A meeting of Pomorskie Prestige project partners, organized by the Pomorskie Tourist Board as part of the Pomorskie Business Summit, was held on November 6, 2025 at the Solmarina Hotel.

The event was attended by representatives of the tourism industry, local producers, project partners and experts related to the development of culinary tourism.

Presentation of BASCIL project results

One of the key points of the program was a speech by Hubert Gonera, who presented a summary of the BASCIL – Innovative Solutions for the Rural Food Production Sector to Diversify into Sustainable Culinary Tourism Services project.

The presentation highlighted the project’s achievements, such as:

– development of interregional cooperation in the area of culinary tourism,

– strengthening Pomorskie’s image as a culinary destination,

– the creation and promotion of the Pomorskie Path of Flavors – an initiative linking local producers, restaurateurs and places where authentic flavors of the region can be experienced.

Inspiring speeches and local products

The meeting also featured presentations on culinary tourism and projects implemented in the region, which inspired further cooperation.

The event was accompanied by an exhibition space where local producers presented their unique products – created with passion, quality and respect for tradition.

Pomorskie – a region full of flavor

The Pomorskie Business Summit showed that the region has great culinary potential and is constantly developing its offer based on authenticity, local heritage and cooperation.

Such events strengthen the relationship between business, local government and the tourism industry, building a recognizable brand of Pomorskie as a place where tradition meets modernity.

On November 6, the Grano Solmarina Hotel hosted an exclusive meeting of Pomorskie Prestige Partners, which once again proved that the power of cooperation and networking in the tourism industry cannot be underestimated.

Pomorskie Business Summit is not just an event – it’s a platform for establishing relationships, exchanging experiences and building lasting partnerships that translate into real benefits for all participants in the tourism services market. Our goal is to create a space where restaurateurs can get to know local producers, hoteliers can establish cooperation with, for example, local cosmetic brands, and chefs can meet, exchange inspirations and create new trends together. Pomorskie Prestige gives Partners the opportunity to make the most of this platform – it’s a place where every contact can turn into a valuable business relationship.

This year’s event program was carefully prepared with the needs of the industry in mind. Partners started the day with a breakfast of regional products, which emphasized the importance of working with local suppliers. This was followed by lectures by experts, including Damian Gawrysiak (green finance and investment), Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło (EU PROT projects), Krzysztof Steinman and Natalia Wisniewska (Arab markets in inbound tourism), Hubert Gonera (value of the BASCIL project), Niclas Fjellstorm (cooperation with local producers – foreign practices) and Bogdan Galazka (promotion of Polish culinary tourism). Each of the speakers shared their energy and experience, emphasizing the power of cooperation in building the competitiveness of the region.

The Pomorskie Prestige Partners Club is a community of people who drive the development of tourism in the region. The Pomorskie Prestige project, implemented by the Pomorskie Regional Tourist Board, aims to connect the industry and, based on its offers, create comprehensive experience paths for Pomorskie residents and tourists – both from Poland and abroad. Partners of the project benefit from extensive support: their offers are promoted in local and international media, published on www.pomorskie-prestige.eu and in social media, and presented at prestigious events such as the opening of the new Polish embassy in Berlin and the Expo in Osaka. In addition, Partners receive access to the latest industry knowledge, marketing support, and the opportunity to work with influencers and journalists from around the world.

Pomorskie Business Summit 2025 showed that together we can do more. The collective energy of participants, openness to new ideas and willingness to share experience are the foundations on which we are building the future of Pomorskie’s tourism industry. We would like to thank all Partners for their activity and commitment – it is thanks to you that Pomorskie Prestige is the place where the best initiatives are born!

How to become a Partner of Pomorskie Prestige? Here you will find more information: https: //pomorskie-prestige.eu/zostan-partnerem/

Agnieszka Cegielska has become the face of the Pomorskie Prestige project, implemented by the Pomorskie Tourist Board. The well-known journalist and nature lover is promoting the attractions of the Pomorskie Province in the fall-winter season of 2025/2026. The first episode is already available online.

