A delegation from the Gozo Regional Development Authority, the Gozo Business Chamber and Europe Direct Gozo, visited the island of Bornholm. The first meeting was held with Destination Bornholm, CEO Ms Pernille Kofod Lydolph. Destination Bornholm is a non-profit organisation that promotes tourism in Bornholm. The discussions revolved around best practices in the marketing and destination management of the island. It was interesting to note Bornholm’s bright and green island strategy which focused at a very early stage on positioning Bornholm as a green and sustainable destination.
On the second day the first meeting was held with Baltic Energy Island acting CEO Mr Soren Moller-Christensen and CEO for the Centre for Regional and Tourism Research Ms Anne Thomas. Baltic Energy is a a partnership of companies, system operators and research institutions which are leading the green transition on the island of Bornholm, as it is preparing to become the green hub of the Baltic Sea. The #2 meeting was with Bornholms Energi & Forsyning CEO Mr Claus Andersen, and Mr Klaus Veslov responsible for public affairs and communication. This entity is responsible for the energy supply on the island. Discussions centered on their efforts towards carbon neutrality. The #3 meeting was with Bornholm Agriculture and Food CEO Mr Thomas Bay Jensen. The delegation also had the opportunity to meet the management of Ronne Aquapark, where it was explained how this facility is being managed.
During the third day of the visit the delegation had the opportunity to visit and discuss how the Business Incubation Centre in Bornholm, operates. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the premises of the Local Action Group of Bornholm LAG-Bornholm. Mr Klaus H. Petersen gave an overview of how the local action group operates and some of the initiatives undertaken.
A special thanks goes to Mr Niels Chresten Andersen (manager of EUROPE DIRECT Bornholm) who accompanied the delegation throughout the visit. It was also an important opportunity for EUROPE DIRECT Gozo and the Gozo Business Chamber as the host structure to see how this office operates in Bornholm and to also examine potential areas of collaboration.
