The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 2021-1-PT01-KA220-VET-000032948 Sustainable tourism practices in watercourse regions Best practices in partner countries
PAGE Build a network of local advisors to put small tourism providers in watercourse regions on a more sustainable path Cover Portas do Almourão, Portugal Foz do Cobrão (Vila Velha de Ródão) e Sobral Fernando (Proença-a-Nova)
PAGE INTRODUCTION 9 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 9 INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 9 BLUE TOURISM 10 PORTUGAL: ALKITESURF KITESURF SCHOOL 3 LOCATION 3 MANAGER 3 MOTIVATION 3 SUPPORT 3 DESCRIPTION 3 SUSTAINABILITY 3 INNOVATIVENESS 4 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 4 CYPRUS: ATLANTICA HOTELS & RESORTS 6 LOCATION 6 MANAGER 6 MOTIVATION 6 SUPPORT 6 STAKEHOLDERS 6 DESCRIPTION 6 SUSTAINABILITY 6 INNOVATIVENESS 7 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 7 SLOVENIA: BIO-WATERPARK RADLJE 9 LOCATION 9 MANAGER 9 MOTIVATION 9 SUPPORT 9 STAKEHOLDERS 9 DESCRIPTION 9
PAGE SUSTAINABILITY 10 INNOVATIVENESS 10 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 10 IRELAND: CAVAN ADVENTURE CENTRE 11 LOCATION 11 MANAGER 11 MOTIVATION 11 SUPPORT 11 STAKEHOLDERS 11 DESCRIPTION 11 SUSTAINABILITY 11 INNOVATIVENESS 11 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 12 IRELAND: CARAFIN LODGE AND ACTIVITY PARK 13 LOCATION 13 MANAGER 13 MOTIVATION 13 SUPPORT 13 STAKEHOLDERS 13 DESCRIPTION 13 SUSTAINABILITY 13 INNOVATIVENESS 13 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 14 CYPRUS: ECO-CAMP APHRODITE 15 LOCATION 15 MANAGER 15 MOTIVATION 15 SUPPORT 15 STAKEHOLDERS 15 DESCRIPTION 15 SUSTAINABILITY 15 INNOVATIVENESS 16
PAGE SUPPORTING MATERIAL 16 SLOVENIA: ECO-CAMP KOREN 18 LOCATION 18 MANAGER 18 MOTIVATION 18 SUPPORT 18 STAKEHOLDERS 18 DESCRIPTION 18 SUSTAINABILITY 18 INNOVATIVENESS 19 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 19 SPAIN: ECO-TOURISM CLUB 20 LOCATION 20 MANAGER 20 MOTIVATION 20 SUPPORT 20 STAKEHOLDERS 20 DESCRIPTION 20 SUSTAINABILITY 20 INNOVATIVENESS 21 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 21 PORTUGAL: FLOATING HOUSE ÁLVARO 23 LOCATION 23 MANAGER 23 MOTIVATION 23 SUPPORT 23 STAKEHOLDERS 23 DESCRIPTION 23 SUSTAINABILITY 23 INNOVATIVENESS 23 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 24
PAGE ROMANIA: KAYAKING ADVENTURE SPORTS 25 LOCATION 25 MANAGER 25 MOTIVATION 25 SUPPORT 25 DESCRIPTION 25 SUSTAINABILITY 25 INNOVATIVENESS 26 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 26 PORTUGAL: MARVÃO ADVENTURE 30 LOCATION 30 MANAGER 30 MOTIVATION 30 SUPPORT 30 STAKEHOLDERS 30 DESCRIPTION 30 SUSTAINABILITY 30 INNOVATIVENESS 30 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 31 ROMANIA: PRO SAINT ANNE ASSOCIATION 32 LOCATION 32 MANAGER 32 MOTIVATION 32 SUPPORT 32 STAKEHOLDERS 32 DESCRIPTION 32 SUSTAINABILITY 33 INNOVATIVENESS 33 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 33 PORTUGAL: PROENÇA-A-NOVA RIVER BEACHES 39 LOCATION 39
PAGE MANAGER 39 MOTIVATION 39 SUPPORT 39 STAKEHOLDERS 39 DESCRIPTION 39 SUSTAINABILITY 39 INNOVATIVENESS 40 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 40 SPAIN: RURAL ROAD CASTING PROJECT 43 LOCATION 43 MANAGER 43 MOTIVATION 43 SUPPORT 43 STAKEHOLDERS 43 DESCRIPTION 43 SUSTAINABILITY 43 INNOVATIVENESS 44 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 44 PORTUGAL: VILA PORTUGUESA 45 LOCATION 45 MANAGER 45 MOTIVATION 45 STAKEHOLDERS 45 DESCRIPTION 45 SUSTAINABILITY 45 INNOVATIVENESS 45 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 45 PORTUGAL: +ALQUEVA LAKE 47 LOCATION 47 MANAGER 47 MOTIVATION 47 SUPPORT 47
PAGE STAKEHOLDERS 47 DESCRIPTION 47 SUSTAINABILITY 48 INNOVATIVENESS 48 SUPPORTING MATERIAL 48 REFERENCES 49
PAGE Introduction Sustainable tourism People are curious travellers by their inherent nature. From the dawn of our species, we have walked, rode, and sailed to new places. First, because of the necessity and curiosity, but today we mostly travel for enjoyment and recreation. However, our way of traveling and spending free time has changed. We are contributing greatly to the negative impact on environment and local communities. Global warming, biodiversity loss, waste generation together with soil, water and air pollution are some of the negative environmental effects. In addition, many communities have to deal with health difficulties, inappropriate living situations and unfair working conditions. In 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed to 10.3% of global GDP and employed 333 million globally. In 2020, a 50% decline has been recorded due to pandemic mobility restrictions, however tourism activity is again on the rise in 2021 (WTTC, 2022). Global tourism accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The largest contributors are transport, shopping, and food. Most of the footprint is exerted by and in high-income countries (Lenzen et al., 2018). Prior to the pandemic, 50% of the global international tourist travelled to Europe. Tourism in EU is based on 2.3 million SMEs businesses, employing approximately 12.3 million people. In 2018, the sector directly contributed 3.9% to EU GDP and accounted for 5.1% of the total labour force (EU, 2022). Since travel and tourism is inherent to our nature, we need to change our tourism habits according to sustainability principles. Although there is no universal definition, World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities" (UNWTO, 2022). Environmental aspects relate to developing lowimpact activities not damaging to natural ecosystems, social elements include ensuring permanent employment with safe working conditions and equitable pay and economic dimension covers profitability and efficient use of resources. All three pillars of sustainable tourism should be developed based on local resources while respecting local cultures. Integrated water resource management There are many forms of tourism, one of the most popular being water tourism, which is based on rivers, lakes, oceans, and other waterbodies. Considering the sustainability in water tourism, Integrated water resource management (IWRM) encompasses many useful principles and practices. The concept is defined as "process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and
