MAking Sustainable Tourism possible

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Date of latest update: 2025-05-27

Description

Description (EN):

The common challenges addressed by the project are: (i) overcoming differences and uniting Mediterranean SMEs accommodation around the common objective of reshaping tourism in more sustainable ways; (ii) stimulating and supporting them in the implementation of sustainable management systems, through the development of easily applicable solutions. The overall objective is to facilitate and support Mediterranean SMEs accommodation in implementing a sustainable management system, which is currently a critical factor for the success and competitiveness in the long term. The expected change is to facilitate the transition towards sustainable tourism by such SMEs, enabling them to implement a sustainable management system and to pave the way for achieving the ISO 21401:2018 certification. To this end, the project foresees the development of two outputs: sustainability protocol and the self-assessment tool. The latter will enable these SMEs to check their current degree of sustainability; based on the results obtained, the protocol will indicate the activities needed to comply with the standard. The approach will be to conduct a study based on ISO 21401:2018 and the identification of the barriers and needs of SMEs accomodation in terms of sustainable management. Given the different socio-economic realities and stages of tourism development in the five partner countries, transnational cooperation is a crucial factor in ensuring the high-quality achievement of the objectives as well as the dissemination of the results. The project represents a novelty compared to current practices in the accommodation sector; it proposes a study aimed at defining solutions that balance the specificities of all dimensions of sustainability. To date, most tourism professionals and scholars have proposed the sustainability of accommodation facilities based almost exclusively on the environmental dimension, causing a delay in the full development of a sustainable organisational culture.

Description (FR):

Les défis communs abordés par le projet sont : (i) surmonter les différences et unir les PME d'hébergement méditerranéennes autour de l'objectif commun de remodeler le tourisme de manière plus durable ; (ii) les stimuler et les soutenir dans la mise en œuvre de systèmes de gestion durables, à travers le développement de solutions facilement applicables. L'objectif général est de faciliter et de soutenir les PME d'hébergement méditerranéennes dans la mise en œuvre d'un système de gestion durable, qui est actuellement un facteur critique pour le succès et la compétitivité à long terme. Le changement attendu est de faciliter la transition vers un tourisme durable par ces PME, en leur permettant de mettre en place un système de gestion durable et de préparer le terrain pour obtenir la certification ISO 21401: 2018. À cette fin, le projet prévoit le développement de deux résultats : un protocole de durabilité et un outil d'auto-évaluation. Ce dernier permettra à ces PME de vérifier leur degré actuel de durabilité ; sur la base des résultats obtenus, le protocole indiquera les activités nécessaires pour se conformer à la norme. L'approche consistera à réaliser une étude basée sur l'ISO 21401:2018 et l'identification des barrières et des besoins des PME d'hébergement en termes de gestion durable. Compte tenu des différentes réalités socio-économiques et des étapes de développement touristique dans les cinq pays partenaires, la coopération transnationale est un facteur crucial pour garantir la réalisation de haute qualité des objectifs ainsi que la diffusion des résultats. Le projet représente une nouveauté par rapport aux pratiques actuelles dans le secteur de l'hébergement ; il propose une étude visant à définir des solutions qui équilibrent les spécificités de toutes les dimensions de la durabilité. Jusqu'à présent, la plupart des professionnels et universitaires du tourisme ont proposé la durabilité des installations d'hébergement en se basant presque exclusivement sur la dimension environnementale, entraînant un retard dans le plein développement d'une culture organisationnelle durable.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The MAST project has made significant strides since its inception, demonstrating a robust commitment to advancing sustainable tourism practices in the Mediterranean region. The project's initial phase has been marked by noteworthy achievements that have set a solid foundation for future endeavours. From the outset, the consortium, led by UNIURB, has shown exemplary coordination and management. The successful online kick-off meeting in March 2024 aligned all partners, establishing a clear vision for the project's objectives. This was further reinforced by the Steering Committee meeting held in Barcelona in May 2024, which provided a valuable platform for in-depth discussions and strategic planning. A cornerstone of the project's early success has been the establishment of efficient communication and management structures. Implementing the Basecamp platform for internal project management, along with launching a WordPress website and active social media channels, has facilitated seamless collaboration amongst partners and effective engagement with external stakeholders. The research component of the project has made impressive headway. A comprehensive methodology for investigating sustainability in the accommodation sector has been meticulously designed, encompassing scoping studies, quantitative analyses, and qualitative research. To date, 26 qualitative interviews have been conducted across partner countries, providing rich insights into the current landscape of sustainable practices in the Mediterranean tourism industry. A thorough literature review analysing approximately 45 relevant studies has also been undertaken, laying the groundwork for a robust theoretical framework. In parallel with these research efforts, significant progress has been made in developing practical tools. The consortium has begun work on a Market Search Report and initiated the planning phase for a sustainability self-assessment tool. These endeavours have been informed by carefully studying existing sustainability labels and schemes in the tourism industry, ensuring that the project's outputs will be innovative and relevant to industry needs. Stakeholder engagement has been a priority from the outset. The project has been represented at key events such as the Sustainable Tourism Community kick-off meeting in Rome and various EU MED meetings. These platforms have provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and raising awareness about the MAST project's objectives and potential benefits. Quality assurance has not been overlooked, with a comprehensive MAST Quality Assurance plan developed to guide all project activities. This attention to quality underpins the project's commitment to delivering high-calibre outputs that will have a lasting impact on the sector. The collaborative nature of the MAST project has proven to be one of its greatest strengths. By bringing together diverse expertise from across the Mediterranean region, the consortium has developed a nuanced and comprehensive approach to sustainability in tourism. This multi-stakeholder, cross-border cooperation has facilitated valuable knowledge exchange on sustainability practices and challenges specific to different contexts within the Mediterranean. In conclusion, the MAST project has made remarkable progress in its initial phase. The foundations laid through meticulous research, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement have positioned the project to significantly contribute to sustainable tourism practices in the Mediterranean region. As the project moves forward, it is well-equipped to develop innovative tools and strategies to drive the transition towards more sustainable accommodation practices, ultimately contributing to Mediterranean tourism's long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Project outputs: Protocol for enhancing the transition towards sustainable management systems by SMEs accommodation(EN)
Protocol for enhancing the transition towards sustainable management systems by SMEs accommodation(FR)
AI based self-assessment APP for sustainable accommodation management(FR)
AI based self-assessment APP for sustainable accommodation management(EN)
Manual and guide for the use of the sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool(FR)
Manual and guide for the use of the sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool(EN)
Website: https://interreg-euro-med.eu/en/

