WS7: Sustainable tourism as resource for coastal communities

Coastal and maritime tourism dominates the EU Blue Economy, driving significant economic growth and employment. The industry generates the largest GVA (32.7% of the whole EU Blue Economy) and employs the largest share of workers (53.1%).

When implemented sustainably, tourism becomes a crucial tool for environmental stewardship, social cohesion and community resilience.

At EMD 2026, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will host a corporate workshop showcasing solutions and challenges identified by EU-funded projects to transform coastal tourism models into sustainable, nature-positive and community-led development pathways. The session will highlight concrete experiences from projects managed by CINEA under LIFE and EMFAF programmes as well as local experiences financed via EMFAF Shared Management in Cyprus.