PAGE related resources in order to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems" (UNEP, 2022). Some of the challenges facing water tourism are increasing water consumption, water pollution and accompanying floods and droughts. To face these challenges, IWRM offers useful principles like: • adaptation to and conservation of natural resources including topography, climate, hydrography, ecology, • management at different levels from small business to entire regions, • combined implementation of hard and soft solutions like technological, economic, social, and political measures. These three principals have been implemented in various cases through concrete practices listed below: • pipe leak detection, • tariffs, taxes, compensations, • internet of things, online cloud, automation, • remote sensing with drones to identify threats, potentials, • decentralized wastewater treatment, • constructed wetland for wastewater treatment, • reuse of treated wastewater for cleaning streets, watering green areas, • use of waste sludge for energy plants cultivation, • green roofs, walls, and facades, • permeable pavements and roads, • vegetation belts, • rainwater harvesting, • information Center for advice, • campaign for a water-saving lifestyle, • marathon for awareness, • cleaning actions, • school gardens, • traveling exhibition in schools, • experiential workshops, lectures, • integration of various online, traditional media, • establishment of an association or community. BLUE TOURISM As mentioned before, the purpose of sustainable forms of tourism is efficient natural resource management, respect for local communities and development of long-term fair economic activities. To contribute a small part in this monumental transition to sustainability, partners from six countries are trying to develop useful tools under the project BLUE TOURISM: Build a network of local advisors to put small tourism providers in watercourse regions on a more sustainable path. Partners from Cyprus, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain are focusing on small providers in water-based tourism and are developing project results: 1. Interactive e-portfolio showcasing interesting case studies, 2. Advisor profile and resources package for blended learning training, 3. Digital space and into-action videos presenting case studies.
PAGE The project results will be freely available on the project website on December 31, 2023. The project is funded by the European Commission from the Erasmus+ program, Key Action - Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training. The document is a part of the first project result. It showcases sixteen case studies from all six partner countries. Examples include diverse stories, spanning from private enterprises to municipal and regional projects. All case studies will be presented in a more interactive way on the digital space.
PAGE PORTUGAL: Alkitesurf Kitesurf School Location • Portugal • Alcochete • 38.74817454112745, -8.971442248997377 Manager • António Albano • Civil Protection Engineering • Level 2 kitesurf instructor from International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) • Reserve military officer • Ex-crew member of Portuguese Air Force • Ex-competition athlete in the modalities of triathlon, duathlon, BTT, and road cycling Motivation • Sportsperson utilising winds and tides to offer unique experiences accessible for all Support • Portugal’s National Tourism Authority • Alcochete Municipality Description • Founded in 2008 • Activities on beach dunes in the Tagus River delta • Windsurfing • Kitesurfing • Paddle surfing • Kite buggy • Trainings Sustainability • Low-impact activities based on wind force and human force • Utilizing natural resources like predominant NNW, N and W winds and tides • Activities accessible for people with disabilities • Training attendees within this school and customers respect and preserve the environment • Following safety regulation for assembly and disassembly of equipment and other safety measures • Raising awareness about preservation of beaches, estuaries, and rivers
PAGE Innovativeness • One of only two kitesurfing schools located on river • Unique offer based on kites • Established Association Alcochete Aktivo to develop prototypes that allow people with disabilities to practice the sport Supporting material • www.alkitesurf.com • www.facebook.com/Alkitesurf-Escola-de-kitesurf-Alcochete-199850080046117 • www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDBw0Q4A6XI António Albano António Albano with a trainee
PAGE Group photo of a training session group from Alkitesurf António Albano using kite buggy
PAGE CYPRUS: Atlantica Hotels & Resorts Location • Cyprus • Ayia Napa • 35.019767228722344, 34.04421533730749 Manager • Nicolis Nicolaides • Founder • Dimitris Nicolaides and Vasilis Nicolaides • Joint CEOs • Graduates from the university in UK Motivation • Quality of services, customer satisfaction and establishment of long-term relationships with business partners Support • Private Funding Stakeholders • Green Dot: recycling items • AFIS CYPRUS LTD: batteries • Kaz oil: oil collection and disposal • Small private suppliers • Local businesses, local sports teams: meeting space, advertising space, sponsoring • Partners Club: collaboration with travel agents • UCLan Cyprus University: guest lectures, staff trainings, internship programmes, research Description • Operates more than 50 hotels • Employs over 7,000 people • Variety of accommodation packages include diving, water and jet skiing, diving, sailing, biking, yoga, volleyball, tennis courts etc. • Gardens extending to the sandy, blue-flag beach Sustainability • Existing sustainability strategy with action plan • The TUI Sustainability plan for the reduction of plastic
