As summer brings waves of tourists to European shores, growing discontent over the impacts of mass tourism is sparking protests from Barcelona to Venice. However, the Atlantic islands like the Azores and Canary Islands are charting a different course by embracing sea-friendly tourism. On Faial Island, the EU-backed ecoRoute project is turning underwater archaeological sites into educational attractions for divers, preserving maritime heritage while inviting sustainable exploration. In Tenerife, the TWINNEDbySTARS initiative offers whale-watching tours led by scientists, using eco-friendly boats and hydrophones to educate visitors with minimal ecological disruption. These projects exemplify a broader shift towards sustainable tourism that respects and preserves cultural and natural oceanic treasures. As the largest sector in Europe's blue economy, coastal tourism is vital, but it must evolve to safeguard its future. By fostering meaningful connections between visitors and the ocean, these innovative approaches hope to inspire a new era of environmentally conscious travel.

#Sustainable Tourism #Eco-Friendly #Underwater Heritage #Marine Conservation #Cultural Preservation