Thematic information

Tourism Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-B_EM_2) Greener MED

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 075 Support to environmentally-friendly production processes and resource efficiency in SMEs

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997437906

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00448830414 | IT120000044 | - (FR), - (EN)

Department: Dipartimento di Economia, Società, Politica (DESP)

Address: Via Aurelio Saffi, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy

Department address: Via Aurelio Saffi, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.uniurb.it

Total budget: EUR 203 939.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 163 151.84

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 787.96

Contractors:

Name: Sinergia Consulenze Srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02200910418

Sarajevo Susret Kultura

Name: Sarajevo Susret Kultura

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 937845568

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4201781750000 | BA220000002 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Alipašina, br. , 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://smoc.ba/

Total budget: EUR 88 006.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 70 405.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 601.34

Univerza na Primorskem - Universita’ del Litorale

Name: Univerza na Primorskem - Universita’ del Litorale

Department: Fakulteta za turistične študije/Faculty of Tourism studies.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998802793

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI71633065 | SI120000011 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Titov, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Department address: Obala, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.upr.si/en

Total budget: EUR 98 056.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 78 445.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 611.32

3win Action KOINSEP

Name: 3win Action KOINSEP

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 884653387

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 996696116 | EL220000007 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Kokotsi Dimitriou, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.3win.org

Total budget: EUR 102 887.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 82 310.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 577.50

Contractors:

Name: Emmanouil Varouhas
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL103806796
Name: Georgios Drakopoulos IKE
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL800658265

Centre de Difusió Tecnològica Fusta i Moble de Catalunya

Name: Centre de Difusió Tecnològica Fusta i Moble de Catalunya

Department: Innovation department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 989531824

