Sun&Blue Congress closes its third edition with 832 attendees and progress in international cooperation on tourism and the blue economy
Sun&Blue Congress closed its third edition today, consolidating its position as the leading international meeting point for tourism and the Blue Economy.
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Over two days of work at the Cabo de Gata – Ciudad de Almería Exhibition and Conference Center, the event brought together 832 professionals, 37 guest countries, and 123 speakers, confirming the growth and global reach of the congress.
The third edition of the Sun&Blue Congress developed a scientific program with a strong international dimension, with 11 side events—45% of which were international—that served as spaces for cooperation and knowledge transfer. The congress also featured three high-level keynotes and 21 round tables, in which experts, institutions, and companies addressed the main challenges and opportunities for tourism and the blue economy from a sustainable, innovative, and collaborative perspective.
In addition, following the conclusion of this latest edition, the foundations will be laid for the drafting of the Blue Manifesto, which will serve as a shared roadmap articulating commitments to advance sustainability, digitalization, and coastal resilience.
Sun&Blue Awards 2025: a more international edition
The third edition of the Sun&Blue Awards has achieved record figures and is consolidating its position as an international benchmark in the Blue Economy. This year, 45 entries were submitted, 44% more than in 2024, with participation from six countries (Italy, Croatia, Greece, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico), 15 cooperation projects, more than 25 locations represented, and the involvement of more than 20 collaborating institutions.
Sacramento Sánchez, First Deputy Mayor of Almería City Council, stated that “this conference is not an end, but a starting point. Almería will continue to work with humility and determination to be a benchmark in responsible management of the sea and the coastline. The sea unites us, challenges us, and inspires us to move towards a more sustainable model.”
For his part, Juan José Alonso, Regional Delegate of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalusia, stated that “Andalusia is now a European benchmark in blue tourism. Our coastline is a driving force for identity, wealth, and employment, and we want its growth to be compatible with protecting the environment. Sun&Blue shows that it is possible to grow while caring for the sea and people.”
Carlos Aldereguía, Director General of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy, stated that “the blue economy is already a reality, contributing more than 11% of Andalusia's GDP and providing more than 140,000 jobs. Andalusia is a blue powerhouse, and this conference showcases the talent and innovation we need to transform challenges into opportunities for our coastal communities.”
For his part, Tim Ott, Director of the Congress, confirmed that "blue tourism is no longer an idea for the future, but an urgent and strategic agenda for territories, countries, and companies. When we activate our collective energy, the Power of Blue, what seemed unattainable begins to become possible. Sun&Blue does not end today: what changes the world is what each of us does tomorrow in our own territory with the alliances and commitments that have been forged here."
