In a significant initiative expected to shape the future of tourism in the wider region, Ministers of Tourism and representatives from countries of the Eastern Mediterranean signed a joint declaration of cooperation aimed at strengthening sustainable development in coastal and maritime tourism.
The meeting took place on October 7, 2024, in Messinia, where participants reaffirmed the importance of tourism as a key pillar of economic growth and social well-being. At the same time, they emphasized the need for closer collaboration in research and the monitoring of sustainability in coastal areas.
As part of the agreement, the countries committed to developing common methodologies for measuring the impacts of tourism on economic, social, and environmental levels. Particular emphasis is placed on the collection of reliable data and its use in shaping evidence-based policies.
Furthermore, the initiative предусматривает strengthening cooperation between governments, the scientific community, and tourism stakeholders, with the aim of promoting best practices and raising awareness around sustainable tourism development.
A key pillar of the initiative is the establishment and further development of a Research and Monitoring Center for Coastal and Maritime Tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean, which aims to become a reference point for the region.
This joint initiative marks a new chapter of cooperation, aiming to balance tourism development with the protection of the natural environment, while also enhancing the sustainability of local communities.