PAGE • Certifications: Travelife Certification; ISO 9001 – Quality management systems; ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems; ISO 22000 – Food safety management • Other environmental measures: energy saving, hazardous waste control and reduction, water saving, wildlife protection, waste reduction • LED lighting, double glazed windows, and air curtains, automatic shut-down of heating and cooling in empty rooms, heat recovering system for water heating, energy efficient equipment, periodical inspection of equipment, • Raising costumer environmental awareness, washing food in sink and not under running water, polishing cutlery and glass in daylight, disposing oils to bio-diesel producer, preferring cleaning with vinegar, dosing system for chemicals, digitalisation instead of paper, waste separation and recycling bins, waste compactor, eliminated several single use plastic items, reusable hard plastic cups, paper straws and bags, large shampoo and soap dispensers, reduce packaging, choosing sustainable suppliers • Water flow control in toilets and taps, daily, detailed monthly analysis of pool and tap water, hotel borehole for garden drip irrigation, planting water conserving plants • Corporate social responsibility strategy promotes volunteering and donations: beach clean-up, planting flowers and trees, food donation for Ukrainian refugees, food donations for the kindergarten” Syndesmos Kyrion Lemesou,” box donation for stray cats, box donation for the cancer-prevention NGO • Staff trainings: Food & Safety Policy, Environmental Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Quality Policy, and Community & Human Resources Policy Innovativeness • In 2019, the Group was honoured with two awards in the Sustainability/CSR and Strategy & Innovation sections • Heat pumps for heating pools, bubble-wrap style solar pool cover • Donating policy: old linens or furniture to schools, local hospitals, community groups Supporting material • https://www.atlanticahotels.com/ • https://www.facebook.com/atlanticamarevillageayianapa/ • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LVnvgDAFCk • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbmrcSuLiJY • https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.atla nticahotels.com%2Fuserfiles%2Fba73d1ad-5fe1-4f21-acbba56a0101c351%2FSustainability_rep_Mare_Village_Ayia_Napa_v4_6_4_2022.p ptx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
PAGE Mr. Nicolis Nicolaides Mr. Dimitris Nicolaides and Mr. Vasilis Nicolaides
PAGE SLOVENIA: Bio-Waterpark Radlje Location • Slovenia • Radlje ob Dravi • 46.60768004007273, 15.201819566701714 Manager • Private company Partner ltd • Experience in working in and managing bars, cafes Motivation • Providing environmentally friendly recreational activities and stimulating collaboration with local community Support • Co-financed by Slovenia and EU from Cohesion Fund for Regional Development • Municipal investments Stakeholders • Local community: local farmers and vendors for mutual recommendations, local food and other goods, common brochure, and marketing, providing more than twenty jobs • Municipality: leasing contract • Public Institution for sports, culture, tourism, and youth Radlje ob Dravi: assistance with tenders • Biotop company in Austria: initial advice Description • Biological pool or natural swimming lake • Beginning in 2014 to expand existing company offer • Total size approximately 10.000 m² • Swimming areas approximately 2000 m² • Shallow part for non-swimmers 1.3 m, deep part for swimmers 2.5 m • 20,000 visitors per season, 60% foreigners • Around 60 campers per season • Increased stay from 1 to 2 nights • 9.1 rating on Booking • Glamping in mill houses, motorhome stops, space for camping • Panoramic tower, boathouse • Beach volleyball court and soccer field • Beach, greenery • E-bikes hire • Cycling and hiking trails
PAGE • Biological pool for children, water slides, playground • Restaurant with a terrace, fast food, drinks • Renovated traditional haystack for e-bike garage Sustainability • Quality of water is ensured with microorganisms, plants and 125 m3 quartz sand filter • All objects made with natural material, with no varnishing • Replacing single-use plastics with glass and paper • Solar water heaters • Currently building solar powerplant for energy self-sufficiency • No chemicals like chlorine • Lower costs than a conventional pool • Weekly detailed water analysis according to national standards Innovativeness • First and only biological pool in Slovenia • New practices in nature conservation and co-natural lifestyle • One of rare recipients of Blue Flag award, usually not intended for biological pools Supporting material • https://www.greenresort.si/si/galerija • https://www.aktivna-druzina.si/vodni-park-radlje-ob-dravi/ • https://gb.bio.top/natural-pool
