What does EGTC stand for?
European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation.
The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC for short) was founded in 2022. This form of coalition of the member municipalities promotes and facilitates cross-border, transnational, and interregional cooperation between the individual members. The goal is to make projects smoother and more efficient and create a forum for the exchange of knowledge that benefits all of the municipalities involved.
Prerequisites for becoming an EGTC.
At least two member states from the EU area establish a European Grouping. Entities on a national as well as a regional and local level are entitled to do this. In the Articles of Association, which must be unanimously decided by the members, an EGTC defines its fundamental goals, duties, and executive bodies. Each Grouping must instate at least two bodies: firstly a general meeting where the members are represented, and secondly a director who assumes the representative and operational duties. An EGTC has legal personality and acts on behalf of its members. An annual budget is prepared and adopted by the general meeting. Members are liable for any debts on an aliquot basis according to their contribution to the budget.
Our history.
Alpine Pearls was founded in 2006 by 17 member destinations, the “Pearls of the Alps”. This was the result of two EU projects, Alps Mobility und Alps Mobility II. Both of these projects grew from an initiative of the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment, and Water Management. The focus was on creating innovative, sustainable, and climate-friendly tourism packages.
The results of these EU projects are now implemented by the transnational, Alps-wide umbrella organisation Alpine Pearls. Over the years, new members were added, all of which support eco-tourism, climate protection, and sustainable holidays. Today, 18 Pearls in four Alpine countries are members of the EGTC.
Today, Alpine Pearls is a coalition of 18 municipalities/destinations in the Alps, which have set themselves the goal of promoting and introducing environmentally friendly mobility. That means avoiding the use of private vehicles as far as possible by offering a full mobility guarantee for guests at the destination and promoting traffic-calmed areas with excellent conditions for pedestrians. All member destinations are dedicated to sustainable mobility.
Legal basis.
The following regulations of the European Parliament and Council form the legal basis for all existing EGTCs:
- Regulation (EC) no. 1082/2006 of 5 July 2006
- Regulation (EU) no. 1302/2013 of 17 December 2013
The main objectives of EGTC Alpine Pearls.
In the Articles of Association, EGTC Alpine Pearls commits to focusing its efforts on the following core objectives:
- The creation of integrated, transnational tourism management, economic development, and the expansion of the public transport network to support the promotion of sustainable tourism with a focus on eco-friendly mobility
- Efficient coordination between the participating municipalities with the goal of creating measures aimed at the economic and social reinforcement of the area, both with and without financial contributions from the EU
- The creation of transnational partnerships between the individual member municipalities
- To support further municipalities on their journey to becoming Alpine Pearls and – once they meet the Alpine Pearls criteria – to admit them as member municipalities
18 members in four countries.
The member municipalities of EGTC Alpine Pearls are located in four Alpine countries: Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. A total of 18 member municipalities actively work towards winning over guests and locals alike with the concept of eco-tourism.
The journey is the reward.
“The focus of Alpine Pearls – an international network of selected destinations in the Alps for attractive, sustainable tourism – is on future-oriented, climate-friendly mobility and its positive effects on a holiday in harmony with the environment.”
Peter Brandauer, Alpine Pearls President
The roadmap – Alpine Pearls 5.0
The first step on the journey to becoming a Pearl is a brief status review followed by a check of the basic criteria. The next step is creating a Pearl core team and choosing a Pearl coach who takes care of the operational implementation of activities such as the Pearl check, Pearl action plan, cooperations, Pearl events, or public relations. At the same time, an evaluation takes place to identify whether a Pearl already meets the basic criteria or has plans in place to meet them. Once this groundwork has been laid, planning can begin on how to achieve the defined target criteria:
- Environmentally friendly mobility
- Strengthening the brand identity
- Preserving and improving the quality of the environment
- Protecting and caring for the natural environment
- Developing and safeguarding an atmosphere of well-being
- Responsible and regional closed-loop economy
For everyone who wants to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Alpe Cimbra and its four destinations Folgaria, Lavarone, Lusérn, and Vigolana and experience one of Europe’s largest pastures.
For everyone who wants to discover the great treasures of a little mountain village in Piedmont. Surrounded by majestic peaks, it’s a paradise for all mountain fans.
For everyone who wants to explore a hidden holiday jewel. Only accessible by lift or on foot, this municipality with views of the Matterhorn is a real insider secret.
For everyone who loves sport, culinary indulgence, and the mountains. Valle d’Aosta is the ideal combination of awe-worthy mountains, vast Alpine meadows, and friendly folk.
For everyone who wants to dive into the magical world of the Dolomites in an eco-mobile way. A natural treasure trove that’s worth opening to discover all its jewels.
For everyone who wants to conquer the heart of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park in an eco-mobile way. An incredible holiday experience in the Carnic Alps.
For everyone who wants to discover the jewel of the Maritime Alps on the Italian-French border. A car-free paradise in the place where the Alps meet the Mediterranean sea.
For everyone who wants a little more magic on holiday. This Pearl in Val di Fassa bears the romantic nickname “fairy of the Dolomites”.
For everyone who is one thing above all on holiday: active! A Pearl bursting with wonderful hiking destinations, river views, and indulgent moments between Passo Giovo/Jaufenpass and Meran.
For everyone who wants to be enchanted by the flavour of traditional delicacies in a picturesque setting at the heart of the Dolomites.
For everyone who loves variety and wants to hike the Alps’ most beautiful mountains in all seasons. Car-free holidays without limitations.
For everyone who simply can’t get enough of the beauty of the Dolomites. Fantastically relaxing days await you here between heaven and earth.
For everyone who prefers a slower pace and likes to plan enough time for leisure and active experiences on holiday.
For everyone who loves to spend their holidays in an idyllic lake setting and wants to immerse themselves (in the truest sense of the word) in the countless aquatic possibilities.
For everyone who wants to reach the highest heights at the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. Without a car in sight. An eco-mobile holiday with plenty of highlights.
For everyone who wants to search for unique holiday moments and photo ops in Triglav National Park. Make your special memories last forever!
For everyone who’s searching for beauty in the Julian Alps: in the forests, up the mountains, on Lake Bohinj, and in the picturesque towns and villages.
For everyone who wants to leave everyday life behind and embrace an enjoyable escape in this spa town. You can breathe deep, relax, and recuperate here.
“The focus of Alpine Pearls – an international network of selected destinations in the Alps for attractive, sustainable tourism – is on future-oriented, climate-friendly mobility and its positive effects on a holiday in harmony with the environment.”
The binding element.
The desire to assume a pioneering role in promoting eco-mobility is what unites the Alpine Pearls. A core activity is making an environmentally friendly and stress-free journey to and from the destination a key moment of relaxation during a holiday and communicating this to guests.