Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Date of latest update: 2026-06-22

Description

Description (EN):

Cruise tourists are increasingly seeking tailor-made inland tours. They want to discover more authentic places in a sustainable way, in tours that suit their curiosity as well as their physical abilities. The eco-tourism platform PortCREW will be tested in 5 Mediterranean cruise ports located in Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Greece. What is it about? Providing cruise managers, port or tourism authorities with new inland tourism packages. How will it help tourism management? By avoiding overtourism in the same seaside areas, valorising new natural and cultural assets and increasing the social acceptance of the cruise sector in MED cities.

Description (FR):

Les touristes de croisière recherchent de plus en plus des excursions terrestres sur mesure. Ils souhaitent découvrir des lieux plus authentiques de manière durable, à travers des circuits adaptés à leur curiosité ainsi qu'à leurs capacités physiques. La plateforme d'écotourisme PortCREW sera testée dans cinq ports de croisière méditerranéens situés en Espagne, en France, en Italie, en Slovénie et en Grèce. De quoi s'agit-il ? Il s'agit de proposer aux responsables de croisières, aux autorités portuaires ou touristiques de nouveaux forfaits touristiques terrestres. Comment cela contribuera-t-il à la gestion du tourisme ? En évitant le surtourisme dans les mêmes zones littorales, en valorisant de nouveaux atouts naturels et culturels, et en renforçant l’acceptabilité sociale du secteur des croisières dans les villes méditerranéennes.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In this reporting period, PortCREW consortium worked on the startup of all the administrative and technical activities. In particular, two project meetings (and related Steering Commettee meetings) were organized: the online KoM on 4th June 2025 and the first in presence meeting in Ravenna on 22nd and 23rd September 2025. In relation to the management activities, the project’s Steering Committee wrote and approved the “Internal Manual of Project Management (IMPM)”. In relation to WP1, in this reporting period, the effort was mainly related to the conduction of the analysis of existing eco-tourism local offers and cruise tourists’ needs (A1.1) and the startup of the development of the PortCREW platform (A1.2). The first activity was coordinated by PP7 FORWARDKEYS, the second by PP3-FIT. The desk research led to a first definition of the common methodological framework, including the analysis of eco‑tourism offers, cruise tourist needs, and international eco‑tourism standards. The research outputs have informed and supported preparation for WP2 pilot activities. This common approach was an added value to start the exchange of information and practices among the project’s partners. In relation to the PortCREW platform, the main effort was related to jointly validating the functional requirements of the platform with the different needs of the 5 pilot sites. Dedicated sessions were crucial to maximise synergies with existing platforms already developed in the partner cities, ensuring alignment and interoperability across local systems. This cooperation was an added value for developing a cross-country and MED level common tool for the promotion of the sustainable tourism in the MED area. In relation to WP2, PP2-CERTH, coordinated the preliminary actions for the implementation of project pilots. A first draft of the Pilot Description Template was defined in the framework of the development of a joint testing methodology (A2.1). This template will serve as a common template for collecting data necessary for the implementation and monitoring of the pilots and for the platform. Several internal meetings were organised to discuss further definitions and descriptions for the Pilots and for the development of the PortCREW platform and to provide better guidance to all the Pilot areas. All five different pilot actions responsible partners started to collect data related to their pilot actions. A draft evaluation framework was also developed to define the monitoring methodology for the pilot actions. For the preparation of these documents, preliminary research on their relevance and usefulness for supporting the other project partners was conducted. Moreover, the development of these documents provided valuable information for the WP1 activities. This work is essential to ensure the coordination of the five pilot initiatives and to establish a common monitoring and assessment methodology. In relation to WP3, the key effort was related mainly to a general coordination of the future activities to be developed in the next reporting periods. A big effort was dedicated to the communication and promotional activities. First of all, the PortCREW Communication Strategy was approved. Moreover, the PortCREW Website and the general PortCREW communication materials were released. Moreover, contents for dissemination (e.g., newsletters, social media updates, partner updates), ensured visibility across project channels, and supported coordination with partners on shared outreach activities were produced.