PAGE IRELAND: Cavan Adventure Centre Location • Ireland • Inishmore • 54.03950659546693, -7.432793043872487 Manager • Sean Thornton • Owner and idea originator Motivation • Combining passion for water sports and people to create a prime tourism destination Support • Fáilte Ireland, National Tourism Development Authority: grants and funding for equipment and new initiatives Stakeholders • Local organisations and small businesses: connecting tourist activities together Description • Transformation of farmland into a water sports adventure centre located within the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark on the Lough Oughter waterway system • Canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, guided boat tours • Inflatable adventure waterpark • Geopark guided tours for highlighting the geodiversity and biodiversity of the area • Bike, e-bike, and kayak hire • Specific packages for families, corporate outings, and school tours • 2-day summer camps for children aged 8 years+ Sustainability • Promotion of ecological and sustainable values to customers • Collecting rainwater for toilet flushing, vehicle washing, gardening and laundry • Green purchasing policy with a focus on local sourcing, reuse, and green recycling • Water drinking fountain for customers • Video conferencing for reducing energy consumption and minimise business travel • Existing sustainability policy and list of future projects • Contribution to revitalisation and rejuvenation of surrounding towns and villages Innovativeness • Only inflatable water-based adventure park in the region
PAGE • Existing plan to establish a new geopark walk to promote the geodiversity and create an integrated tourism product by connecting several tourist venues and small businesses Supporting material • https://cavanadventure.ie/ • https://cavanadventure.ie/sustainability-policy/ • https://cavanadventure.ie/biodiversity-education-programs
PAGE IRELAND: Carafin Lodge and Activity Park Location • Ireland • Inishmore • 54.0452419512003, -7.410348917246471 Manager • Pauric and Clare McGearty • Owners Motivation • Joining experiences of keen fisher and hospitality sector operator to develop destination for fishing and blue tourism Support • Fáilte Ireland and Cavan LEADER: capital and equipment funding Stakeholders • Local organisations and small businesses: connecting tourist activities together Description • Pauric and his wife Clare set up Carafin Lodge after returning home to his small farm from Australia • Developed as a fishing and tourist destination on small private farm, where they also raise beef and poultry • Located on the shores of Carafin Lake on the upper reaches of the river Erne • Three self-catering buildings consisting of two small lodges and an apartment • Fishing, angling • Fishing trips • Boats hire • Pedal boats, hydro boats, and boat tours • Fishing equipment available for sale and hire • Laser clay shooting, beat the bleep, hang tough, drop zone and tug of war • Programs for large groups and schools • Activities provided by local partners: canoeing, horse riding, walks, forest parks, golf Sustainability • Local and low-impact tourism practices Innovativeness • Only hydro-bikes providers
PAGE • Safer and more environmentally friendly laser clay shooting experience Supporting material • www.carafinlodge.ie
PAGE CYPRUS: Eco-Camp Aphrodite Location • Cyprus • Paphos • 35.05841451344518, 32.343366239664704 Manager • Three school friends Motivation • Humankind and nature can both coexist in harmony as well as create mutual benefits Support • Private funds Stakeholders • Local community: development, local food, experienced guides • Forestry Department: planting vegetation, bird conservation Description • Established in 2021 • Currently offering camping, kayaking, cycling and soon climbing • Traditional olive and carob harvesting • Experienced guides • Kids playground • Beach volleyball sand field • Restaurant, refreshment place & café, mini-Market • Washing machines • Close to Latsi area, a hub with water sports services, boat trips and restaurants Sustainability • Redeveloped site within Natura 2000 • Preserving natural vegetation • Artificial bird breeding nests in progress • Waste separation, LED lighting with motion sensors, energy efficient equipment, water saving devices, biodegradable soap and shampoo, no campfires • Reusing furniture • Implementation of Integrated Environmental Management System (IEMS) in progress • ECO LABEL certification in progress • Planted 2,000 pistacia lentiscus, 100 carob trees, 50 cypresses • Job creation for local guides with no commission for the camp
PAGE Innovativeness • First eco-camp in the Eastern Mediterranean (once ECO-LABEL is obtained) • Dry stone instead of bricks for building the walls • Tents constructed with Bamboo plants • Dedicated laundry and drying area to prevent visual pollution • Meal of the Day for promoting local cuisine Supporting material • https://www.aphroditecamping.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/aphrodite.family.eco.camping/?igshid=YmMyMTA2 M2Y • https://www.facebook.com/aphroditekayak
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PAGE SLOVENIA: Eco-Camp Koren Location • Slovenia • Kobarid • 46.249906, 13.587086 Manager • Family Koren • Education in agriculture and biotechnology Motivation • Co-existing in nature and with nature is our way of life we wanted to share with our guests Support • Various grants and loans from Slovenia and EU Stakeholders • Local community: selling local food and other goods, mutual recommendations, joint activity packages, providing more than twenty jobs Description • Operating since 1991 as a family camp • Almost all guests are international tourists • Among twenty best European destinations for nature and camping lovers • Among ten most popular campsites in Slovenia • Best small camp in 2020 according to the Adria Best camp selection • Camping lots, six large eco log cabins, glamping houses • Store with eco products; herbs and spices plantation • Beach volleyball court, bowling area, table tennis table, children's playground with climbing wall, fitness, congress hall, 8 m climbing tower, sauna, salt room • Kayaking, rafting, canyoning, climbing, hydro-speed, tubing, fly fishing, hunting, fishing, horseback riding • Guided tours of waterfalls, mountains, museums, local cuisines, traditional crafts, degustation; climbing instructor; 3- or 5-day activity packages • Renting bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes • Charging station for electric cars • Permits for kayakers, fishing permits • Group transportation from major cities and back, transfer from airports Sustainability • EU ecolabel for eco-camp • Established on river Soča, one of the most natural rivers in Alps
