SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2026-09-07

Description

Description (EN):

Tourism -a main element of blue economy- in the project areas has a very positive and powerful effect on both employment and income, being one of the fastest growing sectors with high prospects and a major source of proceedings that support most of the Black Sea countries. In parallel, sustainable development is a global priority and sustainability in tourism is a key factor for destination choice, which means that the adoption and implementation of sustainable practices cannot be ignored. However, micro & small operators dominating the tourism industry, are not familiar with the concept of sustainability, much less with sustainable indicators. Therefore, they operate unsustainably, generating significant amounts of waste and consuming vast quantities of resources, such as water and energy, jeopardizing not only a global effort towards a more responsible approach but their own viability. Through the project, the 6 partners form 5 countries aim at overcoming this phenomenon and “Jointly contribute to a more competitive and smart Black Sea region… …by supporting the blue economy and especially tourism… …by promoting the ESG(*) sustainability to tourism stakeholders (especially in F&B sector) in the project area… …and create the conditions for, and facilitate the adoption and deployment of sustainable practices by the entire spectrum of the operators (even small ones)… …using Artificial Intelligence and ensuring lasting effects” as mentions the project’s objective. Through the foreseen activities, the project will address the root cause of the problems that hinder the sustainable development of tourism operators, which is the lack of tools and guidance. Through a multifaceted approach, involving training, pilot implementations, raise of awareness and use of AI tools, will lead them to a sustainability journey The main outcomes (outputs/ deliverables) and results (RES) the SUSTAIN-2 project is foreseen to deliver are: - Presentation package for public awareness about ESG Sustainability (A 1.1) - Jointly developed solutions supporting ESG sustainability in Tourism (F&B sector): Simplified Sustainability Model (SSM) for F&B Sector, an AI REcommendation System (AIRES) and the "EduConnect" for continuous learning and collaboration (OUT 1.1 – RES1) - Digital training package on Sustainable F&B Model and a transnational registry of trained and skilled ESG Sustainability Facilitators for the F&B Sector (A 1.4) - Pilot applications - Methodology for applying the SSM, based on AIRES (OUT 1.2) – Rewarding/ recognition scheme (A 1.7) - International conference for results presentation and capitalization (OUT 1.4) - Project partnership - SUSTAIN Network (OUT 1.4 – RES2) All the outputs of the projects are related to respective results and contribute to the achievement of the project’s main objective The following target groups will benefit, directly or indirectly, from the project and its outputs: a) public authorities at all levels, b) higher education and research organizations, c) education / training centers and schools, d) sectoral agencies, e) interest groups including NGOs, f) business support organisations, including chambers of commerce, networks and clusters, g) general public/ citizens The sequence of the activities, in order for the project to achieve its main objective, outputs and results and reach the target groups, is the following: Awareness campaign for sustainability => consultation with the stakeholders => development of the SSM and AIRES => development of the training package => joint training course => pilot implementations => assessment and refinement => design of the rewarding scheme => EduConnect development => official launch of the model As sustainability is a global issue with challenging all countries, a transnational approach, combining cultures, experiences and expertise from different backgrounds, is of major importance. At the same time, tourism is a transnational and interconnected sector, confronting demanding and stimulating changes that do not recognise geographical boundaries. Hence, cooperation between countries is the only way to create and implement effective solutions to confront the rising challenges. Taking into consideration the above mentioned, it becomes clear that transnational cooperation is the only remedy for overcoming most of the potential challenges, bringing several benefits to the project partners, target groups and the programme area. Among them are the sharing of best practices, the increased visibility and competitiveness, the increased capacity and the improved governance. Finally, the SSM and AIRES together with the implementation process and the solutions/answers to modern challenges provided by the project are new and innovative at international level and, without any doubt, encourage sustainability, boost the Blue economy and are in line with the requirements of the NEXT Black Sea Programme. (*) ESG: Envirionment, Social, Governance

