Transnational Strategy for sustainable tourism and eco-itineraries in the MED area
The transnational strategy for sustainable tourism and eco-itineraries in the MED area gathers the most relevant documents for the assessment of sustainable tourism practices and the design of eco-itineraries. It stands as a policy-orienting document for cultural institutions and public bodies to adopt the project vision, and also sets the theoretical framework to evenly address the circular transition of the tourism sector at MED level.
Project
MED-Routes 
Mission
Sustainable Tourism
Production year
2025
Type of result
Strategy
Target audience
Business Support Organisation, Enterprise, except SME, General public, Higher education and research organisation, Interest groups incl. NGOs, Local public authority, National public authority, Regional public authority, Sectoral agency, SME
Covered areas
Coastal area, Mountain area, Rural area, Urban area
Keywords
Circular economy, Cultural heritage and arts, Eu tourism transition pathway
Partners
Romagna Faentina Union
Issues addressed
Mediterranean destinations involved in the development of eco-itineraries face common challenges related to fragmented planning, uneven integration of sustainability principles and limited coordination among actors and territories. Eco-itineraries are promoted as tools for the development of sustainable tourism at the local level, there is a lack of a shared strategic orientation and coherent approach. This strategic framework guides the coordinated development, management and positioning of eco-itineraries, ensuring alignment across participating regions.
Added value of the result
Existing approaches to eco-itinerary development are often applied at local or regional level and focus on product design. This strategy adds value by introducing a shared transnational framework that aligns sustainability and governance approaches for eco-itineraries across different regions. It provides common objectives, coordination mechanisms and strategic orientation, strengthening cooperation, and mutual learning beyond isolated or fragmented solutions.
Transferability potential
The strategy has a high transfer and adaptability potential, as it is designed as a flexible strategic framework that can be applied to different territorial contexts involved in eco-itinerary development. Implementation requires partner commitment to a shared strategic orientation, basic coordination and governance mechanisms, active involvement of relevant stakeholders, and resources for facilitation, communication and monitoring to support consistent application.
Contribution to SDGs
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13 - Climate action
Contribution to the Strategies and EU Policies
EU Circular Economy, EU Tourism Transition Pathway, Macro-Strategies and Actions Plans EUSAIR EUSALP EUSDR