“Experience more flavor with Agnieszka Cegielska” is the title of the first episode of the project, in which the well-known internet and television personality discovers the delicious side of Pomorskie. In Gdynia, she meets Arkadiusz Brzęczek, a modernism enthusiast, to look at the city from a new perspective. She then visits the Market Hall in Gdynia, where she meets the owner of a traditional family business selling fresh fish. At the vegetable stand, she meets Marcin Popielarz, a renowned pomorskie chef, who reveals his secrets for preparing perfect dishes and invites her to his restaurants: the Quadrille Hotel in Gdynia and Leśny Dwór in Kashubia. The first episode is a story about local flavors, Gdynia’s architecture, and the power of tranquility, which is most beautifully felt during the off-season.

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/Au82LVcoJgI

Episode partners:

Gdynia Development Agency

Hotel Quadrille Relais & Châteaux

Leśny Dwór Sulęczyno

More episodes coming soon. To stay up to date, we recommend following the website www.pomorskie-prestige.eu.

During the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2025 in Sopot, which took place on October 29–30, 2025, participants had the opportunity to learn about the offerings of selected local producers who are beneficiaries of the BASCIL project and part of the Pomorskie Taste—a culinary trail in the Pomorskie region.

Smaki Kaszub and Chwastowe Pole presented their products, offering tastings and substantive discussions about local traditions and opportunities for the development of culinary tourism based on regional values.

The presence of producers was an excellent opportunity for the international group of Forum participants to learn about the culinary heritage of Pomorskie, the importance of local products in promoting the region, and the role of culinary tourism in sustainable development strategies.
We are proud of the initiatives and achievements of all producers from our region.

How to develop culinary tourism based on local traditions and modern solutions? How to effectively cooperate across borders to promote the richness of flavors of the Baltic Sea region? Answers to these questions will be provided to participants of the international webinar “Food Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region,” organized jointly by EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism and the BASCIL project.

November 19, 2025 | 9:30–11:00 CET | online on the Zoom platform

The meeting will bring together experts, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who have been shaping the culinary map of the region for years. It will be a unique opportunity to learn about inspiring examples of culinary tourism development, effective tools for international cooperation, and innovative approaches to promoting culinary heritage.

The program includes:

• an introduction to the perspective of culinary tourism in the Baltic Sea region
• Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło and Anna-Maija Toivonen, EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism;
• the history and impact of the Culinary Heritage Network, Niclas Fjellström;
• practical tools supporting the development of food tourism through international cooperation
• Diana Danilda, Krinova Incubator & Science Park;
• examples of the development of culinary tourism in eastern Finland, Anna Rinteinen, Visit Finland Academy Coach;
• discussion: opportunities and challenges for the industry in the Baltic region.

In a world where tourists are increasingly traveling “for the taste,” culinary tourism is becoming one of the most dynamically developing segments of the industry. The webinar will be an opportunity to look at this trend from the perspective of the entire Baltic Sea region—an area that shares a common heritage but also a great diversity of local culinary traditions.

The organizers invite representatives of businesses, tourism organizations, local governments, and institutions supporting the development of the region to participate in the event, which aims to inspire, connect, and support cooperation.

Register today:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ET8AExX3Rs6SgR6oI8yFng

During the Baltic Tourism Forum 2025 in Gdańsk, the BASCIL project had the opportunity to make its presence felt through the participation of local producers. The aim of their presence was to present the regional culinary offer of Pomorskie and to show how local producers can support the development of culinary tourism in the region.

In the lobby area, Forum participants could visit the stands of producers involved in the BASCIL project and try their products. A film promoting the Pomorskie Taste – a trail connecting thirteen local producers who have developed new culinary tourism services as part of the project – was also presented. The trail allows tourists to discover Pomorskie through its flavors, traditions, and local products, while supporting cooperation between producers and the tourism industry.

During the BFT, the following companies presented their offerings:

• Chwastowe Pole – natural cosmetics and herbs,
• WiAnn – artisanal cold cuts,
• Statkiewiczówka – cow’s milk cheeses from Swołowo.

The tastings prepared by the producers were very popular among the Forum participants. Guests could try local specialties and take home products that show how the region’s culinary heritage can become an attractive element of the region’s tourist offer.