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the SUSTAIN-2 partnership focused on establishing the organisational, technical and communication foundations required for the effective implementation of the project and the future delivery of its main outputs. In line with the Application Form, the period primarily represented the start-up phase of the project, during which emphasis was placed on coordination, stakeholder mobilisation, communication and the preparation of activities leading to the development of the Simplified Sustainability Model (SSM) and the Artificial Intelligence Recommendation System (AIRES) in the next periods. A key event of the reporting period was the organisation of the Kick-Off Meeting in Xanthi, hosted by the Lead Partner (DUTH). The meeting brought together all project partners and established a common understanding of the project's objectives, implementation approach and expected results. It also provided the basis for effective transnational cooperation and enabled the partners to align their activities and responsibilities. In addition, DUTH coordinated the project launch and initiated the procedures necessary to implement the planned activities, including communication actions and procurement preparations. At the same time, all partners established dedicated project teams and internal coordination mechanisms to ensure the smooth execution of the project. Chisinau City Hall completed the necessary institutional arrangements at national level and promoted the project through municipal and tourism communication channels. KENTAS also initiated preparations for stakeholder engagement activities and awareness campaigns targeting both tourism stakeholders and local communities. The UABSC, acting as communication coordinator, developed the Communication and Visibility Plan, communication toolkit and visual identity package, thereby ensuring a coherent communication approach across the partnership. At the same time time, the Municipality of Kavala strengthened its implementation capacity by appointing project manager. Finally, following the withdrawal of the initially foreseen Bulgarian partner, the Municipality of Tsarevo joined the project and promptly established its management structure, ensuring continuity and preserving the partnership's transnational character. Although no outputs had been completed during the reporting period, substantial progress was achieved towards their future delivery. The implemented activities created the necessary conditions for the development of the SSM and AIRES, the digital training package, pilot applications, and the SUSTAIN Network. Initial communication and stakeholder engagement actions also helped raise awareness of ESG and laid the foundation for future involvement by tourism operators and other relevant stakeholders. The added value of cooperation was evident from the outset. Bringing together public authorities, higher education institutions and business support organisations from five countries, the partnership combined complementary expertise and experience, enabling the establishment of a common framework to promote sustainable practices in the tourism and food and beverage sectors. The close cooperation among the partners and the exchange of knowledge during the first reporting period created a solid basis for the successful implementation of the project and the achievement of its long-term objectives across the Black Sea region.

Project outputs: Jointly developed solution supporting ESG sustainability in Tourism (F&B sector)(EN)
Pilot implementations of Simplified Sustainability Model (SSM) for Tourism (F&B sector) with the support of the Artificial Intelligence REcommendation System (AIRES) (EN)
Project partnership - SUSTAIN Network(EN)
International conference for results presentation and capitalisation (C.7.3)(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Labour market and employment Tourism

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P1) Blue and Smart Region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 029 Research and innovation processes, technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and universities, focusing on the low carbon economy, resilience and adaptation to climate change

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤΕΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ - ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΙΚΗ ΣΧΟΛΗ - ΕΙΔΙΚΟΣ ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΚΟΝΔΥΛΙΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999659109

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL999975749 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Department: School of Engineering

Address: V. Sophias Str., 67132 Xanthi, Greece

Department address: V. Sophias Str., 67132 Xanthi, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.duth.gr

Total budget: EUR 266 476.22

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 239 828.59

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 647.63

Contractors:

Name: Bookscanner
VAT registration or tax identification number: 800496710
Name: Diafonidou Eleni
VAT registration or tax identification number: 114442406

Українська Асоціація Центрів Підтримки Бізнесу

Name: Українська Асоціація Центрів Підтримки Бізнесу

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 881710795

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 26112446 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Potyomkinska Str., 54001 Mykolaiv, Ukraine

Department address: Potyomkinska, 54001 Mykolaiv, Ukraine

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://uabsc.org/

Total budget: EUR 164 495.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 148 046.22

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 449.58

Contractors:

Name: IE Tsehotska Ya.M.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3443309968
Name: IE Stepanuk P.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3363907239
Name: IE Bandura O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3084212423

Üsküdar Kent Hizmetleri Ticaret ve Sanayi Anonim Şirketi

Name: Üsküdar Kent Hizmetleri Ticaret ve Sanayi Anonim Şirketi

Department: Project Directorate

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 870660361

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 0010420750 | 505111-0 | Trade Registration Number (EN)

Address: Kısıklı Mah. Diriliş Sok,Çam Sab. Zaim Kültür Mer, 34692 Uskudar - Istanbul, Turkey

Department address: Mimar Sinan Mah. Çavuşdere Cad., 34672 Uskudar, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.uskudar.bel.tr

