The project in brief The Mediterranean region is a highly relevant tourist destination although the offer is still concentrated on notable heritage sites and massive sun and sea locations. Many other areas, which have not yet been affected by mass tourism, possess a significant potential for being developed as sustainable travel destinations providing unique assets in terms of cultural heritage, traditional crafts and typical products. However these areas suffer from a lack of business culture and few available infrastructures and services.In order to boost the sustainable tourism development of different target areas located in Italy, Jordan, Spain and Tunisia, the S&T MED project aims to enhance the management, networking, marketing and business capacities of local communities increasing tourism arrivals while preserving natural resources. Specific objectiveTo increase the share of tourism receipts that benefits the local economy in terms of new business activities while decreasing environmental risks deriving from tourism flows in the target areas. Expected Results: • Destination Management Organization model for public/private cooperation in the promotion of tourism and sea governance implemented in each target area and diffused across the Mediterranean • Sustainable tourism products with potential for market development identified (2/3 per target area) and new business alliances of local SMEs (8/12) created for their commercialisation • Improved awareness, capabilities and technical skills of target groups (local SMEs and public officials) and local communities as regards to technologies/techniques for tourism offer development and environment protection • New business opportunities developed and investments in new services by local SMEs in tourism and complementary sectors enhanced • Tourism dynamics and relevant environmental effects in target coastal areas monitored on a real time basis • Increased additional visitors and nights spent in the target areas.