Sun&Blue Congress Inaugurates Its Third Edition in Almería

Published on November 19, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The official inauguration of the third edition of the Sun&Blue Congress, the largest international forum on Tourism and the Blue Economy held in Europe, took place this morning at the Cabo de Gata Exhibition and Conference Centre in the City of Almería.

With over 120 international speakers and representatives from 37 countries, including high-ranking representatives from the Government of Mozambique, this edition strengthens its international character and role as a strategic platform to advance sustainable, innovative, and marine-related tourism models.

Europe Recognises Almería as a Blue Leader

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism of the European Commission, represented the Commission and highlighted the Mediterranean as a “natural treasure and economic engine of Europe.” He placed Almería as an example of sustainable water management, with 35 Blue Flag beaches and an “extraordinary commitment to the reuse of water resources and the protection of coastal ecosystems.” He announced that in April 2026, the Commission will present the first European Tourism Strategy, which will address sustainability, digitalisation, territorial regeneration, and local wellbeing: “We will work with destinations like Almería to build a European tourism model that empowers communities and strengthens Europe’s global leadership.”

Andalusia Strengthens Its Leadership in the Blue Economy

The President of the Andalusian Government, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, praised the congress for bringing together “more than a thousand professionals to discuss the future of our coasts through smart tourism, marine conservation, and sustainable water management.” He reminded everyone that Andalusia aims to lead the blue transition in Europe: “Looking to the sea is looking to the future. Our Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy places water, innovation, and climate adaptation at the heart of regional policies.”

Yolanda de Aguilar, Secretary General for Tourism of the Andalusian Government, highlighted that blue tourism represents “70% of the economic impact of the blue economy in Andalusia” and advocated for a model based on predictive intelligence, flow management, quality, and territorial regeneration. She also pointed out that Andalusia is moving towards a less seasonal tourism model: “This year, a British tour operator has expanded their tourism footprint to 40 municipalities that had never previously received international visitors.”

Meanwhile, Antonio Mena, Territorial Delegate for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of the Andalusian Government, affirmed that the blue economy contributes 11% of Andalusia’s GDP, 300,000 jobs, and over 35,000 companies linked to the sea. He highlighted advancements such as the reuse of regenerated water in Roquetas: “In Andalusia, we say that all waters are good. Today, it irrigates sports facilities, and soon it will happen in more treatment plants that previously discharged water into the sea.”

Almería: A Beacon of the Blue Economy in Europe

The First Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Public Works, Maintenance, Accessibility, and Blue Economy of the City of Almería, Sacramento Sánchez, emphasised the city’s strategic position: “Sun&Blue consolidates Almería as a beacon of the blue economy in Europe. The Mediterranean, covering less than 1% of the world’s marine area but hosting 30% of global tourism, is a laboratory where economy, nature, and innovation coexist. For Almería, the sea is not just a landscape: it is identity, livelihood, and the future.” She also recalled the pioneering vision of the Blue Municipality and the Almería Blue Municipality Chair, as well as the port-city transformation project and the integration of the sea into the Almería 2030 Strategic Plan.