UNWTO is to collaborate with the Greek Ministry of Tourism in establishing a first research station dedicated to measuring the sustainable development of coastal and maritime tourism across the Mediterranean.
The new monitoring centre will be positioned at the University of the Aegean in Greece. Experts here will capture and assemble measurement data and analysis in connection with the economic,environmental and social impact of tourism.
As said by Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, Coastal and Maritime tourism is one of the imperative economic drivers within the Mediterranean basin. This novel research centre can supply key data to guide to start again and prospective development of the sector, making certain it fulfils its potential to give prospect for coastal communities and to guard and celebrate natural and cultural heritage.
The specialized agency of United Nation and the Greek Ministry of Tourism validated their collaboration on the programme during the UNWTO High-Level Conference on Coastal and Maritime Tourism, which was held in Athens and co-hosted by Celebrity Cruises and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Harry Theoharis, the Tourism Minister of Greece expressed his huge appreciation for UNWTO’s support in this effort. According to him, the Research Center will soon turn out to be a reference point for the study and protection of coasts and seas.
Global Chairman of CLIA and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago showing their pledge to the latest development added “CLIA is pleased to support the UNWTO research and monitoring centre on sustainability and coastal maritime tourism. As part of commitment to responsible travel, they are pursuing carbon neutral cruising in Europe by 2050, and work closely with cruise destinations and coastal communities to support economic growth in a sustainable manner. Source :UNWTO
