In the ethereal embrace of the Adriatic Ionian Region, a crucial dialogue, anchored in sustainability, rippled through the realms of nautical tourism. I recently had the esteemed privilege to be invited as a panellist at the Conference on Sustainable Nautical Tourism, an initiative of the Vlada Republike Hrvatske (Government of the Republic of Croatia) and the Ministarstvo turizma i sporta / Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

Navigating through the intricate waves of #SustainableTourism and specifically, #NauticalTourism, the conference sought to harmonize the paradigms of exploration and conservation, tethering the thrilling allure of the sea with the gravitas of ecological and economic sustainability. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Adriatic Ionian Region, the gathering was not just a meeting of minds, but a confluence of passion, expertise, and determination to carve out a sustainable trajectory for nautical tourism.

Central to our discussions were the frameworks and pathways laid out by the European Union – particularly, the EU Green Deal, the Sustainable Blue Economy, and the EU’s Transition Pathway for Tourism. These pivotal policies and guidelines serve as the compass directing the course of action, underscoring the necessity for a collective, coordinated approach towards sustainable practices in nautical tourism across the member states.

Sustainable nautical tourism is not merely a concept but an actionable strategy that aligns with ecological preservation, economic viability, and social responsibility. From adopting clean marine technologies and promoting eco-friendly practices among tourists and service providers to ensuring that the socio-economic benefits of nautical tourism are equitably distributed, the roadmap towards sustainability in this niche of tourism is both a challenge and an adventure.

A heartfelt “Thank You” to the organizers for not only crafting a platform where knowledge and experiences were exchanged but for also steering the industry towards a future where our explorations of the mystic seas are in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The essence of these dialogues transcends beyond the conferences and panel discussions; it seeds into our collective actions and strategies as stakeholders in the tourism sector. Together, under the overarching umbrella of the #EUFramework, we sail forward, ensuring that our navigations through the enchanting realms of the world’s oceans and seas are marked not by the traces we leave behind, but by the sustainable practices we embed into our journey.

Here’s to anchoring our endeavors in sustainability, ensuring that every nautical mile we traverse imprints a legacy of responsible, conscientious tourism.