the diversity of destinations and the scope and intensity of services provided at each level.
Importantly, many of these services can be financed through international cooperation programs, as they align with the priorities of numerous funding bodies. Destinations frequently integrate CTN activities into EU‑funded projects, as well as grant schemes launched by UNESCO, AECID, GIZ, JICA, BID, CAF, and the World Bank. This enables members to leverage external resources to strengthen capacity‑building, strategic development, and international visibility.
– Opportunity to Host a Creative Tourism Event
Selected destinations will also have the opportunity to host a Creative Tourism event in their territory, curated in collaboration with the Creative Tourism Network®. These events are designed to activate local creative ecosystems, showcase the destination’s creative assets, and engage both residents and visitors through participatory experiences. They also serve as powerful tools for international visibility, community empowerment, and cultural promotion. Hosting such an event reinforces the destination’s positioning as a CreativeFriendlyDestination® and amplifies the impact of its creative tourism strategy.
– A global commitment to sustainable and creative development
The Creative Tourism Network® remains committed to supporting destinations worldwide in building authentic, sustainable, and community‑centered creative tourism ecosystems. With this new application formula, the CTN aims to make the CreativeFriendlyDestination® label more accessible than ever, empowering territories to unlock their creative potential and position themselves on the international stage.
