Local Quality Covenant and Sustainable Tourism

Project Reference Number: TTGS/137

Coordinator Beneficiary: Erdemli Municipality

Co-Beneficiary(ies): Parga Municipality-Greece – Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature-Greece – Mersin University-Turkey

Location(s) of the action: Mersin-Turkey – Parga-Greece

Duration: 12 Months

Total Budget: 126.243,00 Euro


Objective of the Project
 
•To promote an innovative model of sustainable tourism that protects and encourages cultural identity, environmental protection and conserves natural resources,
•To strengthen local economy by sustainable management of tourism resources via diversity of activities and added value to products and human resources.

Activities / Outputs
 
•Mutual study visits will be made between Erdemli and Parga to start collaboration and exchange of experiences on sustainable tourism and a Cooperation Protocol expected to be signed between two municipalities. 
•Workshops on Sustainable Tourism Development will be organised during the study visits with participation of Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature and Mersin University. A “Digital Educational Platform about Sustainable Tourism” will also be developed.
•Reports will be prepared on    the best practices, different models and approaches and policy recommendations from EU countries on sustainable tourism. These reports will be prepared in Greek and Turkish to be used as training materials in workshops.
•A short awareness movie will be produced to promote public participation to the protection of natural environment and to raise awareness on this subject.
•Training courses will be organised for local businessmen active in the tourism sector and municipality staff from the departments of tourism and development. 
•Mentoring visits to businesses and local tourism stakeholders in Mersin will be provided as well as guidance for sustainable management of tourism resources and human resources.