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New EU Project ReStart to accelerate the transition to regenerative tourism in North-West Europe
The ReStart project officially launched in January 2026, bringing together a strong European consortium committed to redefining tourism’s role in economic and social development across North-West Europe (NWE).
Within the project, BUas' Centre for Sustainability, Tourism and Transport contributes expertise in the field of climate risks for tourism (adaptation and mitigation) and embedding these into policy for more sustainable tourism in general.
Funded under the Interreg North-West Europe programme, ReStart will run for 3.5 years and aims to accelerate the shift towards sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that balance visitor economy growth with climate action, community well-being, and quality of life.
What is the ReStart Project?
ReStart seeks to empower tourism authorities and related stakeholders to move beyond sustainability towards regeneration—actively restoring and enhancing the destinations they serve. At the heart of the project is the ReStart Compass, a practical implementation guide developed transnationally to help authorities integrate regenerative tourism principles into policy and practice. The Compass provides:
- A clear definition of regenerative tourism tailored to NWE.
- Step-by-step guidance and tools for adapting and implementing regenerative approaches.
- Support for shifting from knowledge gathering to effective action, stimulating green transformation and societal change.
How will ReStart deliver impact?
Over its 3.5-year lifetime, ReStart will:
- Validate the ReStart Compass through eight pilot sites in Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, testing real-world applications and tailoring solutions to local needs.
- Support tourism SMEs in integrating regenerative principles into their services, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and competitiveness.
- Train and empower authorities: At least 54 tourism and tourism-related authorities across Belgium, Germany, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands will receive training and direct support to embed regenerative tourism in policies and practices. This includes a Train-the-Trainer programme for 50 participants and targeted assistance for four authorities.
The project focuses on four key pillars: Balancing Tourism, Climate Adaptation & Mitigation, Community Involvement, and Quality of Life—ensuring tourism contributes positively to both people and planet.
Who is Behind ReStart?
ReStart is led by Visit Flanders and brings together a diverse consortium of partners with deep expertise in tourism development, sustainability, and policy innovation:
- Westtoer (Belgium)
- Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
- Munster Technological University (Ireland)
- NECSTouR (Belgium)
- Municipality of Leeuwarden (Netherlands)
- Regional Council of Brittany (France)
- Coastal Synergie (France)
- City of Koblenz (Germany)
Together, these partners represent a strong network of destinations, academic institutions, and policy organisations committed to driving systemic change in tourism across NWE.
What’s Next?
The first major milestone will be the kick-off meeting in early 2026, where partners will set the operational roadmap, initiate pilot site preparations, and begin developing training and support activities. By mid-2026, the first version of the ReStart Compass will be available to authorities and stakeholders, paving the way for widespread adoption during and beyond the project lifetime.
Stay updated: LinkedIn ReStart Project
