Dejan Đurović, Vice President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), emphasized the vital role of tourism in fostering regional cooperation, economic growth, and intercultural understanding.

Đurović, leading the Montenegrin Parliament’s delegation to PAM, delivered a video message to participants at the EXPO “World of Travel, Trade and Taste,” held over the past two days in Toronto.

As per the Assembly’s announcement, he discussed the Mediterranean region’s challenges, opportunities, and innovations during the “Mediterranean Pavilion,” introduced for the first time at the Toronto EXPO, aimed at fostering strategic commercial partnerships and showcasing the region’s expertise and innovation on a global level.

During the panel titled “Dialogue on Regional Integration: Governments, Parliaments, and Entrepreneurs in Action,” Đurović underscored the crucial impact of tourism on regional cooperation, economic growth, and cultural understanding.

He noted that tourism’s role in the Euro-Mediterranean area extends beyond economic implications, contributing significantly to social cohesion, job creation, and strengthening community dialogues.

However, he pointed out that the fragmented nature of tourism policies and regulatory inconsistencies pose significant barriers to attracting investment and achieving sustainable development in the sector.

“Collaboration between the public and private sectors, with an active role from parliamentary institutions, has transitioned from being an option to becoming a necessity. While public institutions are tasked with providing a long-term development vision, the private sector holds the capacity for innovation and swift execution,” Đurović stated.

He also highlighted the need to synchronize tourism policies across Mediterranean member states, in collaboration with international partners such as the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Đurović reiterated the importance of regional initiatives like “Destination Balkans,” which exemplify successful collaboration between the public and private sectors aimed at enhancing a shared tourist landscape.

He referenced the Third Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Economic Forum of PAM, recently held in Marrakech, where Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić emphasized tourism’s strategic importance for sustainable regional development and long-term prosperity.

Đurović further remarked that the Mediterranean possesses the necessary resources, vision, and human potential.

“What we currently lack is a coordinated political will to transform these potentials into tangible outcomes. Events like the Mediterranean Pavilion in Toronto create opportunities for connecting ideas, initiatives, and partnerships that support the common goal of sustainable Mediterranean development as a unified and robust region,” said Đurović.

The statement indicated that the Toronto EXPO showcased unique tourist destinations, global trade products, and investment opportunities, facilitating networking with leading global experts across various sectors.

“The event provided a platform for idea exchange and business cooperation, particularly emphasizing green initiatives, community-oriented projects, and support for less developed nations,” the statement mentioned.

It was also noted that for the first time, a “Mediterranean Pavilion” was created in partnership with the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce (ASCAME), which connects over 300 chambers from the Euro-Mediterranean region and beyond, as well as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Italy and the Euromed Group, underlining the significance of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in sustainable development.

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