Simone Saracino serves as a Erasmus+ Mobility Coordinator & EU Project Manager at ShipCon Group of Companies, with a professional background in EU project development, grant management, sustainable tourism, territorial development, and international cooperation. His activities focus on identifying European funding and business development opportunities, developing international partnerships, and contributing to projects involving public authorities, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and other European stakeholders.

His professional experience includes working as an EU Project Manager at the Nicosia Tourism Board, as a Consultant and Grant Manager for EU, national and regional funds, and as a Tourism Expert within the EU Intelligent Cities Challenge for the Union of Municipalities of Grecìa Salentina. He has also gained experience in EU project management at Project School (Italy) and in international tourism communication and community management with Visit Flanders in Italy.

Over the years, Simone has developed cross-sector expertise in sustainable tourism, destination management, sustainable mobility, sustainable development, tourism product development, territorial development, communication, and European funding. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management and Culture from IULM University, completed with 110/110 Cum Laude, with a thesis on seasonality and destination management in Salento. He is currently further developing his expertise through a First-Level Master’s Degree in EU Project Planning and Programming: Global Affairs & PNRR at LUM School of Management. His professional skills also include the coordination and definition of national and European tenders, tourism development, sustainable development, and sustainable mobility.

Alongside his professional activities, Simone is actively involved in civil society and non-profit organisations. He serves as Member of the Board, Grant Manager and Communication at FARE Progetto Terra APS, an Italian non-profit organisation active in environmental protection, reforestation, social agriculture, biodiversity, environmental education, and community participation. He is also a Member of the Board and Grant Manager at Grika Milume APS, combining his experience in grant management and project development with his involvement in cultural initiatives, community engagement, and territorial development.

Simone’s international profile is further strengthened by his multilingual and intercultural communication skills. A native Italian speaker, he is proficient in English, Greek and Spanish (C1), French (B2), and Portuguese and Russian (B1), supporting his work in international partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and European cooperation.