PAGE • Solar water heaters • Planning to build solar powerplant • Selling local organic food • Raising awareness about water consumption • Partially replacing municipal water with rainwater for watering gardens, toilets • Low flow toilets and tap water • All buildings made from natural materials • Natural degradable cleaners • Reusable packaging • Separating waste and plastic waste compactor Innovativeness • First Slovenian camp with EU ecolabel • Breeding native Slovenian animals • Booklet about planted herbs and spices • All native trees are marked and presented in xylothek Supporting material • https://www.kamp-koren.si/galerija • https://www.kamp-koren.si/video-posnetki • https://www.kamp-koren.si/sportne-aktivnosti-v-kampu • https://www.kamp-koren.si/sportne-aktivnosti-v-okolici • https://www.kamp-koren.si/kamp-prostori-za-sotore • https://www.kamp-koren.si/eko-brunarice
PAGE SPAIN: Eco-Tourism Club Location • Spain Manager • TUREBE • non-profit association Motivation • Utilising immense potential of Spain’s diverse nature to develop sustainable tourism products and support rural development Support • Innovative Business Groups Program of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism (MINETUR): initial funding • Global Nature Foundation • Currently self-sufficient: membership fees, services, subsidies, etc. Stakeholders • Tourism companies • Business associations • Managers of protected areas • Universities • Foundations • Public administration offices • Technological innovation companies Description • TUREBE non-profit association providing innovative and sustainable solutions to tourism stakeholders in protected natural areas • Managing body of the Ecotourism Club in Spain • Registered as an Innovative Tourism Business Association (ITBA) • Active since 2010 • Connecting twenty-seven partners, who share a common approach to promote sustainable ecotourism in protected areas • Covering eleven protected natural areas in eight regions: Andalusia, Aragón, Asturias, Canarias, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Catalonia, and Extremadura • Encompassing more than 800 tourism companies, 9,000 accommodation places, 200 restaurants and 100 activity companies Sustainability • Conserving natural areas and raising awareness about their importance
PAGE • Basing local development on biodiversity protection • Practical solutions to make tourism more sustainable and profitable • Promote ecotourism at an institutional, private, and public level • Improve innovation, sustainability, quality of local tourism offers • Training opportunities for local communities • Utilizing new digital technologies • All projects and activities are transferable to other territories and other institutions are always welcome to join the association Innovativeness • Collaborative space and common Strategic Plan to boost ecotourism • Developed projects connecting digitalisation with nature conservation: • iCairn Project: web 3.0 and app for virtual signage and landscape interpretation through augmented reality and geo-location www.icairn.org • Marine Custody and Biodiversity Project: app for cataloguing biodiversity by geo-referenced photos to feed the Biodiversity Data Bank of the Generalitat Valenciana www.icairn.org/custodia-Marina • A TU RITMO: interactive communication point technology for downloading information to mobile devices about trails and itineraries in Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve (Cáceres) • Ecotourism Payback Experience: first private portal for the promotion of Ecotourism in Spain including new income payback system from tourism to biodiversity conservation www.soyecoturista.com • Established conventions and agreements to support cooperation projects such as "National Parks as Sustainable Tourism Destinations" coordinated by AIDER La Gomera and financed by the National Rural Network Supporting material • https://soyecoturista.com/ • https://ecotouristinspain.com/ • https://fundacionglobalnature.org/ • https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/desarrollo-rural/publicaciones/publicaciones-dedesarrollo-rural/Manual_BBPP_turismorural_tcm30-131191.pdf
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PAGE PORTUGAL: Floating house Álvaro Location • Portugal • Oleiros • 39.97810428259049, -7.960670115561094 Manager • Pedro Miguel Castanheira Lopes • Employee at the Ministry of Internal Affairs • Expert in information technology and management • Amateur fisherman Motivation • Overcoming challenges and developing unique floating experiences Support • Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of the Center (CCDRC): partial financial investments Stakeholders • Local community • Municipality of Oleiros • Callum and Senhor Cook: restaurants providing food for visitors • Ushindi: discounts in shoe store • Waylife: discounts in sunglasses store Description • Floating houses build in 2021 • Renting for family holiday, small groups, or couples • Fishing • Guided boat rides • Guided walks along the river Sustainability • Vessel powered by renewable energy • Designed with low environmental impact materials and technology with low ecological footprint • Installed sludge wastewater treatment plant Innovativeness • New concept of floating house
PAGE Supporting material • https://www.floatingalvaro.com/
