ECO-CRUISING FUTOUR, the EU-funded project aiming to exploit the green and blue potential of Western Mediterranean tourism SMEs, is now in its final stretch with very positive results. During this period, the European project has played a decisive role in the transition of the cruise industry towards a tourism model focused on responsible travel. Since its launch in September 2022, the project has been developed based on the three key principles of sustainable tourism:
Sustainable Itineraries: Developing eco-friendly cruise routes that promote local cuisine, cultural landmarks and natural attractions, offering travelers unique, low-impact experiences.
Community Engagement: Conducting workshops and awareness campaigns in Italy, Algeria and Morocco to encourage local communities to adopt and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Awareness campaigns: Raising awareness among younger generations about the importance of sustainable travel and the environmental impact generated by tourism activity.
Reducing the carbon footprint when travelling
The project has contributed to minimising the carbon footprint of travellers by encouraging them to adopt environmentally friendly tourism practices such as emission-free transport, reducing the use of plastics and supporting local businesses. In this way, ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR has actively contributed to meeting the objective of decarbonising maritime transport, in line with the zero-emission target for 2050 proposed by the International Maritime Organisation. Furthermore, with the planned introduction of stricter rules under MARPOL to tackle marine pollution, the ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR project has inspired a new wave of eco-conscious travellers.
The initiative has put the emphasis on the impact that travel has on sustainability, cultural preservation and the local community, starting with the youngest, Generation Z and Millennials, as they are the most environmentally conscious traveller profiles. Specifically, the project has inspired all these travellers to become aware of how they can positively contribute to the natural and cultural preservation of the towns they visit, as well as their interrelationship with the local community. Since its launch in 2022, ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR has encouraged conscious decision-making, from choosing sustainable excursions to actively engaging in initiatives that aim to reduce waste and preserve biodiversity.
Another successful initiative also focused on Generation Z and Millennials has been Virtual Reality tours to enrich their cruise experience and promote the green transition in this sector. The inclusion of Virtual Reality technology promotes environmentally friendly tourism practices, combining activities with cutting-edge technology to create memorable travel experiences tailored to younger generations.
Fostering connections with local communities
The ECOCRUISING project has fostered a closer connection between tourists and local communities. By having the opportunity to learn about the traditions and cultural heritage of the region and participate in activities driven by local people, travellers have enriched their travel experience while contributing to the social and economic well-being of that region. For example, the project has inspired travellers to respect and experience the traditions and customs of each destination, fostering meaningful connections while supporting local economies. By promoting authentic experiences, the project has ensured that tourism benefits both visitors and residents, creating a balanced and sustainable relationship.
One of the main challenges of the project has been the involvement of local administration and greater cooperation between all stakeholders in the tourism sector to adopt new sustainable practices, which has led to significant changes in business models and greater investment in new technologies.
A plan for the sector
Finally, the project was inspired by the European Commission’s Report on Good Practices for Sustainable Cruise Tourism, which proposes strategies to reduce environmental impact, improve community well-being and promote ethical governance in the cruise sector. The report refers to several environmental objectives for the cruise sector, such as the principles of the circular economy, energy efficiency and fuel flexibility, as well as collaboration between all actors in the sector. The study proposes different examples of environmental protection, community well-being and ethical governance that ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR recommends as a guide for the cruise industry. These sustainable practices range from onshore power supply (OPS) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, as well as other solutions such as sustainable cruise terminals, food waste reduction and waste treatment, and a holistic approach to destination management.
Source: ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR.