EcoVelo Tour Project (Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region (DTP-055-2.2) along with the EuroVelo 6, 11 and 13 cycling routes at the Danube develops ecotourism and cycling tourism and ecotourism. The project aims to exploit synergies with the EuroVelo network, communicate effectively about ecotourism in the region, ensure the preservation of cultural and natural assets including biodiversity, landscape elements, and air quality while developing local ecotourism strategies. Ecotourism is a new form of travel that seeks to reduce the negative effects of mass tourism in the 20th century. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources defined ecotourism as "environmentally responsible visiting of relatively unspoilt natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present), that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations" (Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, Tourism, Ecotourism and Protected Areas, 1996). Ecotourism is thus a complex concept that emphasizes the importance of preserving local values, the natural environment and culture. This study builds upon the research on ecotourism in the Danube region carried out by national stakeholders from Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. The study aims to provide a helping hand for project partners in formulating policy recommendations at national as well as regional levels. In addition, this study also provides professional support and exchange of experiences to those countries where ecotourism is not yet on an advanced level.