Partner’s ID if not PIC: G43831338 | ES2G0000070 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Avda. Generalitat, 43560 La Sénia (Tarragona), Spain

Department address: Avda. Generalitat, 43560 La Sénia (Tarragona), Spain

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.cenfim.org/en/

Total budget: EUR 107 108.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 85 686.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 421.70

Contractors:

Name: BM Neira Auditores, S.L.P.
VAT registration or tax identification number: B32468647

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): MAking Sustainable Tourism possible

Project acronym: MAST

Project ID: Euro-MED0200663

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-03-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg MED DestiMED - DESTIMED PLUS (FR), Interreg MED DestiMED - DESTIMED PLUS (EN) | DestiMED PLUS has indicated improvements in policy coordination between tourism and conservation departments in each project partner region through the joint creation and promotion of ecotourism itineraries in Mediterranean protected areas. Based on the lessons learned through this process, DestiMED PLUS has enabled the establishment of a Mediterranean Ecotourism Consortium (MEC) open to all regions at the European level, which promotes integrated ecotourism policies, incorporating conservation, sustainability and economic perspectives, and incorporates ecosystem services approaches into tourism planning processes.
DestiMED PLUS has developed online tools to measure and improve the sustainability of ecotourism products and to build capacity among local ecotourism actors. The monitoring platform improved the ecological footprint calculator developed in DestiMED, incorporating socio-economic, governance and conservation indicators. The implemented training platform provides content to develop, monitor and promote ecotourism and sustainable coastal tourism development.
The staff of the University of Urbino includes personnel who actively participated in the creation of the DestiMED project calculator.
On the basis of the experiences of this project, which also includes previous experiences from developed Interreg projects, MAST intends to create synergies in order to be able to capture all the useful elements of this project in terms of experiences in the realisation of the requirements used for the realisation of the computer and the monitoring platform. This will enable a better implementation of the tool by taking advantage of the experience gained in DestiMED PLUS. (FR), DestiMED PLUS has indicated improvements in policy coordination between tourism and conservation departments in each project partner region through the joint creation and promotion of ecotourism itineraries in Mediterranean protected areas. Based on the lessons learned through this process, DestiMED PLUS has enabled the establishment of a Mediterranean Ecotourism Consortium (MEC) open to all regions at the European level, which promotes integrated ecotourism policies, incorporating conservation, sustainability and economic perspectives, and incorporates ecosystem services approaches into tourism planning processes.
DestiMED PLUS has developed online tools to measure and improve the sustainability of ecotourism products and to build capacity among local ecotourism actors. The monitoring platform improved the ecological footprint calculator developed in DestiMED, incorporating socio-economic, governance and conservation indicators. The implemented training platform provides content to develop, monitor and promote ecotourism and sustainable coastal tourism development.
The staff of the University of Urbino includes personnel who actively participated in the creation of the DestiMED project calculator.
On the basis of the experiences of this project, which also includes previous experiences from developed Interreg projects, MAST intends to create synergies in order to be able to capture all the useful elements of this project in terms of experiences in the realisation of the requirements used for the realisation of the computer and the monitoring platform. This will enable a better implementation of the tool by taking advantage of the experience gained in DestiMED PLUS. (EN), COSME RESETTING Project or Initiative (EN), COSME RESETTING Project or Initiative (FR) | This project aims to facilitate the transition to more resilient, circular and sustainable operating models of European tourism businesses through the testing and integration of innovative digitally driven solutions that reduce unnecessary burdens, improve the quality of the tourism experience, contribute to the decarbonisation of the tourism sector and to more inclusive economic growth, not only for SMEs but also for the residents of destinations.The project is developing a tool consisting of web-based application modules, accompanied by data-driven monitoring through specialised indicators and data visualisation tools that help monitor performance, track results and exchange lessons learned and best practices of European tourism businesses. Through its various web-based data analysis application modules, the tool will enable entrepreneurs and municipalities to improve their performance by monitoring current indicators, promoting best practices and exchanging processes and solutions.
