The upcoming Med-Routes webinar will introduce a structured and replicable methodology for developing eco-itineraries across Mediterranean and European destinations. The approach is grounded in sustainability principles, encouraging regions to rethink tourism through environmental responsibility, cultural appreciation and community value. By integrating research, local participation and co-design processes, the methodology provides a clear sequence of steps that allow local authorities, tourism operators and community stakeholders to create itineraries that reflect circular-economy thinking, protect natural and cultural landscapes and foster meaningful visitor experiences.

During the session, participants will explore each stage of the methodology and gain insights into how eco-itineraries can be designed to benefit both travellers and local communities. A concrete case study from the Romagna Faentina area will be presented, showcasing the development of the eco-itinerary dedicated to the European Route of Ceramics. This itinerary, focused on clay, history, art and nature, demonstrates how cultural landscapes can become immersive, sustainable tourism products when co-created with local actors and aligned with environmental priorities.

The webinar arrives at a key moment for European tourism as destinations increasingly seek new tools to diversify their offer, reduce environmental pressures and respond to visitors’ growing interest in sustainability. With its emphasis on participatory design, community engagement and low-impact tourism, the Med-Routes methodology provides a valuable framework for regions looking to innovate and transition toward more responsible forms of tourism.

Registration for the online event is available here:
https://med-routes.interreg-euro-med.eu/events/webinar-presentation-of-the-med-routes-project-the-methodology-to-create-and-promote-eco-itineraries/

More on the project:

MED-Routes aims to pioneer a sustainable tourism model focused on the shared heritage of four Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (CRs) in the Mediterranean (MED), emphasising a “slow tourism” approach. Why? Because cultural tourism is a key-asset for economies in the MED region, but it clashes with climate change when sustainable practices aren’t embraced. To tackle this, the MED area must rethink its cultural tourism to blend local heritage with sustainability. The MED-Routes Project offers a solution by promoting cultural tourism across the MED-area by establishing and disseminating a local-based, low-impact model of sustainable tourism rooted in the common heritage of these 4 CRs. Visit: https://med-routes.interreg-euro-med.eu/ 

#Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism #Responsible travel #Sustainable tourism #Sustainable destinations #Community-based tourism