The Centre for Expertise, Leisure and Hospitality and European Tourism Association have signed a new industry partnership.

CELTH is the only centre of expertise in the sector of leisure, tourism and hospitality, in the Netherlands, bringing together experts and expertise from universities across the country.

Its international work on tourism – and urban tourism specifically – is conducted in conjunction with local and national destination management organisations, as well as the UNWTO.

This gives them a strong insight into the necessary data, processes and methodology behind sustainable destination management.

ETOA is a leading trade association for tour operators and suppliers in European destinations.

Over 1,200 members deliver more than €12 billion of business annually within Europe and include tour and online operators, intermediaries and wholesalers; European tourist boards, hotels, attractions, technology companies and other tourism and business service providers.

ETOA has both lobbied on behalf of its members on issues around tourism capacity management and advised cities on tourism strategies.

Menno Stokman of CELTH said: “The key to success in sustainable development in tourism is to bring all interested stakeholders together both from within and outside the tourism industry.

“With its broad network, ETOA is an excellent partner for success as it can provide a comprehensive picture of the possibilities and constraints faced by the tourism industry.”

CELTH will contribute their knowledge of demonstrated good practice as Albert Postma will join a keynote panel on day one of ITB Berlin at the CityCube.

Tim Fairhurst, secretary general of the European Tourism Association, said: “As demand for tourism grows, so does the opportunity for product diversification and smart capacity management.

“This issue is in transition and we need to move on from principles we can all agree to, to actionable policy that makes sense for the community, visitors and industry.

“CELTH brings both rigour and imagination to their work on strategies for sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

“Every city has its own balance of needs and interests.

“We are delighted to partner with the team with experts across The Netherlands to develop our destination engagement.”