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Blue Tourism Initiative at the Sun&Blue Congress 2025
November 2025 – Sun&Blue Congress
The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation participated in this year’s Sun&Blue Congress with a dedicated project stand highlighting the work of the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI). The congress provided an exceptional platform to share our progress, exchange knowledge, and connect with leading voices shaping the future of sustainable coastal and marine tourism.
A key focus of our presence was the presentation of our newly released report, “Sustainable Blue Tourism in the Mediterranean: Trends, Challenges, and Policy Pathways”, which examines how tourism can become a driver of ocean health, community resilience, and sustainable economic development across the region. The report brings forward evidence-based insights, emerging trends, and actionable policy recommendations aimed at supporting Mediterranean destinations in transitioning toward more sustainable and regenerative tourism models.
Our stand attracted considerable interest from practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs eager to learn more about BTI’s pilot actions, tools, and collaborations across the Mediterranean and other marine regions.
A warm thank you to the Sun&Blue Congress team for the invitation and for creating such an inspiring environment to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and accelerate transformation toward truly sustainable blue tourism.
Strengthening Local Economies and Cultural Identity
Each pilot project showcases how sustainability and cultural integrity can reinforce one another:
Djerba Island, Tunisia: Working to mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on the Ras Raml Ramsar site, this pilot focuses on Posidonia oceanica restoration, local capacity building, and biodiversity-friendly hospitality practices. Through partnerships with IUCN-Med, AJEM Tunisia, and Iberostar, the project strengthens local governance and environmental stewardship.
Laborie Village, St. Lucia: Supporting a community-based tourism model, this initiative links traditional fisheries, agriculture, and cultural heritage with sustainable tourism value chains. Activities include mapping local tourism assets, developing marketing strategies, and supporting MSMEs to boost innovation and quality in local tourism services.
These examples demonstrate BTI’s integrated approach — combining ecological restoration, economic diversification, and cultural preservation to build resilient coastal communities.
