Important step for the environmental awareness of tourism businesses
Selected businesses now have the opportunity to leverage I-STARS sponsorship to undertake various initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability
In an important step towards the promotion of sustainable tourism practices, the I-STARS project, co-financed by the European Union, has completed the evaluation and selection process of a total of 125 tourism businesses from Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain with grants of up to €5,600 each. This initiative marks an important step in promoting environmentally conscious approaches to the tourism industry across Europe.
The I-STARS project, through an open call in July 2023, invited businesses from various tourism activities to apply for support aimed at facilitating their transition to sustainable business practices. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a growing commitment within the industry to embrace sustainability as a core principle.
Selected businesses now have the opportunity to leverage I-STARS sponsorship to undertake various initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainability in the context of their activities.
Among the various initiatives that will be undertaken, some businesses will allocate funds to obtain sustainability certifications, a critical step in validating their commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Certification not only strengthens the credibility of businesses, but also demonstrates their adherence to international sustainability standards.
Other grantees will focus on developing comprehensive sustainability strategies and action plans tailored to their specific activities. By investing in strategic planning, these businesses aim to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their operations, ensuring long-term sustainability while minimizing environmental impact.
In addition, a significant portion of the allocated funds will be dedicated to improving critical aspects of sustainable tourism, such as food waste management, waste reduction and energy efficiency. By addressing these key areas, businesses can significantly reduce their ecological footprint while improving the overall quality of their services.
The I-STARS project underlines the European Union's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices as part of its wider environmental agenda. By providing financial support and guidance to tourism businesses, the project aims to catalyze a systemic shift towards more sustainable operating models.
Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the project encourages the exchange of knowledge and best practices between participating businesses, promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the industry.
As these businesses embark on their journey to sustainability, they are not only helping to conserve natural resources, but also positioning themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. Through their collective efforts, they are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the tourism industry, benefiting both current and future generations.
The I-STARS project serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective action to address pressing environmental challenges, offering a beacon of hope for a more sustainable tomorrow in the tourism sector.
The I-STARS project is an innovative project coordinated by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry with partners from Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain, co-financed by the European Union. It is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability knowledge and practices of tourism SMEs, promoting their transformation towards recovery and long-term sustainability.
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