PAGE ROMANIA: KayaKing adventure sports Location • Romania • Zetea • 46.47222023562686, 25.405932377276564 Manager • Timar Előd István • Owner and manager • Degrees in tourism, construction engineering • Péter Zoltán • Owner and manager • Degree in environmental engineering Motivation • Promoting healthy lifestyle and local development through variety of water sports Support • Harghita Business Center: start-up support organisation for initial investments, various training, help with tenders • Visit Harghita: local tourism development organisation for promotion Description • Water sports related services to its customer at the Zetea Reservoir dam and artificial lake • Canoeing, kayaking, boats, stand-up paddleboarding, mega sups, water bikes • Guided boat, kayaking, canoeing tours, full moon kayaking tours • Inflatable adventure waterpark • Bike and e-bike rentals • Guided biodiversity tours, river tours • Specific packages for schools and other groups, teambuilding activities • Campervan • Climbing wall • Floating party dock • Sport camps • Charitable concerts Sustainability • Collecting rainwater for toilet flushing and washing • Generating energy with solar panels • Implementing sustainable purchasing policy based on local vendors • Using reused wood from lake for infrastructure like climbing tower, entrance gate, tables
PAGE • Managing waste including proper separation, reuse, and recycling • Organizing regular waste clean-up actions • Developing project results in different EU programs targeting environmental education and sustainable living • Connecting various institutions and businesses for integrated local development based on tourism • Charitable concerts Innovativeness • Unique low-impact offer in the region developed in the reservoir lake Supporting material • www.kayaking.ro • www.facebook.com/kayakingodorhei/ • https://www.facebook.com/kayakingodorhei/videos/969915557040561 • https://www.facebook.com/kayakingodorhei/videos/1009408349982177 • https://www.facebook.com/fitandhealthy.ro.hu/videos/377422210708860 • https://www.facebook.com/kayakingodorhei/videos/369386030847871
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PAGE PORTUGAL: Marvão Adventure Location • Portugal • Marvão • 39.37102915209117, -7.325777732177201 Manager • Afonso Melara Nunes • Graduated in Tourism • MA student of Innovation of Active Tourism and Experiences • 10-years’ experience of scouting Motivation • Diversifying tourism by offering personalized experience of nature and culture in a healthy lifestyle manner Support • Information, advisory support from different organisations Stakeholders • Portalegre School of Hospitality and Tourism • Cooperations, networks • Local community Description • Family business • Cultural tours of prehistoric rock monuments, ancient roman city and Marvão castle build by Muslims • Mountain trekking, climbing • Tours of waterfalls • Canoeing, cascade, rappelling, sup paddle, moon canyoning, kayak • Gastronomic offer Sustainability • Avoiding mass tourism • Environmental awareness rising and promoting health lifestyle • Cultural preservation Innovativeness • 5 Star Regions Award • TripAdvisor Travelers Choice • H2H marketing
PAGE Supporting material • https://marvaoadventure.com • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcU8zmJ9T0aU4e70c0JpDRQ
PAGE ROMANIA: Pro Saint Anne Association Location • Romania • Lăzărești • 46.12830496676781, 25.88749651577041 Manager • Levente Dósa • Degree in marketing, IT teacher, manager of local tourism entity, coordinator of EU projects Motivation • Multistakeholder collaboration for preservation of volcanic landscape Support • Lazaresti Compossessorate: initial investments Stakeholders • Commonage: managing forest and meadows • Commonage company: eco-touristic activities • Local and regional authorities: environmental, silviculture, water administration • National agency for natural protected areas • Universities: research in geology, botany, zoology, wildlife preservation • Tourism operators national and international level • Local communities: food services and souvenir, providing more than twenty-two jobs Description • Association for development and promotion of the Saint Anna Lake and Mohos peatbog, situated within the only intact volcanic crater in East-Central Europe • Main responsibilities can include advocacy, sustainable development, representation, operational strategies, development projects, informational infrastructure, customer relations • Established in 2012 • Restricted area as a part of Natura 2000 • Development of sustainable eco-touristic destination • Raising awareness and stimulating responsible behaviour within the local and regional communities • Guided tours, biodiversity tours, lake tours • Specific programs for groups like schools, families, medium sized visitor groups • Organising various sports and cultural activities • Lectures in various educational events • Electric pontoon boat
PAGE • Camping • Row-boating • Sledging • Snacks, food, and drinks Sustainability • Natura 2000 area • Conservation of botanical diversity and rainfed lake • Stimulating development of local communities • Electric pontoon boat charged with solar panels • Prohibited car traffic and other high-impact activities as picnicking and bathing • Transport service available for free for the physically disabled, seniors, children, pregnant women • Automated-token operated showers on campsite • Replacing plastic with glass and other recyclable materials • Implementing bear-safe garbage bins • Promoting nature conservation and local development by participation in various events organised by universities, networks, public authorities • Collaborating with various working groups on local and regional level involved in sustainable tourism development • Cooperating with biologists, volcanologists, experts in rural development • Development project in progress: • Design and establishment of a new, modern, sustainable visitor Center • 10 km of educational and hiking trail network • Interactive playground for children • Local basic infrastructure including solar panel park, drinking water, sewage network Innovativeness • Only volcanic crater lake in Central Europe • Planned new eco-touristic services such as e-bike rental, paddle boat Supporting material • www.mohos.ro • www.szentanna-to.ro • www.facebook.com/szentannato • https://www.instagram.com/szentannato/ • https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAl7VDgcrUAbYvx1kOThHLZAcq4ZopDg • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT0cZ_X2k4Y • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3zQigMPA6I • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfn-aZL613c
