CROSSDEV—short for Cultural Routes for Sustainable Social and Economic Development in the Mediterranean—is a European project with a mission: to turn lesser-known areas of the Mediterranean into models of sustainable tourism. Running from 2019 to 2023 and funded by the EU’s ENI CBC MED programme, CROSSDEV supported communities in Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to protect their natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and local economies – all through smart, low-impact tourism.
Why CROSSDEV Matters
Mass tourism is straining many popular destinations. CROSSDEV offers an alternative: slow, respectful, community-based travel. By helping travelers discover authentic places and nature-rich areas off the beaten path, the project has helped reduce pressure on overcrowded hotspots while boosting local resilience.
It shows how tourism can:
- Protect biodiversity and landscapes
- Celebrate culture without exploitation
- Create green jobs and support eco-entrepreneurs
- Empower local people – especially youth and women
Where the Project Began
CROSSDEV worked across five beautiful, but often overlooked, destinations:
- Sicily, Italy – Along the Via Selinuntina, connecting ancient towns like Sambuca and Menfi
- Umm Qais & Aqaba, Jordan – Rich in history and nature trails
- Jabal Moussa, Lebanon – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- The Palestinian Heritage Trail – A cultural walking route across villages and natural landscapes
These areas are full of stories, biodiversity, and traditions—but lacked the infrastructure and visibility to benefit from sustainable tourism and that’s why the project began.
What the Project Did
CROSSDEV combined practical tools and people-centered planning. It:
- Co-created local tourism strategies with communities
- Developed eco-itineraries and digital maps highlighting cultural and natural spots
- Trained small businesses and youth on sustainable tourism practices
- Promoted cross-border cultural routes, like the Phoenicians’ Route
- Built an online platform to promote green travel and measure impact
In total, the project highlighted over 250 points of interest, involved 3,500+ people, and supported around 30 local businesses.
A Model of Local Empowerment
What made CROSSDEV stand out was its bottom-up approach. Rather than importing solutions, it asked locals what they needed—and worked with them to build something lasting. From walking tours in Palestine to community-run eco-lodges in Sicily, everything was rooted in local knowledge and values.
The Impact Lives On
Though the project formally ended in 2023, its outcomes continue. Local action plans are now guiding tourism policies. The tools created (like marketing guides, training materials, and the Hidden Mediterranean platform) are still available to help other destinations follow suit.
CROSSDEV proves that tourism, when done right, can revive economies, protect the planet, and honor people’s heritage.
In Summary
CROSSDEV is a blueprint for how cultural tourism and environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand. By creating greener, fairer, and more inclusive travel experiences, it reminds us that tourism doesn’t have to cost the Earth—it can help save it.
Learn more at: hiddenmediterranean.net