)the (HyOver the next three weeks, the MED-Routes project will be hosting a series of participatory labs in seven locations across Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. These labs will bring together pre-identified key stakeholders from the tourism sector to collaborate on the development of eco-friendly tourism routes that highlight the unique cultural and natural assets of each region.
Purpose of the Labs
The aim of these participatory labs is to engage local stakeholders—including tourism service providers, local businesses, citizens, and tourists—in co-creating sustainable tourism itineraries. These routes will reflect the region’s rich heritage while promoting environmentally friendly tourism practices that support local economies and preserve the natural environment.
What to Expect
Participants, who have already been selected based on their roles and expertise in the tourism ecosystem, will:
- Review and provide feedback on recent research related to sustainable tourism in the region.
- Share their experiences and insights on implementing eco-friendly practices within their sectors.
- Collaborate to develop practical, low-impact tourism routes tailored to local contexts.
- Define actionable steps to promote sustainable tourism aligned with the needs of local communities and the Mediterranean region as a whole.
Invited participants include:
- Tourism Service Providers: Representatives from waste management, energy, water suppliers, and transport operators.
- Local Businesses: Accommodation providers, restaurants, hospitality services, and leisure activity operators.
- Citizens and Tourists: Individuals with relevant experience or involvement in local tourism will contribute essential perspectives to ensure the itineraries’ relevance and success.
Key Lab Dates
Here are some of the upcoming labs taking place in the next few weeks:
- October 18: Spain – A lab taking place in Castellón City Hall to help improve the experience and make the local eco-itinerary route more attractive, accessible and sustainable.
- October 22 (Online): Croatia – A virtual gathering of stakeholders to discuss and develop sustainable tourism strategies tailored to the local tourism landscape.
- October 24: Italy – Join this lab in Faenza and help shape a path for the growth of the Romagna Faentina territory. REGISTRATION NEEDED: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIk8QqY_j8D4Iq99XZXuv-iQR2ZD8KwNw3-yhwMLf2yUI7cw/viewform
- October 29: Portugal – A hands-on participatory lab that will take place in Vila Franca de Xira, focusing on crafting an eco-friendly itinerariy while addressing the unique needs of the region.
- November 1 (hybrid): Greece – Join this lab in Kalamata (Messinia), where local stakeholders will collaborate on defining a sustainable, low-impact route that leverages the region’s cultural and natural assets. REGISTRATION NEEDED: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjmjyUC81YB9kxJKu1afhpVDfGpKUZZXg5M72CHj_Vq5h3iw/viewform
Why This Matters
The valuable input from these stakeholders will directly contribute to the development of a Transnational Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and the creation of eco-itineraries for the MED-Routes project. These initiatives will help position the involved regions as leaders in sustainable tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities.
We look forward to sharing the outcomes of these sessions with the wider community. Stay tuned for updates on how the insights from these labs will shape the future of sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean!
