ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR inspires a new wave of eco-conscious travelers

BARCELONA, Spain - Dec. 27, 2024 - PRLog -- ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR, the EU co-funded project launched in September 2022 with the aim of exploiting the green and blue potential of the West Mediterranean tourism SMEs, reaches its final stretch with very positive results. During this period, the project has reshaped the future of cruise tourism by championing responsible travel. From its very beginning, the project has integrated three responsible travel principles:

• Sustainable itineraries: Developing eco-friendly cruise routes that highlight local food, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions, offering travelers unique and low-impact experiences.
• Community engagement: Conducting workshops and awareness campaigns in Italy, Algeria, and Morocco, to empower local communities.
• Educational outreach: Raising awareness among younger generations about the significance of sustainable travel and inspiring a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

Minimizing traveler's ecological footprint

The project has contributed to minimizing travelers' ecological footprint by encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly tourism practices. By minimizing their ecological footprint, travelers have contributed to the broader goal of decarbonization in the shipping industry, aligned with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The initiative has emphasized sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement, particularly for Millennials and Gen Z, as the primary audience for eco-conscious tourism. The project has inspired travelers to view their journey  as  an  opportunity  to  contribute  positively  to  the environment and the communities they encounter. Another successful initiative launched by ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR has been an VR Tour addressed to Millennials and Gen Z to enrich their experience and promote the green transition.

Fostering connections with local communities

The ECOCRUISING Project also fostered a deeper connection between tourists and destinations. By respecting local traditions, travelers have enriched their experiences while supporting the social and economic well-being of the regions they visit. By promoting authentic experiences, the project has ensured that tourism benefited both visitors and residents.

In this regard, the project focused on a great commitment from local authorities and more cooperation of the tourism industry to innovate and adapt to sustainable practices, which may require significant changes to business models and investment in new technologies. For instance, sustainable tourism requires authorities to prioritize long-term environmental health over short-term economic gains. On the other hand, industry cooperation is essential for promoting sustainable practices and adhering to regulations.

A blueprint for the industry

Finally, the project has drawn inspiration from the European Commission's Good Practices for Sustainable Cruise Tourism Report, which refers to several environmental goals for the cruise industry, such as circular economy principles and energy efficiency, apart from collaboration across all the industry's players. In this sense, the study highlights different examples of environmental protection, community well-being and ethical governance that ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR recommend being a guideline for the cruise industry.