Our story
INSPIRE is born from the collaboration of diverse actors united by a common vision: to transform tourism in the Mediterranean into a driver of ecological, cultural, and social regeneration.
Eight partners from five countries—public authorities, tourism boards, research centers, NGOs, and local development agencies—have joined forces to imagine a new way of traveling: slower, more conscious, and deeply connected to biodiversity and the communities that protect it.
The project capitalizes on a series of previous project experiences and models, in particular the Slow Food travel model, a sustainable culinary tourism program creating interactive travel experiences that support rural communities and promote local culinary heritage.
Together, we are building a replicable model of sustainable tourism that places Mediterranean agrobiodiversity at the heart of territorial development.
In this section, we introduce the partners behind INSPIRE: who we are, what we do, and why we chose to be part of this journey.
The partnership
Municipality of Messina (Italy) – Lead Partner
The Municipality of Messina serves as the administrative authority for the city of Messina, located in northeastern Sicily. It oversees a range of public services, urban planning, and community development initiatives. The municipality actively engages in projects aimed at sustainable urban mobility, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation, often collaborating with national and European partners to enhance the city’s infrastructure and quality of life.
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Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment Albanese (Albany)
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MoTE) is a governmental body responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to tourism development and environmental protection in Albania. Its mandate includes managing natural resources, overseeing protected areas, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and ensuring environmental conservation. The ministry aims to balance economic growth with ecological preservation, fostering a sustainable future for the country.
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American Farm School
Founded in 1904 in Thessaloniki, the American Farm School is an independent, nonprofit educational institution dedicated to providing practical and academic training in agriculture, environmental studies, and life sciences. Its holistic, experiential learning approach combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience on its diversified educational farm, preparing students to become innovative leaders in sustainable agriculture and related fields.
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Anatoliki (Greece)
Established in 1995, ANATOLIKI S.A. is a regional development agency based in Eastern Thessaloniki, Greece. It functions as a mechanism to support local authorities in strategic planning and implementation of sustainable development projects. The organization focuses on enhancing human resources, promoting environmental initiatives, and fostering economic growth within the region through collaborative efforts and innovative programs.
Corsica Tourism Agency (France)
The Corsica Tourism Agency (Agence du Tourisme de la Corse) is a public institution established to promote and develop tourism on the island of Corsica. It coordinates efforts to enhance the island’s appeal as a travel destination, focusing on sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The agency works to attract visitors year-round by highlighting Corsica’s unique landscapes, traditions, and experiences.
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EuroVértice (Spain)
EuroVértice Consultores is a Spanish consultancy firm specializing in European project funding, strategic planning, and sustainability. Founded in 2006 and based in Murcia, the company assists public and private entities in securing and managing EU funds, developing urban strategies, and implementing environmental initiatives. EuroVértice combines innovation and expertise to turn ideas into impactful projects across various sectors.
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Slow Food (Italy)
Slow Food is a global movement that unites local groups and activists around a shared vision: ensuring that everyone has access to food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. At the heart of Slow Food is a deep commitment to food systems that respect cultural and biological diversity, support local communities, and protect the environment. Founded in Italy in 1986 as a response to the growing industrialization of food and the rise of fast food culture, Slow Food has since expanded its reach to more than millions of supporters in 160 countries worldwide.
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Tourism Association Sierra Espuña (Spain)
The Sierra Espuña Tourism Association, known as Espuñaturística, is a collective of tourism businesses operating within the Sierra Espuña Regional Park in Murcia, Spain. The association promotes sustainable tourism by offering eco-friendly accommodations, guided nature activities, and cultural experiences. Committed to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region, Espuñaturística supports local development through responsible tourism practices.
