Municipalities have been encouraged to understand the existing and potential relationship between tourism activities and water resources.

To involve the right stakeholders, the partners started with stakeholder mapping activities, e.g., to set up communication with tourism offices, tourism specialists, representatives of relevant associations, etc. and to establish a tourism forum of those stakeholders. Positive and negative impacts of tourism and recreational activities on water bodies have been reviewed from the municipalities point of view. The present level of pressure from tourism - intensity of water tourism by number and type of activities (e.g., fishing, boating), existing and envisaged recreational facilities (e.g. camping sites, hotels) - on the one hand and carrying capacity of the nature value and water resources on the other hand have been in focus of the debate. Furthermore, the required water quality standard for various tourism needs has been assessed and discussed. Thus, the target group and its stakeholders had an opportunity to learn about the WFD and its implementation process, to contribute with information, possible objectives and measures.

The high importance had discussions on selection of proposed measures and good examples for water management by the tourism sector since that will define the future opportunities for the sector and basis for regional development as such. The stakeholders discussed for example the need for certain investments in upgrading existing facilities to reduce water pollution, the necessity for coordinated tourism intensity to ensure sustainable use of resources, carried out waste management, regular information needs for tourisms, the advantages of ecotourism, etc. Here the know-how transfer of good practises, instruments, project ideas among the partners regions played a crucial role as well.

For the outcome of the regional workshops, please take a look at the 5 regions sites.