In early September 2023, the CoastalPro project officially launched with a two-day kickoff meeting held in Lemnos, Greece, hosted by Surf Club Keros. This marked the beginning of a collaborative journey to develop game-based learning experiences focused on entrepreneurship and next-generation skills in coastal tourism.

🧭 A Different Kind of Kickoff

Rather than following the typical slide-heavy structure, the CoastalPro consortium embraced a participatory, co-design format. The highlight of the meeting was the “Craft Your Coastal Venture” interactive experience, where participants explored what it takes to build innovative, sustainable tourism ideas grounded in real coastal community needs.

🔍 What We Explored Together

• How game-based learning can train learners in sustainability, branding, hospitality, and entrepreneurship
• Ways to ensure the training is practical, business-oriented, and inclusive
• Insights into effective digital learning tools and content structures
• Strategies for peer learning, gamification, and real-world validation
• The importance of accreditation, modular flexibility, and collaboration with VETs, schools, and the tourism sector

💡 Shared Values and Vision

From the outset, CoastalPro partners reaffirmed a shared commitment to:

✔ Equipping learners with relevant skills to thrive in evolving blue economy careers

✔ Addressing the challenges of over-tourism by focusing on underdeveloped coastal areas

✔ Embedding ESG principles and digital innovation into training pathways

✔ Creating a flexible and SCORM-compliant e-learning framework adaptable to different platforms

The event not only established our shared methodology and project roadmap but also strengthened the foundation for a vibrant, pan-European community working toward the future of sustainable coastal tourism.

📅 Stay tuned for upcoming project milestones, partner events, and the launch of our first learning cohorts!

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