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PAGE PORTUGAL: Proença-a-Nova River Beaches Location • Portugal • Proença-a-Nova • Aldeia Ruiva 39.76872497332585, -7.981822874619578 • Alvito da Beira 39.825058619327336, -7.799668380159271 • Cerejeira 39.81111733873021, -7.754494851107685 • Fróia 39.788797815553544, -7.837697714480477 • Malhadal 39.78214365419602, -7.947966710796799 Manager • Municipality Proença-a-Nova Motivation • Energize tourism in the region, using existing resources Support Stakeholders • Tourism Center of Portugal • Geopark Naturtejo • Juntas de Freguesia • Intermunicipal Community of Beira Baixa • Development Association of Pinhal Interior Sul • Local associations • Accommodation and restaurants in the county Description • Beaches have capacity around 140 people, largest in Aldeia Ruiva can receive 380 visitors • Floating pool • Fluvifun – Malhadal Water Park • Picnic areas with barbecue • Kayaks, pedals Sustainability • Utilizing river beaches to stimulate local economy • Using natural materials schist and wood • Construction of river beaches improved water quality and increased conservation of existing biodiversity • Preserving identity of places with built infrastructure • Adapting facilities for people with reduced mobility, including amphibious chair
PAGE • Alternative to mass tourism on seaside offering tranquillity, safety, and proximity to nature • Frequent water quality control Innovativeness • Enabling equipment for people with reduced mobility • River beaches of Fróia, Malhadal and Aldeia Ruiva were recognized as a golden quality beach by Quercus, national non-profit association focusing on conservation of nature Supporting material • https://www.cm-proencanova.pt/Lazer/praias-fluviais/166 • https://www.naturtejo.com/en/ Praia Fluvial de Aldeia Ruiva Praia Fluvial de Alvito da Beira
PAGE Praia Fluvial da Cerejeira Praia Fluvial de Fróia Praia Fluvial do Malhadal
PAGE Praia Fluvial do Malhadal
PAGE SPAIN: Rural Road Casting Project Location • Spain • Canal de Castilla Manager • AEICE – company cluster for promotion of socioeconomic development of the territory • INFODEF - development of projects related to training and qualification, local development • Smart Heritage Castilla y León – cultural heritage restoration company • Santa María la Real Foundation – non-profit for sustainable development • Viajes Leontur – trips and events organization company • Traveling radio – largest platform of travel podcasts in Spain • Extremadura Tourism Cluster – non-profit cluster for tourism Motivation • Stimulation innovation and local community participation through tourism and heritage conservation Support • Co-financed by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and EU from European Regional Development Fund Stakeholders • Potential involvement of other members of AEICE cluster and Turismo de Extremadura cluster encompassing more than 120 companies Description • Geolocated travel podcasts • Novel tourist application that facilitates transit and improves management • Showcasing scenic, cultural, historical, and artistic points of interest • Some spots provide explanatory audio recordings • Most suitable for auto tourism, motorcycle tourism, bicycle tourism or caravanning • Collecting anonymous data to better understand target audience so to improve the experience Sustainability • Replacing paper and wood for digital tools • Savings in maintenance and waste • Providing jobs and stimulating socioeconomic development • Promoting inclusiveness by enabling experiences to people with visual disabilities through audio format
PAGE • Territorial cohesion in rural space with demographic challenges • Saving costs by replacing previous infrastructure like signs • Promoting the digital transformation of the tourism sector • Improving the competitiveness of tourism companies in rural areas Innovativeness • Mobile application a series of geolocated travel podcasts for touring the Canal of Castile • Personalized service for tourists Supporting material • https://radioviajera.com/category/programas/viajes/on-way-podcast/ruralroadcasting-canal-de-castilla/ • https://www.aeice.org/iniciativas/ruralroadcasting/#:~:text=El%20proyecto%2 0RURAL%20ROAD%20CASTING,cultural%20en%20el%20entorno%20rural • https://patrimoniointeligente.com/presentados-los-resultados-del-proyectorural-road-casting-en-alar-del-rey/
PAGE PORTUGAL: Vila Portuguesa Location • Portugal • Vila Velha de Ródão • 39.653290151251696, -7.6730972773022215 Manager • Vasco Manuel Pires Fernandes Motivation • Providing new experiences in region Stakeholders • Local community • Municipality of Vila Velha de Ródão • Bem Amanhado: company providing traditionally canned and cooked river fish Description • Accommodation units • Boat trips on the Tagus River for diverse groups • Canoes, pedals • Degustation of regional products and wine tasting • Restaurant Sustainability • Currently using hybrid vessels, but transitioning most vessels to 100% electric • Awareness raising about nature Innovativeness • Electric vessels Supporting material • https://www.vilaportuguesa.pt/