The set of data analysis application modules will be combined into a data visualisation platform that produces indicators and deduces causal relationships in longitudinal data. The data visualisation platform will make it possible to follow the development of different indicators and, at the same time, to exchange and discuss best practices in order to leverage partners that are performing less well.The University of Urbino, with DESP, is participating in this project as a subcontracting partner of the Italian project partner: the Municipality of San Benedetto del Tronto. The synergy with this project, which will end in 2024, will make it possible to receive valuable information for the selection of the technologies to be used for the implementation of the tool and for its fine-tuning. The project will enable 12 Italian SMEs to receive a voucher that may also include consultancy services for ISO certifications. The synergy between the projects will expand the benefits for these SMEs.
(EN), This project aims to facilitate the transition to more resilient, circular and sustainable operating models of European tourism businesses through the testing and integration of innovative digitally driven solutions that reduce unnecessary burdens, improve the quality of the tourism experience, contribute to the decarbonisation of the tourism sector and to more inclusive economic growth, not only for SMEs but also for the residents of destinations.The project is developing a tool consisting of web-based application modules, accompanied by data-driven monitoring through specialised indicators and data visualisation tools that help monitor performance, track results and exchange lessons learned and best practices of European tourism businesses. Through its various web-based data analysis application modules, the tool will enable entrepreneurs and municipalities to improve their performance by monitoring current indicators, promoting best practices and exchanging processes and solutions.
The set of data analysis application modules will be combined into a data visualisation platform that produces indicators and deduces causal relationships in longitudinal data. The data visualisation platform will make it possible to follow the development of different indicators and, at the same time, to exchange and discuss best practices in order to leverage partners that are performing less well.The University of Urbino, with DESP, is participating in this project as a subcontracting partner of the Italian project partner: the Municipality of San Benedetto del Tronto. The synergy with this project, which will end in 2024, will make it possible to receive valuable information for the selection of the technologies to be used for the implementation of the tool and for its fine-tuning. The project will enable 12 Italian SMEs to receive a voucher that may also include consultancy services for ISO certifications. The synergy between the projects will expand the benefits for these SMEs.
(FR), Interreg Italy - Croatia ARCA ADRIATICA (FR), Interreg Italy - Croatia ARCA ADRIATICA (EN) | The main objective of the project was the development of a common tourism product, based on the principles of social and ecological sustainability, which at the same time enhances, preserves, protects and promotes the rich maritime heritage of the border area present in small and medium-sized towns with local ports. In the entire coastal part of the border area included, the project contributes to the protection of the existing tangible and intangible maritime heritage as much as possible (by researching and cataloging the maritime heritage and developing the virtual museum) and systematically enhances it through a series of measures (adaptation of interpretation centers, organization of educational-demonstration events, promotional campaign, etc.). The University of Urbino, through DESP, implemented the marketing plan for the project through a participatory process that involved all the operators of the City of San Benedetto del Tronto, a partner in the project. The participatory process enabled the creation of a Destination Management Organization based on the sustainability of tourism in a city of less than 50000 inhabitants that has a great impact by welcoming more than 140000 tourists in the summer months. Among the creators of the DMO is the hoteliers' association, with which a path was started concerning ISO 21401:2018. (FR), The main objective of the project was the development of a common tourism product, based on the principles of social and ecological sustainability, which at the same time enhances, preserves, protects and promotes the rich maritime heritage of the border area present in small and medium-sized towns with local ports. In the entire coastal part of the border area included, the project contributes to the protection of the existing tangible and intangible maritime heritage as much as possible (by researching and cataloging the maritime heritage and developing the virtual museum) and systematically enhances it through a series of measures (adaptation of interpretation centers, organization of educational-demonstration events, promotional campaign, etc.). The University of Urbino, through DESP, implemented the marketing plan for the project through a participatory process that involved all the operators of the City of San Benedetto del Tronto, a partner in the project. The participatory process enabled the creation of a Destination Management Organization based on the sustainability of tourism in a city of less than 50000 inhabitants that has a great impact by welcoming more than 140000 tourists in the summer months. Among the creators of the DMO is the hoteliers' association, with which a path was started concerning ISO 21401:2018. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 599 999.10

