The MED-Routes project is picking up speed! On May 20 and 21, 2025, the 8 project partners and representatives of the 4 cultural routes linked to the it met in Castellón de la Plana, Spain for their fourth transnational meeting.
Hosted by the Ajuntament de Castelló de la Plana, this two-day working session marked among other a major achievement: the official presentation of the project’s eight finalized eco-itineraries, a turning point in the effort to bring together sustainability and cultural tourism across the Mediterranean basin.
From Olive Trees to Empires: 8 New Eco-Itineraries Ready for Launch
One of the most exciting outcomes of the meeting was the unveiling of the eight eco-itineraries, each of which offers travelers a unique, environmentally respectful way to experience Mediterranean culture and history. The itineraries are rooted in diverse thematic identities of 4 cultural routes of the Council of Europe:
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The legacy of olive trees and traditional agricultural landscapes (Routes of the Olive Tree)
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The artisanal beauty of Mediterranean ceramics (European Route of Ceramics)
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The ancient maritime connections of the Phoenicians (The Phoenician’s Route)
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The historical imprints of Napoleonic heritage (the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities)
These itineraries, co-developed with local actors and supported by research and strategic planning, are a cornerstone output of the project.
Advancing the Green Transition in Tourism
The Castellón meeting also provided an opportunity to validate key strategic tools for sustainability, including:
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The MED-Routes Green Label, a new quality mark certifying eco-itineraries that meet environmental and social responsibility standards.
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The Catalogue of Promotional Strategies, designed to promote the itineraries both locally and internationally, through storytelling, branding, and digital tools.
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The Comprehensive Training Package, which will equip institutions and tourism professionals to transfer, manage, and communicate these eco-itineraries effectively.
Toward a Transnational Strategy for Cultural and Environmental Valorization
Perhaps the most impactful discussion of the meeting revolved around the Transnational Strategy for the Valorization of Sustainable Practices in Mediterranean Cultural Itineraries.
This key deliverable reflects the shared vision of all project partners and sets out concrete steps to embed sustainability in cultural tourism. The strategy is now ready to be endorsed by the four Cultural Routes participating in the project, ensuring a unified Mediterranean voice for green cultural travel.
In the months to come, the strategy will be translated, disseminated, and endorsed — a critical step toward long-term impact at both local and European levels.
Policy Synergies and Future Perspectives
Looking beyond implementation, the meeting explored how MED-Routes can influence policy and build bridges with other initiatives. Discussions included:
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Opportunities for policy transfer at local, national, and European levels
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Outreach to decision-makers and institutions, particularly via the Council of Europe networks
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Synergies with other Interreg Euro-MED and sustainability-driven projects
These efforts will ensure that the MED-Routes eco-itineraries are not only experienced on the ground but also embedded in cultural and tourism policies throughout the Mediterranean.
A Strong Community for a Greener Future
In addition to presentations and technical exchanges, the Castellón meeting offered partners a chance to connect culturally and socially. From a walking tour of the Castellón Ceramic Route to informal networking, the event strengthened the bonds of a partnership united by a vision of green, inclusive, sustainable and authentic travel.
