ECOVOYAGER

EcoVoyagers is a European collaboration between Cilento Youth Union (Italy) and CIFAL Málaga (Spain), focused on promoting sustainable tourism in the regions of Cilento and Málaga.

The project aims to build a strong network of non-profit organizations and local stakeholders committed to sustainable, slow-movement tourism across borders.

Project Objectives

  • Foster collaboration in sustainable tourism between Cilento Youth Union, CIFAL Málaga, and local stakeholders.

  • Provide training, mentorship, and co-working spaces focused on slow tourism.

  • Facilitate knowledge exchange and best practices between Italy and Spain.

  • Establish the Italy–Spain Forum on Slow Movement Tourism to promote long-term transnational cooperation.

Partners

Cilento Youth Union (CYU) is based in Rofrano, Italy, and leads the SMART WALK project. It promotes rural development through youth mobility, hiking, and international cooperation. CYU works to make remote areas more active and connected through sustainable walking initiatives.

 

CIFAL Málaga is a UN-affiliated training center based in Spain, promoting sustainable development, social inclusion, and responsible tourism through education and international cooperation.

Regional Focus Areas

🇮🇹 Cilento Development Goals

  • Address slow tourism needs in the Camino di San Nilo area.

  • Analyze tourism from economic, ecological, and social perspectives.

  • Develop a Regional Strategic Plan for sustainable tourism.

  • Host international visits to inform planning and collaboration.

🇪🇸 Málaga Development Goals

  • Map key actors in Gran Senda’s slow tourism ecosystem.

  • Share practices and models through the Italy–Spain Forum.

  • Contribute to European replication of successful local strategies.

Strategic Alignment

The project supports major EU and national priorities:

  • EU Horizontal Priorities:

    • Environmental sustainability

    • Digitalization

    • Civic engagement

  • Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan:

    • Innovation, tourism, and cultural development

  • Spain’s Tourism Strategy 2030:

    • Sustainability in environmental, social, and territorial dimensions

Key Outputs

  • Italy–Spain Forum on Slow Movement Tourism

    A cross-border platform for knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration.

  • Sustainable Tourism Products – Camino di San Nilo

    Includes guided walks, farm-to-table experiences, cultural events, and community-led tourism.

  • Gran Senda Mapping – Málaga

    Identify and connect local actors working in slow tourism for stronger collaboration.

Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthened skills and awareness in sustainable tourism

  • Better tools for cultural preservation and environmental protection

  • Empowered local communities and tourism operators

  • A scalable model for responsible tourism throughout Europe