VARNA, Bulgaria – July 6, 2026 – Representatives of the transnational project SUSDEST-NET (Sustainable Destinations Black Sea Network / BSB00884) gathered in Varna, Bulgaria, on July 2–3, 2026, for the project’s second transnational meeting. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening the network of sustainable destinations across the Black Sea Basin, bringing together international partners and key stakeholders from the tourism sector.

Hosted at the modern Campus 90 Business and Art Hotel in Varna, the first day of the meeting began with an opening session outlining the strategic objectives of the network. Each project partner then presented a comprehensive report on the activities implemented during the second project reporting period. The discussions highlighted the significant progress achieved toward promoting environmentally friendly and responsible tourism throughout the region.

The second part of the day focused on strategic planning for the upcoming implementation period, with partners establishing clear deadlines, performance indicators, and concrete management and reporting actions. Particular emphasis was also placed on future communication and dissemination activities to ensure that the project’s impact reaches local communities and visitors alike. During this planning session, Mr. Andrei Timuș, Project Coordinator, proposed that the next transnational partners’ meeting be held in Chișinău, a proposal that was welcomed by the consortium.

Study Visit and Press Conference in Albena

The second day of the event featured an important study visit to the renowned resort of Albena, designated as a pilot area within the project by the Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities (UBBSLA – Project Partner 2). Participants had the opportunity to examine sustainability best practices already implemented in the area and assess their potential for replication in other destinations across the network.

The event concluded with a press conference, during which journalists and the general public were informed about the project’s achievements to date and its future directions aimed at transforming the Black Sea region into a leading destination for green and sustainable tourism.

About the Project

The SUSDEST-NET (Sustainable Destinations Black Sea Network) project aims to establish a strong network of sustainable tourist destinations throughout the Black Sea Basin by promoting environmental protection, the preservation of local resources, and responsible economic development through cross-border cooperation.