From April 14 to April 20, thirty young people from five countries – Spain, Türkiye, Portugal, Italy, and Bulgaria – participated in a youth exchange project focused on the impacts of tourism. The objective was to raise awareness about the impacts of tourism and develop skills to lead equitable tourism, benefiting the economy, society and the environment. It thus contributes to global sustainable development. Bellow we provide the testimonial, created by the participants.
“We had the amazing opportunity to take part in a youth exchange in Alicante, Spain, all about sustainable tourism! The project focused on how young people can help make tourism more responsible, balanced, and respectful towards nature, culture, and local communities.
And yes – it all happened during Semana Santa! From traditional processions to sunny beach walks, we truly experienced the contrast between cultural heritage and modern tourism up close.
Throughout the week, participants from different countries worked in international teams, exploring the good, the bad, and the future of tourism. We shared ideas, debated, learned from each other, and came up with creative solutions for making travel more sustainable.
All the educational goals were met – and beyond! We learned about overtourism, eco-friendly practices, and how each of us can travel more consciously. We also developed soft skills like communication, teamwork, and public speaking in a fun and interactive environment.
Of course, it wasn’t all work – we danced, laughed, made new friendships, and created unforgettable memories!”
Written by Fifty Shades of Tourism Erasmus+ youth exchange participants
