Advancing Sustainable Archaeological Tourism at the III Mediterranean Sustainable Tourism Convention
30/06/2026
ARCHAEODIGIT – Digital Paths for Sustainable Archaeological Tourism was selected to be showcased at the III Mediterranean Sustainable Tourism Convention, held in Barcelona on 18–19 June 2026. The event represented an important opportunity to present the project's vision and objectives within a high-level Mediterranean forum dedicated to the future of sustainable tourism.
Organised under the theme "Tourism Transition in the Mediterranean", the Convention brought together around 250 policymakers, representatives of public authorities, researchers, tourism professionals, international organisations, and project partners from across the Mediterranean region. Throughout the two-day event, participants exchanged experiences and explored innovative solutions to support the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism model. Discussions focused on key topics such as digitalisation, climate adaptation, the circular economy, governance, and enhanced cooperation among Mediterranean countries.
Within this framework, ARCHAEODIGIT was featured during the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM) Call for Projects on 18 June. Presented by Claudio Carlone, Project Coordinator of the Municipality of Macerata, the initiative illustrated how digital technologies can contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of archaeological heritage while encouraging more sustainable tourism practices.
By integrating digital innovation with cultural heritage management, ARCHAEODIGIT aims to enhance visitors' experiences, improve the accessibility of archaeological sites, and support local communities through responsible tourism development. The project promotes new digital tools and collaborative approaches that help protect archaeological assets while increasing their visibility and attractiveness in a sustainable way.
A recognition of the project's contribution
Being selected among the projects showcased at the Convention is a significant recognition of ARCHAEODIGIT's contribution to the digital and sustainable transformation of cultural tourism in the Mediterranean. It also reflects the project's relevance in addressing common regional challenges and its potential to contribute to wider European objectives related to cultural heritage, digital transition, and sustainable destination management.
The Convention also provided a valuable platform for networking and knowledge exchange among European-funded initiatives, institutions, and stakeholders working to strengthen cooperation across the Mediterranean. Sharing experiences and best practices in such an international context reinforces the importance of collaboration in developing innovative solutions for the future of tourism and heritage conservation.
ARCHAEODIGIT is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme, supporting cross-border cooperation to foster innovation, sustainability, and the valorisation of the shared cultural heritage of the Adriatic-Ionian area.
