The INHERIT project, a four-year initiative co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and concluded in November 2022, aimed to conserve and enhance the natural heritage of MED coastal and maritime tourist destinations. It addressed the adverse effects of overcapacity tourism by promoting sustainable tourism practices. Key outcomes include a MED-wide policy strategy and protection measures to mitigate the negative impacts of intensive tourism, the establishment of 23 MED INHERITURA sites, and the creation of a network and management mechanism for these sites to ensure sustainability and scalability beyond the project’s duration. Additionally, seven thematic tourism routes were developed, connecting various INHERITURA areas and leveraging improved protection measures to boost tourism attractiveness sustainably.

#Sustainable tourism #Destination management #Cultural preservation #Empowerment