On 28 November 2025, representatives of the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI) took part in the 5th WESTMED Stakeholder Conference, held at the Royal Asbu Hotel in Tunis, Tunisia. The conference, themed “Shaping the future of the Mediterranean Blue Economy,” brought together institutions, experts, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable blue development across the region.

Representing the Blue Tourism Initiative, Angelo Sciacca (IDDRI), Project Coordinator, and Giulia Balestracci (eco-union), Project Officer, joined forces with Hekma Achour (IUCN-Med), National Coordinator for Tunisia, to engage with the many stakeholders shaping the future of the region’s blue sectors.

Throughout the day, the Blue Tourism Initiative team connected with policymakers, researchers, maritime clusters, and innovators, reflecting the diversity of actors present in sessions on blue skills, maritime governance, sustainable aquaculture, and funding opportunities.

One of the most meaningful outcomes was the chance to reinforce ties with initiatives working on Djerba Island, one of the Blue Tourism Initiative’s pilot sites.

By taking part in this strategic gathering, the Blue Tourism Initiative continues to deepen its engagement across the Mediterranean and strengthen the partnerships needed to steer coastal tourism toward resilience, regeneration, and long-term sustainability.