EU WeMED_NaTOUR: Redefining Coastal Tourism Through Sustainable Eco-Smart Packages and School Adventures
PRESS RELEASE
EU WEMED_NATOUR: REDEFINING COASTAL TOURISM THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ECO-SMART PACKAGES AND SCHOOL ADVENTURES
The EU WeMED_NaTOUR project is co-funded by the EU EMFAF programme (a fund managed by CINEA). Set to revolutionise coastal tourism through the development of responsible and sustainable transnational eco-smart packages for schools aligned with the principles of the blue economy.
This European co-funded project, driven by a consortium of partners located in Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, and Mauritania, aims to make a tidal waves of change and support the local stakeholders tapping into the ecotourism market, improving the business environment, and contributing to economic growth and job opportunities in the Mediterranean.
Capacity Building Programme- A Wave of Knowledge in Sustainable Tourism and Green/Blue Economy!
These objectives are pursued through the Capacity Building Programme that seeks to enhance the skills and knowledge of companies in marine coastal sites through an online, free course focusing on maritime policies, tourism, and sustainability. The course has been receiving positive feedback from SMEs and individuals who are interested in sustainable tourism, and it will be open until the end of the project implementation phase. For further information to partake in this course, please follow the link: euwemed-natour.eu/CapacityBuildingSignup
The Next Adventure for the Youth: Embark on a Voyage in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Mauritania
The next phase of the project involves the design and piloting of four eco-smart packages by schools in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Mauritania next Spring.
The eco-smart package includes two transnational 3-day trips: with Italian students (14-16 years old) from Bergamo travelling to the Balearic Islands and Spanish students (14-16 years old) journeying to Grado Island; and two in-bound 2-day trips to coastal or maritime destinations in Mauritania and Portugal, catering to children aged 6-10 and 11-13.
The innovative approach aims to increase the allure of coastal and marine destinations, emphasising their unique value through engaging workshops focused on nature preservation, eco-sustainable tourism, and environmental awareness to the younger generation.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, the trip designs incorporate the following key aspects:
- Adoption of sustainable infrastructures for accommodation and transportation
- Biodiversity and natural preservation
- Respect for the environment, local community, and supplier engagement
- Focus on safety, digital aspects, empowerment, and tailor-made experiences
The foundation for these strategies was laid during the "LEGO®SERIOUS PLAY®"- an innovative creative-thinking method - conducted at the Consortium Partners Meeting in Rimini in October, during which the essential features that school-trip itineraries should possess from the partners' perspective were identified.
Under these premises, not only will the participating partners be involved in the development of the package program, but also the local communities and suppliers.
Each partner will deliver a workshop addressed to local tourism SMEs, public/private stakeholders from the tourism sector, youth associations, cultural NGOs, schools, and educational bodies. The aim is to define the services offered in relation to destinations and enhance sustainable tourism development, thereby increasing business opportunities for SMEs.
Follow along the project to see where this journey of blue economic development, involving younger generations, will head to!
The project is coordinated by X23 - The Innovation Bakery and implemented by ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board | Travel Without Plastic | International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO) | Balearic Marine Cluster | Turismo de Portugal and Office National de Tourisme (ONT) Mauritanie.
REFERENCE CONTACTS
ENIT - Communication Manager
Francesca Cicatelli: francesca.cicatelli@enit.it
Elena Di Raco: elena.diraco@enit.it
X23 Srl - Coordinator
Amal Muntaser: amal.muntaser@x-23.org
Eleonora Ambrosi: eleonora.ambrosi@x-23.org