20 students from Maria Immacolata Institute in Imiberg (Bergamo, Italy) have visited Mallorca through an eco-friendly and environmentally responsible tourism package organized by Balearic Marine Cluster.
Balearic Marine Cluster is participating in the European project, WeMED_NaTOUR, which aims to develop sustainable tourism packages tailored to international and national school groups. These packages seek to enhance the appeal of coastal and nautical destinations in the project’s participating countries: Italy, Mauritania, Portugal, and Spain. The goal is to showcase the environmental and cultural richness of these destinations to a wider audience, with a special focus on younger generations.
With a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, generating economic benefits for local communities, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness among children and students about responsible travel and cultural exchanges, this project aligns with the European Commission’s objectives to develop a sustainable blue economy. This coincides with the values and objectives of Balearic Marine Cluster.
“WeMED provides a great opportunity and a very enriching experience for young people; it allows them to explore new places and learn good practices while traveling, while also delving into the sustainability and blue economy of the destination,” explains Adrián Calcines, Project Manager of Travel Without Plastic, a company participating in the project.
Mallorca has been one of the four chosen destinations to implement these packages hand in hand with Balearic Marine Cluster.
The project has involved various local companies and institutions, whose participation has resulted in a rewarding experience for the students. As Erica Bianchi, a teacher at Maria Immacolata Institute, explains:
“The trip has been very interesting; we have addressed non-trivial topics that have helped us better understand some aspects related to sustainable tourism.
Mallorca offers a lot from this point of view: charming natural landscapes, and people who are not only very kind and welcoming but also passionate professionals. With their words and company, everyone managed to involve us in the different activities.
The students, not used to such important topics, will return to Italy a little more aware of the need to preserve the environment around us.”
The itinerary planned by Balearic Marine Cluster consisted of 3 days:
On May 8th, the students were welcomed by Pedro Suasi, manager of Balearic Marine Cluster, and Adrián Calcines, Project Manager of Travel Without Plastic, who explained the itinerary of the trip and the work carried out by both associations.
After a visit to the Albufera natural park in Alcudia and the facilities of the Alcudiamar marina, where the company TrueWorld was also present… the students enjoyed the impressive bay of Alcudia, where they stayed throughout the trip.
The Serra de Tramuntana was the highlight of the second day. Led by Martin’s Walk (Martin Bestard), the students enjoyed a pleasant hiking route, starting from the emblematic village of Valldemosa.
The day ended at the Son Marroig viewpoint, where Marcial Bardolet, head of the Posidonia Monitoring Service at the Balearic Institute of Nature, explained the properties and importance of posidonia, the plant responsible for the crystal-clear color of our waters.
After two days exploring coastal landscapes, the last day of the itinerary, the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Palma through a guided tour of the city by the Tomir agency.
After this enriching cultural exchange, the students enjoyed free time to reflect on their experiences and relax before embarking on their return journey.
Participants have had the opportunity to live a unique experience, where environmental awareness has merged with enjoyment of the surroundings. As Pedro Suasi, manager of Balearic Marine Cluster, noted, “It was a real pleasure to meet the young people and introduce them to an eco-friendly and environmentally responsible tourism model. Their attitude was exemplary, showing great interest in the island.” This statement reflects not only the positive impact of the trip on the students but also the commitment of the organizations involved in promoting sustainable and environmentally respectful tourism.
