The PortCREW consortium met last week, from the 6th – 7th October, in Valencia for its third in-person project meeting, bringing partners together to review progress, exchange updates, and plan the next stages of the project.
Over the course of the meeting, partners shared developments from their respective activities, reflected on key achievements, and discussed upcoming priorities. A major milestone highlighted during the meeting was the successful completion of Work Package 1 (WP1), while discussions also focused on the continued progress of Work Package 2 (WP2) and the collaborative work still ahead.
Beyond the project sessions, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for partners to strengthen relationships and engage in meaningful face-to-face discussions. As a project centred on sustainable and responsible tourism, the agenda also included a local experience designed to showcase how tourism can create authentic connections between visitors and communities.
Organised by Fundación Valenciaport, the activity took place in the unique natural setting of La Albufera, one of Valencia’s most iconic landscapes. Guided by a local expert, partners enjoyed a traditional boat ride through the lagoon while learning about the area’s history, culture, and environmental significance.
The experience also highlighted the richness of local gastronomy, featuring a tasting of wines from small regional wineries alongside traditional Valencian tapas. By supporting local producers and sharing the stories behind their products, the activity demonstrated how tourism initiatives can contribute to local economies while preserving cultural heritage.
For the PortCREW partners, the experience served as a practical example of sustainable tourism in action, showing how destinations can create memorable visitor experiences that generate value for local communities and businesses.
As the project continues to progress, meetings such as this remain essential for maintaining alignment across the consortium, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that project activities deliver meaningful and lasting impact. The gathering in Valencia not only provided an opportunity to review achievements and plan future work, but also allowed partners to experience first-hand the type of sustainable and community-focused tourism that lies at the heart of the PortCREW project.
Thank you Fundación Valenciaport for helping make the visit such a memorable and insightful experience!
