Circularity in tourism services focuses on minimizing waste and promoting sustainable resource use. One effective approach is the implementation of comprehensive waste management systems, such as the one adopted by Creta Maris Resort. This system includes sorting waste at the source, weighing it for monitoring purposes, and ensuring proper recycling processes are followed. Additionally, the resort has implemented measures to reduce food waste by adjusting serving sizes, improving food presentation, and training staff on waste reduction techniques. These practices are part of a broader strategy to adopt circular economy principles, which also involve sustainable procurement and transparent communication of sustainability achievements. By embedding these principles into their operations, tourism businesses can reduce their environmental footprint, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainability. This approach not only benefits the environment but also resonates with environmentally conscious travelers, potentially increasing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the destination​​.

The challenges identified by interviewed tourism SMEs in implementing sustainable practices were mainly regulatory clashes that were seen as barriers to sustainability, for the attainment of which environmental, social and economic considerations should be integrated into the relevant regulations. The lessons learned underscore the need for regulatory harmonization and support for SMEs to adopt sustainable practices, as well as a framework for implementing directions heard from prominent voices of the sector.

The INCIRCLE project is a significant initiative that aims to apply the principles of circular economy to the tourism sector, with a focus on the unique needs of islands and low-density areas. This project recognizes the vulnerability of natural resources in Mediterranean tourist territories, such as islands and scarcely inhabited areas, and the often-opposing interests of tourist stakeholders and local communities. Building on previous projects, INCIRCLE tests a new methodology to seize the sustainability challenge, especially in terms of improved and integrated sustainable tourism planning to preserve and valorise non-renewable resources. The project’s tailored policies address mobility, energy efficiency, use of limited resources such as water, and waste production while enhancing community prosperity and quality of life. Durable and easily adaptable outputs are envisaged to provide Mediterranean decision-makers with concrete tools and testing opportunities to improve their capacity in terms of assessing and planning sustainability in territories where resources are already scarce. The project aims to disclose new funding and concrete replication opportunities, establishing a critical mass for Mediterranean sustainable and circular growth. Capitalization activities replicated activities in further territories and mainstream results in regional, national, and European policies. This project exemplifies the opportunities of the circular transition for tourism and the importance of adapting to changes in tourism demand.

Lessons Learned:

• Applying Circular Economy Principles: The principles of circular economy to the tourism sector are applicable to the tourism sector, given the priorities set by the approach of the circular economy are respected. This includes addressing mobility, energy efficiency, use of limited resources such as water, and waste production.
• Sustainable Tourism Planning: The challenges faced by vulnerable tourist territories, such as islands and scarcely inhabited areas, stress the need for improved and integrated sustainable tourism planning to preserve and valorise non-renewable resources.
• Tailored Policies for Specific Needs: Tailored policies that address the peculiar needs of islands and low-density areas are deemed optimal to foster community prosperity and quality of life.