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 479 999.28

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Sustainability report
Sustainability report
Guidelines for sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool
Guidelines for sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool
Consultation report of SMEs accommodation needs and barriers to sustainable practices
Consultation report of SMEs accommodation needs and barriers to sustainable practices
Consultation report for the implementation of ISO 21401:2018
Consultation report for the implementation of ISO 21401:2018
Comparative analysis of SMEs accommodation needs and ISO 21401 requirements.
Comparative analysis of SMEs accommodation needs and ISO 21401 requirements.
Sustainability Protocol for SMEs accommodation
Sustainability Protocol for SMEs accommodation
Improved Sustainability Protocol for SMEs accommodation.
Improved Sustainability Protocol for SMEs accommodation.
WP2 carbon footprint report
WP2 carbon footprint report
Market search Report
Market search Report
Final sustainability self-assessment tool
Final sustainability self-assessment tool
Webinars report
Webinar report
Policy recommendations
Policy recommendations
Report for outputs improvement
Report for outputs improvement
Innovation strategy and stakeholder engagement
Innovation strategy and stakeholder engagement
EU network - “Accommodation establishments for Sustainable Tourism”
EU network - “Accommodation establishments for Sustainable Tourism”

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The project will contribute significantly to the areas identified by the EU Green Deal, with specific reference to: raising the ambition of the EU's climate targets for 2030 and 2050; securing the supply of clean, affordable and secure energy; mobilising industry for a clean, circular economy; resource-efficient construction and renovation; zero pollution target for a toxic-free environment; preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. Through the study conducted based on ISO 21401:2018, it will be possible to define strategic solutions with a high sustainable content, whose combination with the challenges and needs of SMEs accommodation will ensure an effective transition towards sustainable tourism. This study will lead to the development of a sustainability protocol and self-assessment tool that can facilitate and support such SMEs in implementing a sustainable management system. The self-assessment tool will enable such SMEs to verify their current degree of maturity in terms of sustainability; based on the result obtained, the protocol will provide them with indications on the activities they will need to implement in order to comply with the standard. These activities certainly include those for reduction of emissions into the air; energy efficiency; implementation of circular economy models through reduction, reuse or recycling of solid waste; minimisation of the impact of architecture on the landscape; management of storage, use and disposal of hazardous substances; ensuring water quality and safety; minimisation of water consumption; conservation of natural areas, flora and fauna. These activities, together with those of a social and economic nature, will provide an opportunity for SMEs to think and act in a sustainable way. In this framework, it is therefore evident the contribution the project makes by fostering the development of a sustainable and inclusive growth strategy, perfectly in line with the objectives of the EU Green Deal.
TerritorialAgenda2030 Through transnational cooperation between the project partners, it will be possible to define a common strategy for the development of sustainable solutions for tourism sector, thus addressing the socio-economic differences between the consortium members. By doing so, the project will contribute to the area of Integration beyond borders identified by the Territorial Agenda 2030, favoring the development of a common strategy that enhances cross-border cooperation and promotes sustainable development. The strategy for sustainable tourism defined jointly by the consortium will then be adapted to the national context of each one. Thus, it will firstly be possible to respond to the current global social and environmental challenges and to increase the competitiveness of partner countries, taking into account the peculiarities and needs of each territory and encouraging collaboration between local public institutions and SMEs accommodation. This will rebalance the different socio-economic assets of the partner countries, laying the foundations for a more balanced growth. In this sense, the project will contribute to the priority named by the Territorial Agenda as A Balanced Europe. The declination of strategic solutions in the national context will also allow it to contribute to the Functional Regions area. Indeed, the project will foster the local and regional development of each partner country through sustainable strategies capable of reducing convergences and inequalities between places, as well as through the active involvement and constant dialogue between stakeholders involved. The Healthy Environment area will also benefit from such project as it includes actions strongly aimed at promoting and respecting the areas cultural and environmental heritage. The project will also contribute to the Circular Economy area as activities will be designed and shared to support SMEs in implementing economic models oriented towards waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 001 - Enterprises supported (of which: micro, small, medium, large), Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

RCR90N Long-term cross-border innovation networks, Measurement unit: Number of networks
PSI1 - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: organisations

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-05-27

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

64 / 64 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

608 / 608 (100%)

Notes on the data

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MAking Sustainable Tourism possible

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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