The BASCIL project, funded by the European Union under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Program, supports the development of culinary tourism services in rural areas and increases the competitiveness of local producers by diversifying their activities and including their products in the tourist offer.

On October 1–2, 2025, Gdańsk will become the tourism capital of the Baltic Sea region. The European Solidarity Center will host the 17th edition of the Baltic Sea Tourism Forum (BSTF) – a prestigious event that has been bringing together the industry, administration, and experts from all over Europe since 2008. This is the third time that Poland has hosted the Forum, and its importance is growing every year.

This year, the event will bring together 200 participants from 16 countries, more than half of whom will be from abroad. Guests will come from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Poland, among others. The scale of participation confirms that the Forum is one of the most important platforms for the exchange of experiences for tourism in the Baltic region.

Regeneration as a new paradigm

The central theme of BSTF 2025 will be regenerative tourism – an approach that goes beyond the traditional understanding of sustainability. Experts emphasize that it is not only about minimizing damage, but also about actively restoring ecological and social balance in destinations. “Tourism today faces a historic challenge: on the one hand, it must address the effects of climate change, and on the other, it must harness the potential of new technologies. That is why the conversation about regenerative and data-driven tourism is so important today. The competitiveness of the industry, the condition of our destinations, and the future experiences of tourists depend on how we use these two pillars,” notes Marta Chełkowska, president of PROT.

The topic of regeneration is not new to the Pomorskie Tourist Board. PROT is implementing, among other things, the ReTour project, which aims to develop and test new regenerative tourism solutions in the Baltic Sea region. Thanks to such initiatives, the Forum in Gdańsk will not only be an academic debate, but a place where specific tools and good practices that can be immediately implemented in the industry are presented.

Another important project is RegenT, which acts as a regenerative tourism platform that supports public authorities, tourism organizations, and NGOs by offering training and policy recommendations for the renewal and sustainable development of tourism in the Baltic Sea region. It consolidates the results of seven EU projects, creating a space for knowledge exchange and joint strategies for partners from the Baltic countries.

Data, digitization, and the circular economy

The second pillar of the Forum will be tourism based on data and digital innovation. Discussions will focus on, among other things, the use of big data and artificial intelligence to forecast tourist traffic, systems for monitoring the impact of tourism on the environment, and smart tools for managing tourist flows.

These issues perfectly complement PROT’s work on projects related to climate transformation and the circular economy, such as CliNeDest – Climate Neutral Destinations, which develops tools to support entrepreneurs in reducing CO₂ emissions, and GOZilla, which aims to implement circular economy practices in various sectors, including tourism.

The role of PROT – regional leader and coordinator of the Baltic Strategy

Since 2022, the Pomorskie Tourist Board has been acting as the Policy Area Tourism Coordinator in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). This means that PROT is responsible for integrating tourism activities across the region, initiating international projects, and setting the direction for cooperation. As Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło, Director of International Cooperation at PROT, emphasizes, “it is extremely important for PROT to be able to organize the Forum in this role, because it provides a unique opportunity not only to host experts from all over Europe, but also to have a real impact on the shape of tourism policy in the region. It is a huge responsibility, but also a source of satisfaction that Pomorskie is becoming a place where new standards for European tourism are set.”

A forum with tradition and a future

For 17 years, the Baltic Sea Tourism Forum has served as a meeting place for decision-makers, business leaders, scientists, and social organizations. In 2025, in Gdańsk, it will become a space where issues of regeneration, digitization, and closed-loop economy will be discussed in a single context—as a condition for building a resilient, innovative, and responsible tourism industry in the Baltic region.

We would like to inform you that the public task entitled “Baltic Tourism Forum 2025 – an international forum for cooperation on regenerative tourism and digital innovation” has been co-financed by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, in accordance with agreement no. 2025/0055/0106/UDOT/DT/BP/IC.

On September 9–11, 2025, the 5th meeting of the Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU) project partners, coordinated by the Pomorskie Tourist Board, took place in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The event brought together representatives of all institutions involved in the project, and its purpose was to assess the progress of activities, exchange experiences, and discuss further steps to develop cycling tourism around the Baltic Sea.

