The workshop held on June 22 dedicated to cross-border cooperation, new management models and responsible tourism culminated in the signing of the Open Tourism Cooperation Agreement. This event marks a moment of celebration and collective commitment to promote sustainable tourism as a resource for social and economic development while respecting the environment and local cultures.
The Workshop "Le potenzialità turistiche dei Servizi Open Tourism. Tra cooperazione transfrontaliera, nuovi modelli di gestione e turismo responsabile" hosted by the Comune di Maruggio (Taranto), was sponsored by the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro program and it focused on the opportunities, tools and strategies for cross-border tourism promotion, as well as new management models and responsible tourism.
The day started at 10:00 a.m. with a networking moment and introductory greetings from the institutions and important personalities in the field. Giuseppe Fischetti, President of the Unione dei Comuni Terre del Mare e del Sole, Adolfo Alfredo Longo, Mayor of the Comune di Maruggio, and Antonio Agrosì, Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Officer opened the event.
During the first part of the workshop, Antonio Mezzolla, Secretary of Unione dei Comuni Terre del Mare e del Sole and RUP of Open Tourism in Italy presented the actions, products and results achieved by the project. In addition, the role of Unione dei Comuni Terre del Mare e del Sole in tourism development of the area through cross-border cooperation was discussed.
Speakers included Francesco Turco, mayor of Torricella; Antonella Lippolis, deputy mayor of Pulsano; and Chiara Caniglia, tourism and territorial promotion councillor of the Comune di Lizzano-along with the referents of the Open Tourism Plus project partners.
Another key topic of the day was the sustainability of tourism with European funds. Annachiara Stefanucci, Taranto's Europe Direct manager, provided information on European funding opportunities to support tourism.
In the second part of the workshop, operational tools and perspectives for cross-border tourism were discussed. Aldo Summa, Open Tourism Territorial Facilitator (Italy), coordinated the proceedings. Representatives of local pro loco and operators spoke and shared their experiences and projects. Tourism Councillors from the Comune di Maruggio and the Comune di Leporano, Anna Maria Gioia and Iolanda Lotta, talked about their experience of B2Bs in Albania and Montenegro. In addition, operators from the Comune di Cetinje (Montenegro) and NGO Cedir (Albania) participated.
The highlight of the event was marked by the signing of the Open Tourism Cooperation Agreement between the promoters of the Open Tourism Plus project for the sustainability of the Circuit. This agreement represents a significant step in the creation of a tourism that embraces the principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability and involves local authorities, nongovernmental organizations and local communities.
Unione dei Comuni Terre del Mare e del Sole, Comune di Cetinje and NGO Cedir have come together in a joint effort to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the Circuit.
Indeed, the Open Tourism Plus project aims to develop beneficial tourism for all stakeholders by promoting a conscious approach that minimizes negative impacts on local resources and maximizes benefits for host communities.
With the end of the workshop, a day of knowledge, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism concluded. The event demonstrated that cross-border cooperation, new management models, and concern for the environment and local cultures are crucial to the promotion of sustainable and lasting tourism development.
The workshop organizers thank all participants, speakers, partners, and institutions involved for their contribution and commitment to better, conscious, and responsible tourism. They look forward to future projects and initiatives that will continue to promote Open Tourism and the sustainability of the Circuit.
