The Sun&Blue Congress 2024,the reference event for Enduring tourism linked to the marine and coastal environmentawarded the prestigious prize to Best blue destination 2024 to the Municipality of Vera for its innovative project”Your winter beaches“.
This recognition positions Vera as a leader in the implementation of blue tourism initiatives, distinguishing itself for its ability to energize the coast throughout the year and promote sustainable practices. The Sun&Blue congress 2024 Awards have a jury made up of renowned experts from the public and private world, who reward the best initiatives in different categories, such as sustainability in gastronomyinnovation in artificial intelligence applied to blue tourism, resilience to climate change Yes decarbonisation in port managementamong others.
During the delivery ceremony, the mayor of Vera, Alfonso García Ramos, expressed his gratitude and underlined the collective effort behind the success of the project: “‘Your Winter Beaches’ was created wiht the aim of exploiting our climate and natural environment to offer a unique experience all year round. This award is the result of teamwork between the local governance, tourism companies and citizens who made this project their own. We will continue to work to transform our coast into a dynamic and vibrant space 365 days a year, reaffirming our identity as a sustainable and innovative destination.”.
vera, model of sustainability and innovation
Vera, with a 5 kilometer long maritime strip and wide beaches bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, combines natural beauty, environmental quality and effective management which have led it to obtain prestigious distinctions and certifications. One of the Municipality’s projects that has consolidated Vera as a reference point for blue tourism is “Your winter beaches”,a pioneering initiative that takes place every weekend between the months of October and May,the low season of customary tourism. This program was born with the aim of taking advantage of the region’s mild climate and its privileged natural environment to offer a sustainable tourism alternative beyond the summer.
Through recreational, sporting and artistic activities, Your Winter Beaches encourages healthy habits and highlights the diversity and beauty of the Verata coast and its wetlands.Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness among both tourists and residents about the positive impact of blue tourismoffering opportunities to enjoy the sea and sun as sources of health and well-being during the quieter months of the year.
the initiative managed to attract numerous visitors to events that combine sport, healthy leisure and well-being during the autumn, winter and spring months. Activities such as yoga, pilates, beach volleyball and outdoor painting have generated important social and economic impact, especially for hospitality, restaurants and local commerce. Furthermore, this project has contributed to the deseasonalisation of tourism, encouraging the participation of heterogeneous families and groups thanks to an accessible and inclusive offer. Residents evaluated this initiative positively, defining it as a fundamental tool for the economic and social sustainability of the municipality.
In the words of Carolina Pérez Gallardo, first deputy mayor, she underlines the importance of this project as an economic engine for the city and adds that “Thanks to the success of the first edition, the Municipality of Vera has expanded in this second edition both the number of days and months in which the initiative takes place, and the activities offered, to continue to energize our beaches and attract a more diversified audience”.
Through the use of advanced technologies, such as microchip bracelets to ensure the safety of the little ones, the project also promotes digitalisation as a tool for the efficient and sustainable management of tourism. with this distinction, Vera consolidates itself as a point of reference for blue tourism, combining sustainability, innovation and well-being in its initiatives.
Source: Vera
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special segment, where we delve into the latest developments in lasting tourism. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Martínez, an expert in marine ecology and sustainable tourism. We’re thrilled to have you here, Dr. Martínez!
Dr. Laura Martínez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights on blue tourism and the fantastic strides we’re seeing in this area.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Let’s jump right in. the Municipality of Vera recently received the prestigious title of Best Blue Destination 2024 at the Sun&Blue Congress for their innovative project, “Your Winter beaches.” What are your thoughts on this recognition, and how important is it for Vera?
Dr.Laura Martínez: Vera’s recognition as the Best Blue Destination is a tremendous achievement. It not only highlights their commitment to sustainable practices but also positions them as a model for other coastal towns. The ”Your Winter Beaches” initiative is especially innovative because it encourages year-round tourism, reducing the seasonal dependency many coastal areas face. This can definitely help stabilize local economies and promote sustainability.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. In what ways does this initiative specifically contribute to energizing the coast during the off-peak seasons?
Dr. Laura Martínez: By promoting winter activities on their beaches, Vera is diversifying its tourism offerings. This could include winter sports, festivals, or wellness retreats, which attract different demographics. Such initiatives not only boost local economies but encourage the preservation of the marine environment by drawing attention to coastal ecosystems year-round,rather than just during the summer months.
Time.news Editor: Sustainability seems to be a recurring theme in this award. The sun&Blue Awards have categories for sustainability in gastronomy and resilience to climate change, among others. Can you explain how these areas intersect with blue tourism?
Dr. Laura Martínez: Certainly! Sustainable gastronomy, for instance, is about sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of transporting food. This directly ties into blue tourism, as many coastal areas have rich marine biodiversity that can be part of a sustainable culinary experiance.Conversely, resilience to climate change is essential for blue destinations. They need to implement strategies to protect coastal areas from climate impacts, ensuring that tourism development does not degrade the environment.
Time.news editor: Very insightful. And let’s talk about the jury behind these awards. It comprises renowned experts from both public and private sectors. How critically important is this diverse expertise in assessing initiatives like those presented by Vera?
Dr. Laura Martínez: It’s crucial! The blend of perspectives helps ensure a comprehensive evaluation of initiatives. Public sector experts can provide insights into regulatory frameworks and community needs,while private sector representatives can highlight market trends and innovative technologies. This collaboration fosters best practices that are not only effective but also widely accepted in the community.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to other municipalities looking to implement similar blue tourism initiatives to what Vera has achieved?
Dr. laura Martínez: My advice would be to start by engaging the local community and stakeholders. Understand their needs and aspirations. Then, focus on creating unique, sustainable experiences that leverage your natural assets without compromising them. be open to learning and adapting as you go – collaboration and innovation are key!
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Martínez. Your insights into sustainable tourism and the promising future of blue destinations are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how Vera continues to lead the way in responsible tourism practices.
Dr. Laura Martínez: thank you for having me! I’m excited for the future of sustainable tourism and the positive impact it can have on our coastal environments.