In the 2014-2020 period, one out of four Interreg projects in the Mediterranean basin has focused on tourism and culture, engaging over 2.000 partners.
2014-2020 legacy: From Ancient Theatres to Digital Innovation: Interreg’s Role in developing Mediterranean Tourism and preserving Cultural heritage
- 19 March 2025
In Mediterranean Interreg programmes during the 2014-2020 period, one in four projects focused on tourism or culture. Across the Mediterranean basin, hundreds of activities related to "Tourism" and "Cultural Heritage and Arts" have showcased the region’s rich heritage while serving as a driving force in the local economy.
These projects accounted for 25% of the total, with 358 out of 1.420 initiatives. The sector received a total investment of €528 million, representing 24% of the overall project budget of €2.2 billion, including both EU funding and co-financing. Additionally, 2.033 Mediterranean partners participated in tourism, culture, and arts projects, making up 24% of all programme participants (8.427). The projects covered a wide spectrum, from adventure and experiential tourism to music performances in ancient stone theatres, gamification, and digital platforms showcasing UNESCO sites.
These data are covering the 17 Interreg and ENI CBC programmes active in the Mediterranean region during the 2014-2020 implementation period.
The projects are geographically balanced, reflecting programme distribution: 43% in the Central Mediterranean, 30% in the West, 16% in the East, and 11% in transnational initiatives covering the entire region. Five Neighbourhood Partner Countries are involved in these projects: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Tunisia.
But what makes Interreg tourism and culture projects so attractive? They are primarily designed with sustainability at their core, steering away from outdated tourism models that promote mass consumption, exploit local resources, or rely heavily on seasonality. Instead, they focus on fostering sustainable practices that protect local environments and cultural resources.
Additionally, the tourism sector is inherently inclusive, providing employment opportunities for a broad workforce, including young people and women, regardless of their qualification levels.
Moreover, tourism helps highlight the Mediterranean’s lesser-known and rural areas, promoting non-seasonal destinations and fostering development in the most marginalized regions.