ECO-SEAROUTES Project

Introduction / Open Call for Stakeholders

ECO-SEAROUTES, is an Interreg Euro-MED project that transforms Mediterranean coastal tourism by creating sustainable nautical routes that redistribute tourist flows from overcrowded ports to less known coastal areas and inland destinations, reducing environmental pressure while supporting local economies through innovative tourism solutions.

In this framework, the project is inviting stakeholders — including port authorities, tourism operators, local governments, cultural organisations, and communities — to play an active role in shaping a more resilient and balanced future for Mediterranean tourism.

Participants in Port of Kotor will collaborate in shaping eco-nautical routes and inland itineraries that connect the Kotor marina with their surrounding hinterlands, while reducing environmental pressure and promoting local heritage.

Project Background

ECO-SEAROUTES, brings together 10 partners from 7 Mediterranean countries to develop a transnational network of sustainable port/marinas committed to shared environmental standards and responsible tourism practices. The partnership is consisted of Puglia Region - Italy; Balearic Islands Agency for Tourism Strategy - Spain; Network of Sustainable Greek Islands - Greece; Saint Florent Marina - France; Port of Kotor - Montenegro; Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute - Cyprus; The Phoenicians’ Route - Italy; Regional Union of Municipalities of Ionian Islands - Greece; Municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera – Spain and; University of Maribor – Slovenia.

The project delivers three integrated solutions:

•    ECO-SEA-ROUTE Strategy: A comprehensive framework for sustainable port management connecting Mediterranean marinas through common environmental standards

•    9 ECO-SEAROUTES Itineraries: Co-designed routes linking coastal areas with inland territories, offering authentic cultural experiences beyond mass tourism hotspots

•    9 Community Heritage Hubs: Interactive spaces where local communities showcase their heritage and guide visitors toward sustainable tourism experiences

ECO-SEAROUTES promotes slower, more conscious nautical tourism through its focus on environmental sustainability and community engagement. The project’s online portal enables booking management in participating marinas while providing information about sustainable itineraries and monitoring environmental impacts to reduce overcrowding.

Through participatory co-design involving over 100 local stakeholders ECO-SEAROUTES demonstrates that tourism can drive economic development while preserving Mediterranean natural and cultural heritage. The model offers a replicable solution for coastal destinations seeking to balance tourism benefits with environmental protection.