The institute has developed a toolkit that addresses several challenges faced by the tourism industry. Among the 6 thematic categories, one addresses Sustainable Tourism Development. The content of this section spans from the sustainable operation of an accommodation unit to sustainable destination management. Offering access to 26 relevant studies, 8 manuals, 6 videos and 2 articles, INSETE aims to raise awareness and understanding of E-S-G issues, while providing accommodation units with tools to change their operation and align with EU sustainability targets.
Since 2013, INSETE has focused on key aspects of sustainable development through its research and educational work. Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability due to contemporary environmental challenges, changes in the legislative framework, the evolution of travel behavior after the pandemic, and the needs of local communities, INSETE has gathered essential information, studies, tools, and educational videos to support the transformation of Greek tourism.
The creation, classification and provision of these materials in a comprehensive toolkit creates an attractive learning opportunity for professionals of the field.
The identification of the challenges that are relevant for the stakeholders of the sectors requires the establishment of a methodology of research and significant experience. The Institute should know how to pinpoint the needs of the sector to be also able to provide valuable insights. This is especially relevant when quality operation and innovation heavily rely on knowledge of relevant E-S-G issues to either provide additional value to the touristic product or alter the impact of the sector and diminish externalities.
As risks associated with the tourism industry are becoming increasingly perplex (eg.Pandemic, climate change) the Institute should evaluate the impact of a microevent on the industry and gather and provide relevant knowledge to address issues and knowledge gaps, that could potentially harm sectoral stakeholders or even the sector as a whole.
The tools provided inscribe a vision for Greek tourism to be accomplished, while integrating the latest developments in the relevant policy at EU level. The key strategic goals of promoting Greece’s tourism sector competitiveness, while turning towards sustainability, are supported by the tools provided by the Institute. While these are free and openly available, other organisations can replicate the practice of creating informative and educational material to support change in their sector/sub-sector of economic activity.
