Social sustainability discourse in cohesion policy: A critical review of Interreg Europe 2021–2027

Author:

Okrožnik Daša1ORCID,Kopić Peter1ORCID,Vodeb Ksenija1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Faculty of Tourism Studies University of Primorska Slovenia

Abstract

AbstractMotivationAs a leading European funding programme aimed at enhancing the cohesion of cross‐border regions and countries, Interreg plays a significant role in fostering regional development. Sustainability, as one of the programme's central themes, covers a large portion of the objective focus, aiming for sustainable development. Although the guidelines contain implications for social sustainability, the programme demonstrates that the concept is poorly understood, which can be seen in project implementation.PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the conceptual framework and development of the discourse on social sustainability in the context of tourism and cohesion strategy, specifically within the Interreg programme. Thus, this article examines the social sustainability discourse within Interreg Europe's implications for cross‐border tourism development.Approach and methodsThe study is concerned with the construction of the social sustainability discourse within cohesion policy in the broader European region. In particular, this study seeks to answer the question “how does Interreg structure the discourse on social sustainability in relation to tourism?” Our research is based on a critical review of the literature, followed by a discourse analysis of the core documents of Interreg Europe 2021–2027: the Programme Manual and the Cooperation Programme document.FindingsIn conclusion, three key themes emerge from the discourse on social sustainability in tourism: (1) Interreg's recognition of tourism‐dependent regions; (2) a dominant presence of the economic and environmental pillars of sustainability; and (3) an ambiguous characterization of the social pillar and its objectives. As a result, we confirm the significance of social sustainability and clear policy formulation for the development of sustainable tourism.Policy implicationsThis article warns against imprecise project objectives and the use of overly simplified and ambiguous terminology, while emphasizing the importance of social sustainability in the context of sustainable tourism development.

Publisher

Wiley

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