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PAGE PORTUGAL: +Alqueva Lake Location • Portugal • Beja region • 38.28816519183168, -7.410631380300877 Manager • Cross-border Association of Municipalities Lake Alqueva (ATLA) Motivation • Taking advantage of the natural and cultural resources including knowledge and technology to stimulate municipality collaboration in order to develop sustainable tourism and agricultural activities Support • EU Cohesion Fund • Portugal 2020 • Alentejo Operational Program 2020 • Program for Economic Valorisation of Endogenous Resources (PROVERE) Stakeholders • Municipalities: Alandroal, Alcácer do Sal, Moura, Aljustrel, Mourão, Serpa, Cuba, Elvas, Alvito, Évora, Ferreira do Alentejo, Grândola, Portel, Santiago do Cacém, Barrancos, Mértola, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Viana do Alentejo, Beja, Vidigueira • ATLA: management and coordination of umbrella project • Local communities Description • Largest artificial lake in Europe, stretches 83 km across the municipalities of Moura, Portel, Mourão, Reguengos de Monsaraz and Alandroal • activities linked to the enjoyment of water with places of extreme beauty, varied gastronomy, historical heritage, and accommodation solutions • Lake Alqueva functions as an irrigation system and potentially for electricity production • Sport fishing • Boat and canoe trips • Houseboats • Cruises • Balloon rides • Horseback rides
PAGE Sustainability • Existing strategy and action programme encompassing four core projects and fifteen complementary projects • Mobilisation of the territory's key players and involvement of local communities • Activities based on local resources and capital • Preservation of the destination's character • Integrated management of environment with government and business entities Innovativeness • Collaboration between different regional and individual actors that otherwise would not be established • Common brand and marketing approach • Shared systems for capturing, fixing, and sharing knowledge in critical areas Supporting material • www.maisalqueva.pt/img/Alqueva_MapaAlentExtrem.pdf • www.maisalqueva.pt/ • www.maisalqueva.pt/img/+Alqueva.webm • www.at-lagoalqueva.eu/ • www.fairfruit.com/fairfruit-portugal/
PAGE References INTRODUCTION • EU, 2022: Fact Sheets on the European Union. Tourism: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/126/tourism • Lenzen, M., Sun, Y. Y., Faturay, F., Ting, Y. P., Geschke, A., Malik, A., 2018: The carbon footprint of global tourism. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-018-0141-x • UNEP, 2022: What is Integrated Water Resources Management? https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/disasters-conflicts/where-wework/sudan/what-integrated-water-resources-management • UNWTO, 2022: Sustainable development: https://www.unwto.org/sustainable-development • WTTC, 2022: World Travel & Tourism Council. Economic Impact Reports: https://wttc.org/Research/Economic-Impact CYPRUS • Sustainable tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals in sub-national island jurisdictions, 2021: https://doi.org/10.24043/isj.183 • Atlantica hotels, 2022: https://www.atlanticahotels.com • Nicolaides: The recipe for success is multidimensional, 2021: https://inbusinessnews.reporter.com.cy/business/traveltourism/article/284855/nikolis-nikolaidis-i-syntag-tis-epitychias-einaipolydiastati • GOLD The Business Magazine of Cyprus Issue 69, 2016: https://issuu.com/inbusinessnews/docs/issue_69/29 • Nicolaides: The key to success is innovation, 2018: https://inbusinessnews.reporter.com.cy/business/economics/article/182597/dnikolaidis-kleidi-tis-epitychias-i-kainotomia • UCLan Cyprus, 2022: https://www.uclancyprus.ac.cy/to-panepistimio-uclan-cyprus-kai-atlanticahotels-and-resorts-ypegrapsan-mnimonio-synantilipsis/ • Travelife initiative, 2022: https://www.travelife.info/index_new.php?menu=about_travelife&lang=en • Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, 2022: https://csti-cyprus.org/project-keep-our-sand-and-sea-plastic-free/ • Aphrodite Family Eco-Camping, 2022: https://www.aphroditecamping.com IRELAND • Cavan Adventure Centre, 2022:
PAGE www.cavanadventure.ie • Carafin Lodge, 2021: www.carafinlodge.ie PORTUGAL • Tourism Start-Up Program, 2019: https://www.ipleiria.pt/estm/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2021/02/ManualTurismo-e-Empreendedorismo-Final.pdf • Portugal Tourism Strategy 2027, 2017: https://www.turismodeportugal.pt/SiteCollectionDocuments/estrategia/estrategi a-turismo-2027.pdf • Turismo de Portugal I.P.,2022: http://business.turismodeportugal.pt/pt/crescer/sustentabilidade/Paginas/defaul t.aspx • Lisbon City Foundation, 2020: https://ddesenvolvimento.com/portfolio/turismo-sustentavel/ • Beira Baixa, 2022: https://beirabaixatour.pt/home • Proença-a-Nova Municipality, 2022: https://www.cm-proencanova.pt • Vila Portuguesa, 2022: https://www.vilaportuguesa.pt • Floating Álvaro, 2022: https://www.floatingalvaro.com • Tourism Center Portugal, 2022: https://turismodocentro.pt • Cannery Bem Amanhado, 2022: https://www.bemamanhado.pt ROMANIA • KayaKing, 2022: www.kayaking.ro • Mohos, 2022: www.mohos.ro • Pro Saint Anne Association www.szentanna-to.ro SLOVENIA • GreenResort, 2022: https://www.greenresort.si/en/ • Radlje ob Dravi water park, 2022: https://www.koroska.si/en/Lepote-Koroske/radlje-ob-dravi-water-park • Eco-Camp Koren, 2022: https://www.campingslovenia.com/presentation
PAGE SPAIN • Rural Road Casting, 2022: https://www.aeice.org/iniciativas/ruralroadcasting/#:~:text=El%20proyecto%2 0RURAL%20ROAD%20CASTING,cultural%20en%20el%20entorno%20rural • Presentation of Rural Road Casting project results in Alar del Rey, 2022: • https://patrimoniointeligente.com/presentados-los-resultados-del-proyectorural-road-casting-en-alar-del-rey/ • Manual of good practices in rural tourism, 2022: https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/desarrollo-rural/publicaciones/publicaciones-dedesarrollo-rural/Manual_BBPP_turismorural_tcm30-131191.pdf
The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 2021-1-PT01-KA220-VET-000032948 PROJECT PARTNERSHIP
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