Project outputs: PortCrew online platform(EN)

PortCrew transnational Action plan to implement a sustainable tourism model in MED cruise ports(EN)
PortCrew long-term joint Strategy and Action Plans(EN)
PortCrew long-term joint Strategy and Action Plans(FR)
Formally cooperating partners(EN)

Website: https://portcrew.interreg-euro-med.eu/

Thematic information

Institutional cooperation and cooperation networks Cultural heritage and arts Tourism

Priority: (VI-B_EM_2) Greener MED

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Fondazione Istituto sui Trasporti e la Logistica

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998928990

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2446681203 | IT120000021

Department: European Project Unit

Address: Viale Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Department address: Viale Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.fondazioneitl.org/

Total budget: EUR 352 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 282 048.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 512.00

Contractors:

Name: TIPOGRAFIA EUROGRAFICA S.n.c.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03491730374
Name: A.Y.R. S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02180850394
Name: Alla bella compagnia S.a.s.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02388580397
Name: RAVENNA INCOMING ARL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02095290397

Forward Data s.l.

Name: Forward Data s.l.

Department: Product & Innovation

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 887655440

Partner’s ID if not PIC: B65284127 | ES51L0000L78 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Paseo Alameda , 46023 Valencia, Spain

Department address: Paseo Alameda , 46023 Valencia, Spain

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.forwardkeys.com

Total budget: EUR 293 650.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 234 920.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 58 730.00

Contractors:

Name: Echo Analytics,
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR49899216170
Name: DoiT Internat Multi-Cloud Esp
VAT registration or tax identification number: ESB16981193

Luka Koper, pristaniški in logistični sistem, delniška družba

Name: Luka Koper, pristaniški in logistični sistem, delniška družba

Department: Stretegic Development Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999770368

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 89190033 | SI120000015

Address: Vojkovo nabrežje, 6501 Koper, Slovenia

Department address: Vojkovo nabrežje, 6501 Koper, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.luka-kp.si/en/

Total budget: EUR 277 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 222 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 55 500.00

Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Var

Name: Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Var

Department: European and Major Projects Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 901182575

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR5T188300016 | FR120000030

Address: Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc , 83000 Toulon, France

Department address: Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc , 83000 Toulon, France

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.var.cci.fr/

Total budget: EUR 302 398.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 241 918.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 60 479.72

Fundacion de la C.V. para la investigación, promoción y estudios comerciales de Valenciaport

Name: Fundacion de la C.V. para la investigación, promoción y estudios comerciales de Valenciaport

Department: -

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998709188

Partner’s ID if not PIC: G97360325 | ES1G0000060 | 2624 (Interreg Med code 2014-2020) (EN)

Address: Av. Muelle del Turia , 46024 Valencia, Spain

Department address: Av. Muelle del Turia , 46024 Valencia, Spain

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fundacion.valenciaport.com

Total budget: EUR 285 068.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 228 054.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 57 013.60

FIT Consulting s.r.l.

Name: FIT Consulting s.r.l.

Department: OPERATIVE HEADQUARTER

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999755721

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 5350441001 | IT220000031

Address: VIA PRIMO ACCIARESI , 00157 Roma, Italy

Department address: VIA MERULANA, 00185 Roma, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.fitconsulting.it

Total budget: EUR 248 475.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 198 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 49 695.00

Contractors:

Name: Otello Segni
VAT registration or tax identification number: not available

Έθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας και Τεχνολογικής Ανάπτυξης

Name: Έθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας και Τεχνολογικής Ανάπτυξης

Department: Hellenic Institute of Transport

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998802502

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 99785242 | EL120000026

Address: 6th km Charilaou - Thermi Rd., 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece

Department address: 6th km Charilaou - Thermi Rd., 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.certh.gr/

Total budget: EUR 269 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 215 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 840.00

Εθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας και Τεχνολογικής Ανάπτυξης

Name: Εθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας και Τεχνολογικής Ανάπτυξης

Department: Hellenic Institute of Transport

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998802502

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 99785242 | EL120000026

Address: 6th km Charilaou - Thermi Rd., 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece

Department address: 6th km Charilaou - Thermi Rd., 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.certh.gr/

Total budget: EUR 269 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 215 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 840.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Forward Data s.l.

