Sustainable Tourism on the Mediterranean

Set Sail for Innovation at Sun&Blue Congress!

The final dissemination event of the ECO-CRUISING FUTOUR project aims to share the achievements and lessons learned during the project’s duration, focusing on the future of the sustainable cruise industry. The event will begin with an opening and welcome by X23 - The Innovation Bakery, followed by a keynote.

Next, an interactive demonstration session will be held using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology, led by Marika Mazzi Boém, project coordinator and LEGO®SERIUOS PLAY® Certified Facilitator. The goal of this session is to explore innovative ideas and collaborate creatively around the theme of eco-friendly cruises.

Afterwards, a round table will take place, where various industry stakeholders, such as CMMI, Green Evolution, SGPTV, and WESTMed, will discuss the trends and challenges of the next generation of cruises, with a special focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

The event will conclude with final remarks and an invitation to participate in an immersive virtual experience aboard a state-of-the-art cruise, facilitated by CSM.

This gathering is an opportunity to connect industry experts, innovators, and key stakeholders, aiming to promote the future of sustainable cruising. Sign up now!

Keynote: Sustainable Tourism - A Holistic Vision - Fabio Laborda

This keynote will focus on the concept of sustainable tourism from an integral perspective, exploring how sustainability impacts not only the environment but also the economy and local communities.

The following topics will be covered:

- Definition of Sustainability in Tourism:An introduction to the principles of sustainable tourism, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach that considers ecological, social, and economic factors.

- Positive Impacts of Sustainable Tourism An analysis of how responsible tourism can contribute to local economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection, as well as improving the quality of life for host communities.

- Challenges and Opportunities: A discussion on the current challenges facing the sustainable tourism industry and the opportunities that can arise through innovation and collaboration among various sector stakeholders.

- Best Practices: Examples of successful initiatives in sustainable tourism that can serve as models for future projects.

Round Table on the Next-Gen Cruise Industry: Innovation, Sustainability, and New Experiences

This round table is designed to explore the challenges and opportunities in the future of the cruise industry, focusing on the trends shaping a more technological, sustainable, and immersive experience, values that strongly resonate with Generation Z and Millennials.

Key topics to be discussed include:

1. Sustainable cruising: Young generations are looking for ways to travel consciously and reduce their ecological footprint. This topic will cover innovations in eco-friendly cruises, such as the use of clean energy (natural gas, solar power), and practices that minimize environmental impact, from waste management to marine biodiversity conservation.

2. Onboard technology: We know that younger travelers value tech-driven, personalized experiences. This discussion will highlight advancements like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which will transform passenger experiences with virtual tours and tailored services through artificial intelligence (AI) and big data.

3. New ways of traveling: Gen Z and Millennials are no longer interested in traditional cruises but are seeking unique and authentic experiences. The focus will be on how next-gen cruises are embracing immersive experiences that connect travelers to local cultures while promoting sustainability in the destinations they visit.

4. Social responsibility and conscious tourism: Future cruises are not just focused on the environment but also on social impact. There will be discussions on how cruise routes and activities are being redesigned to support local communities, a growing priority for Millennials and Gen Z, who value responsible tourism.

Speakers:

• Andrea Mullerat, Corporate Development & Marketing Manager, ASCAME (Moderator)
• Jamil Ouazani, Director of Marketing & Strategic Intelligence at the Tangier City Port
• Nesrine Zied, Co-founder, Leancubator
• Ioannis Pappas, Founder & CEO of Green Evolution
• Elena di Raco, Market Research & Statistics Manager at ENIT
• Celia Murcia, Founder & CEO of Blue-jobs and WestMED AM Coordinator.
• Luis Roby, CDO & Board Vice-President at Grupo Erre
• Panagiota Photiou,  Associate Research at CMMI - Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute