ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR has concluded by shaping the future of the sustainable cruising tourism industry

BARCELONA, Spain - Dec. 30, 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, announced its successful completion, marking a significant milestone in sustainable cruise tourism development across the West Mediterranean region. This flagship initiative launched by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) concluded last month in Almeria, in the framework of the Sun & Blue Congress. According to Ms. Marika Mazzi Boém, Co-founder and Innovation Strategy Director at X23 - The Innovation Bakery, the project Coordinator, "the ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR Project has demonstrated the power of collaborative innovation in sustainable tourism". In her opinion, "by bringing together technology, environmental consciousness, and local expertise, we have created a blueprint for future eco-friendly cruise experiences".

In this regard, the power of collaboration and innovation lies at the heart of the project's success. Combining technology, environmental expertise, and community-driven strategies, this flagship EMFAF initiative has set a new standard for responsible cruising, targeting Gen Z and Millennials. Recognising the preferences and values of these generations, the ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR Project specifically addressed the expectations of these generations of young travelers. "This is a milestone for sustainable tourism," said Ms. Elena Di Raco, Market Research and Statistics Manager at ENIT – Agencia Nazionale del Turismo, the Italian Tourism Board. "The younger generation demands meaningful travel experiences, and ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR has set a new benchmark by combining practical sustainability solutions with cutting-edge technologies".

Project's key achievements

The final dissemination event of the project within the Sun & Blue Congress was an excellent occasion to share the achievements and lessons learned during the project's duration. These are the main key achievements:

• Over 250 SMEs were engaged in the Capacity Building Programme, which comprises two comprehensive online courses. On one hand, a 25-hour Training Programme, developed for employees in the cruise sector and its supply chain. On the other one, a 10-hour Masterclass Series, targeting executive staff and managers, both from public and private organisations, overseeing maritime and coastal tourism management.
• 1 Eco-Smart cruising package developed with the involvement of over 50 stakeholders and members of the local community during co-design thinking workshops.
• 1 Virtual Reality (VR) Tour developed and piloted by over 20 people, proving the marketing potential of digital technologies and the appeal of the itinerary among younger generations.
• 1 Environmental Impact Report (EIR), presented to local policymakers, providing recommendations and new sustainable and responsible tourism standards for cruising.