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

Luka Koper - Port and Logistic System ltd

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

Var Chamber of Commerce and Industry - European and Major Projects Department

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana para la Investigación, Promoción y Estudios Comerciales de Valenciaport

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

FIT Consulting s.r.l.

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

Centre for Research and Technology Hellas - Hellenic Institute of Transport - HIT

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Partners and Projects info

Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)

Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Project name (FR): Régions Portuaires Pour Faire des Destinations de Croisière Méditerranéennes des Systèmes d'Écotourisme Intelligents, Durables et Remarquables

Project acronym: PortCREW

Project ID: Euro-MED0401227

Project start date: 2025-04-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Sumport (Interreg MED) (EN), - (FR) | The SUMPORT project (Sustainable Urban Mobility in Med Port Cities) was an Interreg Mediterranean Programme project. Three PortCrew project partners were involved in the project (Valencia Port Foundation as lead partner, ITL and Luka Koper as project partners).
The SUMPORT project aimed to improve capacities for planning, drawing up and updating Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. It was also aimed at developing pilot actions related to sustainable mobility in six different port cities. Moreover, port cities will also implement and simulate pilot actions for testing various types of measures (e.g. bicycle lanes, bike sharing systems, carpooling, ICT applications for public transport) concerning sustainable mobility.
PortCrew intends to capitalize methodological documents developed in the project (in particular in WP2) and the delivered SUMPORT wayfinding strategies and solutions including the need to improve the information provided to cruise passengers at its arrival. (EN), -- (FR), - (FR), Sustourismo (Interreg Adrion) (EN) | - (FR), The SUSTOURISMO project was an Interreg Adrion project with the aim to promote active and public transport-based touristic solutions to travellers in the Adrion area thanks to a dedicated transnational App. The SUSTOURISMO project was led by CERTH and ITL was a partner. The SUSTOURISMO App promoted integrated sustainable touristic packages (joint provision of services that support sustainability, i.e. promotion of active transport) and offered rewards and benefits for responsible choices (i.e. walking more – winning more / steps calculator, and contribution with ideas on building sustainable tourism services and intervening when problems are faced). This crowdsourcing approach for engaging tourists in sustainable tourism planning, which started from MOTIVATE Interreg MED project and was enhanced in SUSTOURISMO, is a base for participatory planning that will be injected also into the PortCrew project and it will also inspire the PortCrew transnational platform. (EN), - (FR), TOURISMO (Interreg MED) (EN) | - (FR), TOURISMO (TOURism Innovative and Sustainable Management of flOws) is an ongoing INTERREG EURO-MED project. TOURISMO acknowledges that a shift to sustainable tourism requires innovative approaches, an improvement of the tourist experience & a stronger engagement of end users. TOURISMO aims to address these challenges by using innovative technologies that offer new solutions and novel services to monitor and manage tourist flows. The Fundacion Valencia port is leading a pilot whose main objective is to analyse, predict and manage cruise ship tourist flows in the city of Valencia through the Internet of Things and the development of Artificial Intelligence algorithms capable of predicting cruise ship flows, providing information that can influence cruise ship passengers' decisions and simulating future situations in different scenarios. In the PortCrew WP1, all these activities will be capitalized and lessons learned will be fundamental in defining PortCrew key strategic documents. (EN), Green Bay (Interreg Marittimo) (EN), - (FR) | The GREEN BAY project is an ongoing Interreg Marittimo project. CCI DU VAR is a project partner. GREEN BAY project intends to support the green transition of commercial passenger ports. To achieve this objective, the project will set up a cross-border eco-certification programme for commercial ports, based on the European "Clean Ports" standard already adopted by 100 certified ports. The aim is to establish a solid certification framework for commercial passenger ports, promoting sustainable practices and reducing pollution. The eco-certification programme, based on the principles of consensual standardisation, openness and transparency, will be published in the form of a CWA (CEN Workshop Agreement), facilitating wider implementation at cross-border and European levels. All these technical activities will be capitalized in the PortCrew WP1. (EN), - (FR), - (FR), Moses (Interreg Italy-Croatia) (EN) | MOSES (Maritime and multimOdal transport Services) was a Interreg Italy-Croatia Standard + project. The project objective is to improve the accessibility and the mobility of passengers across the Adriatic area and its hinterland through the development of new cross-border, sustainable and integrated transport services and the improvement of physical infrastructures related to those new services. Moses main outcomes are: implement a new maritime fast-line transport service, test info-boards for passengers at ports, improve bus and bike innovative connections systems, benches and information panels in ports and implement innovative electric bike sharing systems for cruisers. ITL, as MOSES project partner, tested in Ravenna cruise terminal an eco-touristic info-tool and sustainable solutions aimed at increasing the quota of cruise tourists visiting in a more sustainable way the Ravenna territory. Many of these experiences will be capitalized in the PortCrew project. (EN), - (FR), TOURISMED (Interreg MED) (EN), - (FR) | - (FR), TOURISMED (Fishing Tourism For Sustainable Development In The Mediterranean Region) was an Interreg Mediterranean project. TOURISMED aimed to test a fishing-tourism model (type of fishing tourism that takes place onboard a boat) in coastal areas of Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Albania, France and Spain, which promotes sustainable tourism, while encouraging the preservation of marine ecosystems and traditional fishing in the Mediterranean. In particular, the fishing tourism business model has been tested in MED ports. In particular, during TOURISMED tests in Valencia, a new eco-tourism experience was tested. This fishing tourism business model was tested in four ports in the Valencian Community. Therefore, thanks to this project, the Valencia Port Foundation PortCrew partner intends to share with the PortCrew community these previous experiences in designing new eco-tourism experiences and how to work with local actors in developing new touristic packages and solutions. (EN), TAAS (Interreg Europe) (EN), - (FR) | TAAS is an Interreg Europe project lead by Certh. With a primary focus on transforming the tourism landscape, TAAS project aims to enhance policy instruments supporting smart and sustainable development. In the heart of TAAS lies an exchange of experiences, aiming to uncover innovative digital tools and channels across the entire journey, from conception to empowerment. Through its holistic "TAAS cycle" approach, spanning phases of trip imagination, planning, experience, and influence, the project harnesses digital technologies to boost economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. In the PortCrew WP1 strict synergies with the digital tools developed in TAAS will be developed. (EN), - (FR)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 028 851.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 623 081.28

