UfM advocates for socially responsible tourism that respects natural and cultural resources during the Mediterranean Economic Week in Marseille
Barcelona,10 November, 2014. The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean was represented by its Deputy Secretary General for Social and Civil Affairs, Delphine Borione, at the 8th Mediterranean Economic Week. The UfM Secretariat took an active part in several sessions and discussions of the four-day conference.
UfM Deputy Secretary General Borione contributed as a panellist in the discussions on social tourism in the Mediterranean region. She highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable tourism as a driver of social, economic and cultural development and as a way to complement existing international efforts towards the reduction of poverty and the achievement of a broader gender equality agenda. She also opened the 10th Mediterranean Economic Rendezvous, dedicated to the Social and Solidarity Economy, where she explained the Secretariat’s activities in this regard and highlighted several project proposals that are currently under evaluation.
“Promoting sustainable and socially responsible tourism is important for the achievement of inclusive growth and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, thus generating a positive impact in the local populations in terms of equal opportunities and quality of life while fostering understanding”, asserted Borione during the roundtable session entitled “What are the challenges and perspectives for the tourism sector to achieve shared growth in the Mediterranean?”.
The Mediterranean Economic Week is a multi-partner initiative to discuss the major economic issues in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Held in Marseille, it brings together participants from various backgrounds including entrepreneurs, researchers, politicians, economists, students, experts, and civil society actors. It aims to provide a forum for discussion and debate on the economic development of the MENA region.
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