Total budget: EUR 168 880.66

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 151 992.59

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 888.07

Община Царево

Name: Община Царево

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 936077549

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 000057097 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Han Asparuh Str., 8260 Tsarevo, Bulgaria

Department address: Han Asparuh Str., 8260 Tsarevo, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.tsarevo.bg

Total budget: EUR 186 991.48

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 292.33

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 699.15

Primaria Municipiului Chisinau

Name: Primaria Municipiului Chisinau

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 882984987

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N/A | 1007601009484 | Fiscal Code (EN)

Address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard, 2012 Chisinau, Moldova

Department address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard, 2012 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.chisinau.md/en

Total budget: EUR 154 872.22

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 139 384.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 15 487.23

Contractors:

Name: Racurs Grup SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1011600012374
Name: BCI Audit Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1003600003270
Name: Goqode Agency SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1025600070065

Δήμος Καβάλας (DIMOS KAVALAS)

Name: Δήμος Καβάλας (DIMOS KAVALAS)

Department: Mayor's Office

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950974712

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL997582067 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Kyprou Str., 65403 Kavala, Greece

Department address: Kyprou Str., 65403 Kavala, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.kavala.gov.gr

Total budget: EUR 148 348.22

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 513.39

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 834.83

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centers

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Partners and Projects info

Uskudar Urban Services Trade and Industry Joint Stock Organization

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Tsarevo

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Partners and Projects info

Chisinau City Hall

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Partners and Projects info

Dimos Kavalas

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Partners and Projects info

DEMOCRITUS UNIVERSITY OF THRACE - SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING - SPECIAL ACCOUNT FOR RESEARCH FUNDS