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Eco-tourism offer and demand analysis
-
Description and manual of the PortCrew platform
-
_
Pilot actions evaluation report
-
Report on PortCrew local workshop
Report on PortCrew transnational events
-

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion -
EuropeanGreenDeal The PortCrew ambition is to develop more sustainable and eco-cruise destinations not only supporting the objectives of the EU Green Deal but also creating a model for responsible and environmentally conscious tourism. By reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, managing resources efficiently, promoting sustainable mobility, and supporting local socioeconomic development, cruise ports can play a crucial role in the EU's sustainability strategy.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The sustainable cruise tourism promoted by PortCrew project can be a driver for territorial cohesion, balanced development, and environmental sustainability, all fundamental principles of the Territorial Agenda 2030. By promoting sustainable practices, protecting the environment, supporting local economies and fostering social inclusion, sustainable cruise tourism can significantly contribute to the territorial development objectives of Europe for 2030.
Other EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism: The PortCrew project's key solutions and outputs are designed to directly strengthen and rethink the value of natural and cultural less-known destinations as new attractive poles for cruise tourists. The project intends to define and test in real contexts new tools and solutions related to a transition to sustainable, responsible and smart tourism. Moreover, the PortCrew solution intends to increase the potential employment opportunities in rural areas for residents, thereby promoting their inclusion in the economic and social values creation.
Other -

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Slovenija (SI), Koper, Vojkovo nabrežje, 38, 6501
España (ES), Valencia, Moll de Ponent, , 46024
France (FR), Toulon, Toulon Port, -, 83200

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

PSI1 - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-06

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

96 / 96 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

900 / 900 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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