Organisation Internationale du Tourisme Social
Budget
€25 — €0
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
8
1.5 FTE
EU Grants
€27,034
Mission & Goals
The International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO) is a non-profit association that promotes social tourism as a means of enhancing social cohesion, improving the quality of life of people, and promoting sustainable tourism. Founded in 1963, ISTO brings together a diverse group of members, including tourism professionals, governments, NGOs, and other organizations, from over 50 countries worldwide. ISTO's main objective is to facilitate access to tourism for all, regardless of income, age, or social status. The organisation works to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices and to foster cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. ISTO also provides support and resources for its members, including training and capacity building, research and analysis, and networking opportunities.
EU Legislative Interests
The main activity of ISTO is related to the Together for EU Tourism (T4T) working group which supports the Transition pathways for tourism. ISTO just renewed its engagement for the 2025–2029 period in the T4T. ISTO also recently took part in the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU tourism policy with Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and has applied to participate in an upcoming Youth Policy Dialogue with the European Commission (2026), reflecting its continued interest in tourism policies and youth-related opportunities. ISTO’s contributions focus on promoting social sustainability in tourism, including accessibility, inclusion, youth participation, and improved measurement of tourism’s social impact. ISTO’s representation activities are mainly related to the following EU initiatives and policy frameworks: - European Agenda for Tourism 2030 - Pact for Skills (Tourism Large-Scale Partnership) - Transition Pathway for Tourism - Erasmus+ Programme (for the youth and training dimension of tourism) - European Social Economy Action Plan - EU Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 - European Green Deal (for the sustainable tourism transition) - Eurostat Tourism Statistics Framework - EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027
Communication Activities
- Digital communication : website in three languages (FR,EN,SPA), newsletters, social networks - Annual International Week for Fair and Sustainable Tourism for All - World Congress (once every second year) and European Forum (once every second year) - Webinars (CafecISTO) on youth, accessibility, responsible finance, inclusion, local communities - Annual Activity Report - Position Papers
Interests Represented
Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members
Member Of
ISTO is an affiliate member of the World Tourism Orgnisation (UNWTO) - https://www.unwto.org/
Organisation Members
https://isto.international/members/
Additional Information
Indirect Cost of the projects - €27,034
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.