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Project acronym: SUSTAIN-2

Project ID: BSB00755

Project start date: 2025-12-15

Project end date: 2027-12-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Programme: 2007 - 2013 Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC
Project/ Initiative Name: Quality certification System in Agrotourism
Acronym: CerTour
Programme: 2014 - 2020 Black Sea Basin ENI CBC
Project/ Initiative Name: CERTOUR
Acronym: CERTOUR II: For a better SME management
https://keep.eu/projects/22482/FOR-A-BETTER-SME-MANAGEMENT-EN/
(EN) | The aim of CerTour was to improve the services provided by the agrotourism sector in the project area by creating a framework of quality standards to which the local SMEs should adapt themselves in order to be assessed and certified.
Its continuity CERTOUR II aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of tourism SMEs by improving their management and upgrading the skills of people of the tourism SMEs, providing and testing (pilot implementing) modern management tools in their operations
The SUSTAIN-2 project complements both projects by introducing the Simplified model for Sustainable F&B Sector and:
- Completing the standard to be followed by operators in agrotourism F&B in order to be viable and competitive (CerTour)
- Providing a new management tool supporting the adoption and implementation of sustainability practices by the tourism operators in the project area (CERTOUR II)
(EN), Programme: 2014 - 2020 Black Sea Basin ENI CBC
Project/ Initiative Name: Business Excellence in Tourism
Acronym: EXCELTOUR
https://keep.eu/projects/24600/BUSINESS-EXCELLENCE-IN-TOUR-EN/
Programme: (Interreg VI – B) Next Black Sea Basin ENI CBC (2021-2027)
Project/ Initiative Name: Business Excellence in Tourism Plus: Digitalisation – Expansion - Capitalisation
Acronym: EXCELTOUR PLUS
(EN) | The EXCELTOUR project had as general objective to promote business & entrepreneurship in the tourism sector and enhance its competitiveness by introducing the concept of Business Excellence in the operations of tourism organisations, especially SMEs, using the internationally recognized Excellence Model of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and targeting mainly to ensure SUSTAINABILITY of tourism
The EXCELTOUR PLUS project is going to be submitted to the Next Black Sea Basin Programme. It aims at promoting the concept of Business Excellence and continuous improvement by upgrading the tools/platforms/databases already developed under the previous EXCELTOUR project, with the support of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. The project foresees activities for expansion of the use of the upgraded tools and methodologies and the capitalisation of the outputs and results
It is taken into account that ESG Sustainability lies at the heart of the EFQM Model that is aligned with:
- The UN Global Compact
- The European Social Charter
- The European Convention on Human Rights and the
- United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals
that are cornerstones of sustainability
After all the above, the synergies and complementarity between the SUSTAIN-2 project which has sustainability in the core of its overall objective, and the EXCELTOUR and EXCELTOUR PLUS becomes self-evident
(EN), Programme: 2007 - 2013 Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC
Project/ Initiative Name: Creation of a black sea network for sustainable tourism development in Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia
Acronym: BS - TOURISM NET
https://keep.eu/projects/15806/CREATION-OF-A-BLACK-SEA-NET-EN/
(EN) | The main objective of the project was to establish and operate a cooperative and self-supporting BS Network for sustainable tourism comprising data and information providers, policy and decision makers and tourism industry.
BS - TOURISM NET and SUSTAIN-2 share a common goal of promoting sustainability. They can create a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to sustainability in tourism, with SUSTAIN-2 focusing on small F&B operators and the other project on broader tourism industry stakeholders.
(EN), Programme: 2014 - 2020 INTERREG VB Mediterranean
Project/ Initiative Name: Integration of sustainability labels into Mediterranean tourism policies
Acronym: LABELSCAPE
https://keep.eu/projects/23469/Integration-of-sustainabili-EN/
(EN) | The overall objective of the LABELSCAPE was to develop mechanisms for integrating sustainability labels in wider tourism policies, and provide support for destination-based initiatives in the certification process, capitalising on the existing certification initiatives.
The SUSTAIN-2 project creates synergies as it promotes sustainability, familiarizes the public with its concept and creates a simplified sustainability model for the F&B sector, focused small organisations, thus, supporting tourism and contributing to blue and smart sea basins
(EN), Programme: 2014 - 2020 INTERREG VB Mediterranean
Project/ Initiative Name: New shape and drives for the tourism sector: supporting decision, integrating plans and ensuring sustainability
Acronym: ShapeTourism
https://keep.eu/projects/21367/New-shape-and-drives-for-th-EN/
(EN) | Shapetourism improves the tourism knowledge framework, providing analysis and operational tools to pinpoint an integrated methodology to shape and drive tourism sustainable growth. It supports policymakers and private operators to achieve: attractiveness, growth and sustainability, taking into account the major challenges of global competition.
Both ShapeTourism and SUSTAIN-2 projects face the same challenges and share a focus on sustainability. They could benefit from complementary tools and resources. There are synergies between them as they could create a more cohesive and impactful approach to promoting sustainable practices in the tourism industry in the two Sea Basins (Black Sea and Mediterranean)
(EN), Programme: COSME
Project/ Initiative Name: TOURINN-ACT
Acronym: TourINN-act