During the meeting, the partners discussed the implementation of further activities within the framework of Work Packages, including:

• the preparation and implementation of national and regional standards and certification for cyclist-friendly services,
• training programs for SMEs,
• pilot projects in Denmark and Lithuania,
• the development of new cross-border offers along the EuroVelo 10 route,
• promotional activities (including updating the eurovelo10.com website and online campaigns).

The highlight of the meeting in Klaipėda was a roundtable workshop held on September 11, 2025, attended by representatives of SMEs, transport operators, and local and regional stakeholders. Its aim was to exchange experiences and develop ideas for better integration of transport and tourism services in the context of the development of cycling tourism. The plenary and table sessions were attended by representatives of Association Klaipeda Region, European Cyclist Federation, Baltic Bike Travel, TT-Line, FlixBus, Danish Cycling Tourism, PROT, Visit Lolland Falster, Blekinge Region, ZROT, and representatives of local tourism companies. The presentations highlighted both the potential and the challenges facing cycle tourism in the region, from seasonality and infrastructure limitations, through safety and cooperation issues, to the need for better connections between ferry, bus, and bicycle services.

Four thematic discussion tables addressed the following topics:

• Integration of ferry transport – including the need for better connections between terminals and bicycle routes and dialogue between operators.
• Buses as the “last-mile hero” – the need to invest in bicycle trailers and promote public transport as a complement to bicycle transport.
• Cooperation between SMEs and hassle-free travel – the importance of joint promotion and the creation of new tourist packages.
• Joint business models – opportunities for market development, the need to combine promotional budgets, and the development of cross-border products, e.g., new bicycle routes (Copenhagen–Gdańsk–Świnoujście–Rostock).

The discussion was also supplemented by conclusions from the European Cyclists’ Federation #CyclistsLoveTrains report, pointing to the growing importance of railways in the development of cycling tourism in Europe. The workshop in Klaipėda resulted in, among other things:

• a list of challenges and recommendations for the integration of transport and cycling tourism,
• ideas for international cycling packages and promotional activities,
• proposals for pilot solutions (e.g., bike parades or joint packages for SMEs),
• the involvement of transport operators in the process of creating new services,
• contribution to the development of a transport visibility strategy on the eurovelo10.com website.

During the workshop, experiences and challenges in the field of cycling tourism were presented by, among others, the Klaipeda Region Association and TT-Line. The materials and summaries of the discussions will be used in further work on the development of the offer and promotion of cycling routes around the Baltic Sea.

We are pleased to share a new document developed as part of the Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU) project – “EuroVelo 10 – Baltic Cycle Route. Proposal for a multi-year action plan.”

The BBU project, implemented in 2023–2026 with funding from the Interreg South Baltic Program, is coordinated by the Pomorskie Tourist Board (PROT) and brings together partners from Poland, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania. The document was prepared by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) in cooperation with the project partners.

What does the document contain?

???? An analysis of the economic and tourism potential of EuroVelo 10,

???? An overview of development activities to date in the South Baltic region,

???? A proposal to establish a permanent partnership for the development and promotion of the route,

???? Examples of successes from EuroVelo routes 8, 15, and 19,

???? A concrete 3-year action plan with proposals for marketing, management, and infrastructure measures.

Why is this important?

EuroVelo 10 is not just a cycle route—it is a common European brand that can bring measurable economic, social, and environmental benefits. The plan aims to strengthen interregional cooperation and jointly promote the route as a coherent, international tourism product.

For the Pomeranian region, this is another step towards the development of sustainable cycling tourism, better use of the potential of pomorskie routes, and increasing the region’s recognition on the European stage.

We encourage you to download and read the entire document:

• original version in English – LINK
• version in Polish (attachment) / working translation/ – LINK

The BASCIL project, implemented by the Pomorskie Tourist Board and the Pomerania Development Agency, is one of the most comprehensive initiatives promoting culinary tourism in the region. It has involved the implementation of extensive marketing activities – from study visits and professional online campaigns based on interesting content and high-quality photos and videos, through modern content tools, to numerous publications. All these activities had one goal: to strengthen the recognition of Pomorskie Taste as an innovative, high-quality culinary tourism product.

