On 7 July 2026, the RECIRCLE MED project successfully organised its Local Capacity Building Workshop in Bar, Montenegro, bringing together local stakeholders, tourism actors, experts, and relevant representatives to strengthen capacities and promote the implementation of blue and circular tourism approaches in the Mediterranean region.
Hosted at Hotel Princess in Bar, the workshop was designed to respond to the training needs of local actors involved in sustainable tourism development. Its main objective was to enhance the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders, supporting the successful implementation and future transfer of RECIRCLE MED’s blue and circular tourism approach. The workshop also focused on strengthening local capacities for the adaptation of the RECIRCLE MED Blueprint and the implementation of local Action Plans.
The event provided a collaborative platform for participants to exchange knowledge, discuss local challenges, and explore opportunities for applying circular economy principles within tourism practices. Through interactive sessions and group activities, local actors had the opportunity to connect the RECIRCLE MED approach with the specific characteristics and priorities of their destination.
The workshop began with Session I: “Circular and Blue Economy Integration in Tourism”, focusing on the importance of adopting sustainable tourism models that combine environmental protection, innovation, and local economic development. Participants explored how blue and circular economy concepts can support a more resilient tourism sector while creating new opportunities for local communities.
Following the introductory session, participants engaged in working groups and practical exercises, providing feedback from their local perspectives and discussing the opportunities and challenges related to the transition towards circular tourism practices.
The second session focused on “Blueprint Implementation”, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the RECIRCLE MED methodology and its potential application in the local context. Through interactive discussions and exercises, stakeholders explored how the Blueprint can support the development of tailored solutions and actions for sustainable tourism transformation.
The final part of the workshop was dedicated to the “Co-Design Blue Action Plans for Circular Tourism” session. This participatory process brought together local actors and experts to identify key gaps, challenges, and opportunities, contributing to the development of locally relevant actions that support circular tourism development in Bar and the wider region.
The workshop concluded with a wrap-up session where participants reflected on the main outcomes of the discussions and identified the next steps for continued cooperation and implementation of the proposed actions.