(EN) | TourINN-act aims to boost the uptake of digitalisation and innovation by tourism SMEs through specific transnational cooperation and capacity building actions and the provision of financial support to minimum 60 tourism SMEs from different countries in the form of vouchers, developing new organisational models for the management of tourism spaces and innovative solutions for the modernisation of the tourist experience, improving the fruition of the tourist offer and making SMEs more sustainable and profitable in the medium-long term.
TourINN-act will improve the mutual cooperation among tourism SMEs, technological providers, public authorities and relevant actors of the tourism value chain through capacity building actions and the organisation of activities such as webinars, peer-learning networks, matchmaking scheme and knowledge sharing participation processes with the aim to build a Community of Practice around digital innovation, sustainability & tourism in a long-term perspective
SUSTAIN-2 project underlines the sustainability dimension and the Sustainability Model that will be developed will be used as a roadmap for F&B operators to adopt and implement sustainable practices
(EN), Project/ Initiative Name: GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNCIL
https://www.gstcouncil.org/
(EN) | The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts. Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.
As indicated above, the tourism industry criteria of GSTC cover the hotels and tour operators but not the catering (F&B) sector. By its implementation, the SUSTAIN-2 project provides the complementary model covering the F&B sector missing, and especially that of the small and micro businesses
(EN), Initiative Name: Global Reporting Initiative / GRI Standards
Acronym: GRI
https://www.globalreporting.org/
(EN) | GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is an independent, international organization that helps businesses and other organizations take responsibility for their impacts, by providing them with the global common language to communicate those impacts.
The GRI Standards are the most common sustainability standards representing global best practice for reporting publicly on a range of economic, environmental and social impacts. They are a modular system comprising three series of Standards:
- The GRI Universal Standards
- The GRI Sector Standards
- The GRI Topic Standards.
The sector standards cover Oil and Gas, Coal and Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fishing and Financial Services sectors, while standards for Mining and Textiles & Apparel are under development
As the tourism sector is not included in the GRI Sector Standards, nor is planned to be developed in the upcoming years, complementarity of the outputs of SUSTAIN-2 project is fully justified
(EN), Initiative Name: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Acronym: CSRD
https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en
(EN) | The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - (EU) 2022/2464 entered into force on 5 Jan 23, requires companies to report on the impact of corporate activities on the environment and society, and concerns approximately 50000 big enterprises or SMEs listed in regulated markets, of all sectors, all over Europe
From its side, the SUSTAIN-2 projects concerns small operators in the specific sector of F&B that are not included in the scope of CSRD, thus acting complementary to it
(EN), Project/ Initiative Name: EU Ecolabel
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel_en
(EN) | The EU Ecolabel is the official European Union voluntary label for environmental excellence. Established in 1992 and recognised across Europe and worldwide, it certifies products and services having a reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. The label is awarded to products that meet strict environmental and performance criteria.
The EU Ecolabel and SUSTAIN-2 project share common sustainability goals. By partnering, SUSTAIN-2 can provide small F&B operators with educational, credibility, networking and marketing opportunities to adopt sustainable practices and achieve EU Ecolabel certification
(EN), Initiative Name: The European Green Deal
https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
(EN) | This is a comprehensive plan by the European Union to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. In practice, the plan sets out a roadmap to transform the EU's economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable agriculture.
The project SUSTAIN-2 contributes to and creates synergies with Green Deal as it specifies this roadmap to ESG sustainability for the F&B operators and especially the vast number of small ones in the sector
(EN), Interact
Interreg C
https://www.interact-eu.net/
https://www.interact-eu.net/project-life-cycle-and-more/project-life-cycle/capitalisation
or
https://www.interact-eu.net/library/166
(EN) | Interact has developed the output entitled "Capitalisation Management Toolkit" including the following sectors:
- Overview and Structure infographic
- Capitalisation Toolkit 2.0 - Programming
- Capitalisation Toolkit 2.0 - Monitoring and evaluation
- Capitalisation Toolkit 2.0 - Implementing
- Capitalisation Toolkit 2.0 - Communication - dissemination of achievements
SUSTAIN-2 project will exploit the toolkit by using it as a guide for the efficient and effective implementation of its communication and capitalisation activities
(EN), Project/ Initiative Name: Miscellaneous (EN) | The specific projects mentioned above are just a sample of all projects/ initiatives related to SUSTAIN-2 There is a large number of projects funded or being funded by the EU or national authorities related to sustainability in tourism. The SUSTAIN-2 project is complementary and related to those projects, either by using lessons learnt during their implementation, by adding outputs, knowledge and experience focusing on F&B sector or both. The network foreseen in SUSTAIN-2, intends to contact the other projects’ administrators and examine the potential of collaboration and interaction (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 090 064.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 981 058.11

