European BLUE-C project has reviewed best practices for sustainable coastal tourism in different partner countries

During the first six months of the BLUE-C sustainable tourism project, the partners in each country have organised focus group meetings to present the project and to interview entrepreneurs and other tourism professionals for their knowledge and experiences on coastal tourism. The sessions have been fruitful as a lot of insight and tangible examples on existing challenges and potential, as well as on current needs were gained. In the discussions, also some hindrances to development were brought up.

In addition to focus group sessions, partners have conducted desk-top research to discover best practices in use and factors directing the local, regional and European level development work. The results of the work so far will be analysed to find the most promising actions benefitting the development of sustainable tourism in the six partner regions. The outcome of the work done will then be utilised in the study material and networks planned for the project.

BLUE-C aims to enhance sustainability and competitiveness of the blue economy by promoting collaborating and connected coastal communities, growing digital competences, and sharing of best practice on coastal and maritime tourism. The project started in January 2022 and will continue until the end of 2023. Inishoven Development Partnership (IDP) leads the project. Other partners, in addition to CMS, are Eurodimensions (Malta), Eolas S.L. (Spain), Stichting Business Development Friesland (The Netherlands), and Aintek Symvouloi Epicheiriseon Efarmoges Ypsilis Technologias Ekpaidefsi Anonymi Etaireia (Greece). BLUE-C is partially funded by the Erasmus+ programme. Following BLUE-C is easy: in Facebook @BLUECeurope, and in the CMS social media @UniTurkuMKK or website www.utu.fi/cms.