The 2nd Symposium – Full Sail Ahead Towards Sustainable Blue Economy brought together policymakers, researchers, businesses and civil society to discuss how Europe can sustainably manage its seas and coasts. While the blue economy spans many sectors, tourism is among the most closely linked to the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. Beaches, coastal landscapes, clean waters and biodiversity are fundamental tourism assets, and their protection is essential for the long-term viability of destinations across Europe.

A central role in this discussion is played by the Blue Partnership, a collaborative platform that connects public authorities, private actors, researchers and civil society. The partnership aims to scale sustainable solutions by improving governance, mobilising finance and supporting innovation across marine and coastal sectors. For tourism, this means better coordination between destination managers, environmental authorities and businesses, helping destinations plan tourism in ways that respect ecological limits while supporting local economies.

The symposium highlighted that coastal and maritime tourism must move beyond growth-driven models toward approaches based on carrying capacity, data-driven planning and community engagement. Tools such as environmental monitoring, visitor flow management and integrated data systems were presented as essential for managing tourism pressures, reducing pollution and protecting sensitive habitats. These approaches help destinations avoid overtourism, improve the visitor experience, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts, such as coastal erosion and extreme weather.

Tourism was also discussed as a vehicle for positive change. Sustainable coastal tourism can support conservation through funding, awareness-raising and local employment. Nature-based tourism, low-impact marine activities and regenerative destination models were highlighted as ways to align visitor experiences with ecosystem protection. In this context, tourism becomes a partner in safeguarding Europe’s seas rather than a source of pressure.

Innovation and financing were additional themes with strong relevance to tourism. The Blue Partnership promotes access to green and blue financing instruments to support sustainable tourism infrastructure, such as low-emission ports, eco-certified marinas, wastewater treatment, and circular waste systems in coastal destinations. These investments not only reduce environmental impact but also improve the quality and competitiveness of tourism offers.

For European tourism, the symposium reinforced a clear message: the future of coastal travel depends on healthy marine ecosystems, strong partnerships and integrated planning. By embedding tourism within the broader blue economy framework, destinations can ensure tourism contributes to climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and resilient coastal communities, thereby securing long-term value for both residents and visitors.

#Sustainable Tourism #Responsible Travel #Sustainable Destinations #Nature Conservation #Circular Tourism Economy