The final dissemination event of the ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR Project was successfully celebrated on 21st November in Almería (Spain), during the Sun & Blue Congress, the most important annual meeting on Blue Tourism and Blue Economy in Europe, which brought together over 1.000 players in the blue tourism and blue economy value chain. 

The event, organized by ASCAM and titled "Sustainable Tourism on the Mediterranean", was a unique opportunity to share the achievements of the ECO CRUISING FUTOUR project and highlight the sustainable practices being promoted in the Mediterranean cruising industry. It also created a space for meaningful discussions on the sustainable future of the cruising industry. 

The event began with the keynote ‘Sustainable Tourism & Cruising: A Holistic Vision’ given by Mr. Fabio Laborda, Manager of Fundación Bahía Almeriport, who highlighted the positive impact of sustainable tourism on local economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection, as well as improving the quality of life for host communities. Mr. Laborda talked about the Port of Almería, which is a crucial economic driver for the Andalusian region, supporting local industries, promoting tourism, and facilitating international trade. It is vital for the import/export of goods and serves as a significant employment hub.

Next, X23, the Project Coordinator, explained the pivotal role of participatory methodologies when it comes to developping and implementing innovative solutions, giving an overview of the different methodologies employed during the implementation of the ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR Project’s activities. X23 higlighted how engaging local communities through workshops and conversations on how to apply sustainability practices that support local economies and empowering residents to participate in decision-making is crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of innovative practices. Collaboration with SMEs and local institutions also proves to be essential in order not only to ensure the successful implementation of sustainable practices but also to keep up to date with new skills emerging in the sector, ensuring targeted Capacity Building Programmes, answering local and labour market needs.

Afterwards, a round table took place, where various industry stakeholders and project partners (CMMI, Green Evolution, SGPTV, WESTMed, LEANCUBATOR and Grupo Erre) discussed the trends and challenges of the next generation of cruises, with a special focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology. 

The event concluded with an immersive virtual experience aboard a state-of-the-art cruise facilitated by CSM and showcasing the “Cruise, green and fun” eco-smart itinerary developed during the project implementation. This was an opportunity to explain how the inclusion of VR technology promotes eco-friendly tourism practices, by combining eco-conscious activities with cutting-edge technology to create memorable travel experiences tailored to the younger generations.