The Pomorskie Taste was created as a result of cooperation with thirteen local producers – beneficiaries of the Bascil project. It is a network of selected places that offer quality products and unique experiences. The trail includes farms, family-run manufacturers, family businesses, and workshops – all created with passion and respect for tradition and quality. The trail not only promotes local flavors, but also combines cuisine with cultural and educational tourism, encouraging visitors to explore the region through their senses and direct contact with its inhabitants.

The experiences offered as part of Pomorskie Taste are aimed at individual tourists as well as organized groups, business customers, and event organizers. Thanks to the support of the Bascil project, the trail has gained a consistent image, professional promotional tools, and communication channels that allow it to reach a wide audience—local, national, and international.

Three-stage online campaign – consistent communication in digital media

A three-stage online advertising campaign is being implemented on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram), Google Ads, and YouTube. Strategically planned activities included:

• Stage I (April) – building awareness of the Pomorskie Taste brand and increasing its recognition among residents and tourists;
• Stage II (June) – presentation of specific offers available along the trail;
• Stage III (planned for September 2025) – promotion of the autumn offer with an emphasis on themed integration, educational, and culinary trips.

Thanks to professional targeting and high-quality graphic and video materials, the campaign achieved excellent reach (over a million views) and positive audience reactions.

Professional photo shoot and promotional film

As part of the visual activities, a professional photo shoot was carried out with models and actual partners of the trail. The aim was to present the Pomorskie Taste as an attractive culinary and tourist experience available all year round. The result of this work is a collection of 160 high-quality photos and a 2-minute promotional film used in advertising campaigns, social media, and press materials.

Content campaign – six thematic articles

As part of the content marketing strategy, a series of six professional articles was published on the Pomorskie Prestige and Pomorskie Tours websites. The texts covered the following topics, among others:

• introduction to the concept of the trail and its unique character,
• presentation of regions and local products,

• suggestions for ready-made trips and tourist experiences,
• interviews with producers and participants of the trail,
• presentation of the autumn offer for various groups (tourists, companies, schools, families).

The articles are an important pillar of long-term communication and education of the audience about the advantages of culinary tourism in Pomorskie.

E-book with beneficiaries’ offers

A promotional e-book has also been created, presenting selected facilities and their tourist and culinary offerings. The publication has been designed for a wide range of recipients – from individual tourists, through tour operators, to institutional clients. The e-book is available on the Pomorskie Prestige and Pomorskie Tours websites, providing a convenient tool for travel planning.

Download the e-book

Podcast with an expert – knowledge and inspiration

As part of the communication activities, a podcast was also produced with the participation of expert Hubert Gonera. The conversation focused on the potential of Pomorskie in the context of culinary tourism and the role played by projects such as BASCIL in building the image of the region as a destination for slow food and quality experiences.

Listen to the podcast

PDF catalog – a sales and promotion tool

A catalog of offers in PDF format has also been prepared, containing detailed information about the facilities, the range of services provided, photos, and contact details. The catalog has been designed in a modern, user-friendly graphic form with tourism organizers, event agencies, and individual customers in mind.

Download the catalog

BASCIL page on Pomorskie Prestige – a comprehensive knowledge base

A dedicated tab has been launched on the Pomorskie Prestige portal – Pomorskie Taste, which comprehensively presents all content and materials created as part of the project. The website is available in two language versions – Polish and English – which allows it to reach international audiences and promote the region on foreign markets.

https://pomorskie-prestige.eu/kategoria/bascil

Online beneficiary profiles

In addition, a special subpage with beneficiary profiles has been created on the website, presenting the offer of each project partner. Each card contains a description, photo, and contact details, which significantly facilitates contact with local producers and restaurateurs and increases their visibility on the web.

We are not slowing down—we have more initiatives ahead of us to promote culinary tourism in the region and activities to disseminate proven methods and experiences developed within the project. We are determined to continue our mission, combining local flavors with knowledge and an innovative approach to promoting the region.