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The project partnership includes, among others, partners from the Greek eligible region, Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki (EL51) which belongs to the area affected by the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR)
The general objective of the EUSAIR is to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity, while its four thematic areas/ pillars are:
1) Blue growth
2) Connecting the region (not relevant to SUSTAIN-2 project)
3) Environmental quality
4) Sustainable tourism (*)
The SUSTAIN-2 project is relevant and contributes to EUSAIR as follows:
Pillar 1: The overall objective of SUSTAIN-2 is to “Jointly contribute to a more competitive and smart Black Sea region by SUPPORTING THE BLUE ECONOMY and especially tourism…” which directly fits and contributes to EUSAIR's 1st pillar. Relevant activities: The entire project
Pillar 3: The 3 dimensions of the sustainability Model that will be developed by SUSTAIN-2 is the Environment, Society and Governance. It is self evident that the implementation of the Model by organisations, contributes decisively to maintaining and improving the quality of the environment in the project area. Relevant activities: A1.3, A1.5, A1.6, A1.7
Pillar 4: The ESG sustainability Model addresses the operators in F&B sector that is a part of tourism industry. With the introduction and implementation of the Model, the businesses and other entities obtain an important tool that helps them adopt and apply sustainable practices, thus contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism. Relevant activities: A1.4, A1.5, A1.6, A1.7
(*)https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/about-eusair/ (last seen 7 Apr 23)
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project partnership includes, among others, partners from Moldova (MD), Bulgaria (BG) and parts of Ukraine, affected by the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR)
The EUSDR The Danube Region Strategy addresses a wide range of issues; these are divided among 4 pillars and 12 priority areas (PAs) (*). The priorities to which the SUSTAIN-2 project contributes are:
PA2 – Sustainable energy: By implementing the Simplified ESG Sustainability Model, beneficiary organisations adopt and apply sustainability practices related to energy saving and use of renewable energy sources. Relevant activities A1.3, A1.5, A1.6 and A1.7
PA3 – Culture and tourism: The model addresses beneficiaries (businesses and other operators) of F&B sector contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism. Relevant activities A1.3, A1.5, A1.6 and A1.7
PA4 – Water quality. Same as PA2 above, concerning water saving
PA7 - Knowledge society: The development, familiarization with and use of the Sustainability Simplified Model supported by ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AIRES System) promotes and contributes to Knowledge Society. Related activities A1.3, A1.6 and A1.7
PA8 – Competitiveness of enterprises: SUSTAIN-2 project promotes sustainability practices in operators including enterprises. By adopting such practices, enterprises can improve their competitiveness in a variety of ways, including cost savings, differentiation, risk mitigation, and employee engagement. Related activities A1.5 and A1.7
PA9 – People and skills: In the framework of the project, individuals will be trained as sustainability mentors/ facilitators and enhance their expertise and skills
(*) https://danube-region.eu/
SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The project partnership includes, among others, partners from Moldova (MD), Bulgaria (BG), Turkey (TR) and Ukraine (UA), all affected by Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA)
The Agenda is a sea basin initiative to enhance regional cooperation for achieving a SUSTAINALE Blue Economy in the Black Sea (*). The main challenge faced by the Agenda is to ensure environmental protection and sustainability in the exploitation of coastal and marine resources across the Black Sea.
One of the 3 Agenda’s general Goals set to help generate sustainable growth in coastal regions is: “A competitive, innovative and sustainable blue economy for the Black Sea”
Priority 1 under this Goal is to “Foster innovative business models, stimulate research and innovation, and sustainable growth and up-to-date jobs”
The SUSTAIN-2 project contributes to this goal and priority as it:
- Focuses on promoting the ESG sustainability concept to all the tourism stakeholders (especially in F&B sector) providing practical solutions. Related activities: The entire project
- Develops a Simplified Sustainability Model supported by an Artificial Intelligence Recommendation System (AIRES) that is an absolutely innovative business model helping tourism stakeholders to integrate sustainability practices into their operations. Related activities: A1.3, A1.5, A1.6 and A1.7
- Provides high level specialized training for individuals to become sustainability mentors, able to facilitate the Model implementation in F&B operators (“up-to-date jobs”). Related activity: A1.4
(*) https://black-sea-maritime-agenda.ec.europa.eu/
Other The overall objective of SUSTAIN-2 project is to:
Jointly contribute to a more competitive and smart Black Sea region by supporting the blue economy and especially tourism by…
… promoting the ESG(*) sustainability concept to all the tourism stakeholders (especially in F&B sector) in the project area…
… and create the conditions for, and facilitate the adoption and deployment of sustainable practices by the entire spectrum of the operators (even small ones) in the sector…
… using Artificial Intelligence (see C.1)
Under this overall objective, the project contributes to:
- UN 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals that call for action by all countries to promote social equity, sound governance and prosperity while protecting the planet (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals)
- United Nations Global Compact as a non-binding United Nations pact to get businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation (www.unglobalcompact.org)
- Black Sea Synergy (BSS), that encourages cooperation between the countries surrounding the Black Sea, and offers a flexible forum for developing practical region-wide solutions to address regional and global challenges (https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/black-sea-synergy_en)
- Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for the Black Sea which aims at advancing a shared vision for a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better valued Black Sea by 2030 (http://connect2blacksea.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Black_Sea_SRIA_Final.pdf)
- EU strategy for Sustainable Tourism adopted by European Parliament on 25 Mar 2021 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2021-0109_EN.pdf)

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

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

83 / 83 (100%)

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

373 / 374 (99.73%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

Languages

Contact Form

SUSTAIN-2 - A Sustainability Model for Tourism (F&B)

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

Disclaimer